Abstract
Psychological studies on the perception of facial attractiveness have shown that attractiveness perception can be influenced by nonphysical factors, such as relationship status and limited or plentiful availability in the mating pool (Kniffin, K; Wilson, D, 2004), (Madey, 1996). The focus of the present study is to examine perception of physical attractiveness when presented with a manipulated verbal cue that gives an illusion of either a limited or plentiful population of mates. We want to determine if the participants will adjust their perceptions of physical attractiveness when it is implied that there is a limited selection of mates. We hypothesize that a participant who is told a majority of fellow participants have indicated they are in a relationship will have lower standards of attractiveness perception. We are interested in determining if the adjustment of perception is made consciously or unconsciously. Participants rate both contemporary and early 20th century photographs; conscious adjustments would result in an increase of ratings in only the recent photographs as the dated photographs do not present viable mates. Preliminary data are ambiguous, further data collection is ongoing.
Faculty Sponsors
Glenn Scheyd, Jr., Ph.D.
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-10-2015 1:00 PM
End Date
4-10-2015 5:30 PM
Attractiveness Perception and the Influence of Mate Availability
Alvin Sherman Library
Psychological studies on the perception of facial attractiveness have shown that attractiveness perception can be influenced by nonphysical factors, such as relationship status and limited or plentiful availability in the mating pool (Kniffin, K; Wilson, D, 2004), (Madey, 1996). The focus of the present study is to examine perception of physical attractiveness when presented with a manipulated verbal cue that gives an illusion of either a limited or plentiful population of mates. We want to determine if the participants will adjust their perceptions of physical attractiveness when it is implied that there is a limited selection of mates. We hypothesize that a participant who is told a majority of fellow participants have indicated they are in a relationship will have lower standards of attractiveness perception. We are interested in determining if the adjustment of perception is made consciously or unconsciously. Participants rate both contemporary and early 20th century photographs; conscious adjustments would result in an increase of ratings in only the recent photographs as the dated photographs do not present viable mates. Preliminary data are ambiguous, further data collection is ongoing.
