Chapter 3: Attraction

Question 1

The fundamental basis of attraction

Answer 1

• Longstanding assumption: Attraction is to others whose presence is rewarding.
• Two types of rewards: Direct (e.g., attention) and indirect (e.g., similar names).
• Attraction involves perceived characteristics and depends on current needs and goals.
• Fundamental basis: Instrumentality - the extent someone helps achieve present goals.
• Attraction is idiosyncratic, changing with fulfilled needs.
• Attracted to those fulfilling several chronic and important desires.

Question 2

Proximity

Answer 2

• Physical proximity determines initial meetings.
• Proximity increases familiarity.
• Familiarity leads to liking but depends on learned information and interdependence.
• Repeated exposure usually increases liking.
• Saturation point can lead to reduced liking.
• Proximity facilitates enjoying rewards offered by others.

Question 3

Physical attractiveness

Answer 3

• Physical attractiveness influences first impressions.
• Beauty is generally associated with positive traits.
• Assumption: “What is beautiful is good.”
• Beauty judgments somewhat idiosyncratic.
• Preferences for attractiveness present early in life.
• Ideal waist-to-hip ratio varies by gender.
• Physical attractiveness linked to reproduction success.
• Attractive people have advantages but also face disadvantages.

Question 4

Evolutionary perspective of physical attractiveness

Answer 4

• Cultural consensus on attractiveness.
• Babies prefer faces adults find attractive.
• Symmetrical faces indicate better mental and physical health.
• Hormones influence waist-to-hip ratios.
• Attractiveness matters more in equatorial regions.
• Attractive people in the US reproduce more successfully.
• Changes in women’s preferences during menstrual cycles.
• Evolutionary inclinations in mate preferences.

Question 5

Reciprocity

Answer 5

• Potential partner’s desirability = (Physical attractiveness) x (Probability of acceptance).
• Moderately attractive partners with a good chance of acceptance are appealing.
• Expectations of acceptance linked to mate value.
• People approach those offering acceptance.
• Those who can say “no” but say “yes” to us are most alluring.
• Liking and acceptance from others are powerful rewards.

Question 6

Similarity

Answer 6

• Happy relationship partners resemble each other in various ways.
• Demographic similarities and attitudes/values are common.
• Similarities in personalities may be less prominent.
• Similarity’s link to attraction varies across cultures.
• Perceptions of similarity influence attraction more than actual similarity.
• Stimulus-value-role theory: Different stages in relationship development.
• Matching occurs based on mate value.
• Complementarity can also be attractive.

Question 7

What do men and women want?

Answer 7

• Men and women seek similar qualities in relational partners.
• Common criteria: Warmth and loyalty, attractiveness and vitality, status and resources.
• Importance varies based on short-term or long-term goals.
• Men and women have similar low standards for short-term flings.
• Women prioritize good character for long-term relationships.
• Men value warmth and loyalty but emphasize attractiveness.
• Gays and lesbians share similar desires.
• Common dislikes in a mate: objectionable traits, ill-health, poor hygiene.