Physical Attraction AQA Psy

What is the Halo Effect?

• A lighting technique used in photography

• A video game series

• A psychological phenomenon where attractive people are rated more positively

• A theory that explains the gravitational pull of celestial bodies

According to Dion et al, how are physically attractive people perceived compared to unattractive people?

• As less sociable and successful

• As more kind, strong, sociable, and successful

• As less intelligent

• As more politically conservative

What did Palmer & Peterson (2012) find about physically attractive people?

• They are rated as more politically knowledgeable and competent

• They are often underestimated in their abilities

• They are considered less knowledgeable

• They are rated as less competent in politics

Why are people with symmetrical faces found more attractive, according to Shackleford and Larson (1997)?

• Because they spend more time grooming

• Because they tend to have a better sense of humor

• Because symmetry is easier to process visually

• Because they are perceived to have a higher genetic fitness

What triggers an instinct of protection and caring, making certain features more attractive?

• A strong jawline

• A symmetrical face

• High cheekbones

• 'Baby-face' features

What does Murstein's Matching Hypothesis suggest about couples?

• Couples from different cultural backgrounds are happier

• Couples with a significant age difference are happier

• Couples who are equally matched in attractiveness are happier

• Couples with different interests are happier

What was a major finding of the Computer Dance Study conducted by Elaine Walster and colleagues in 1966?

• Participants preferred partners of similar attractiveness

• Participants rated partners more positively when believed to be highly attractive

• Participants showed no preference towards attractiveness

• Participants preferred partners with dissimilar interests

What is a major limitation of research into physical attraction?

• It only focuses on young adults, ignoring older populations

• It often relies on self-report and/or lab research, lowering ecological validity

• It is always conducted in natural settings, making control difficult

• It exclusively uses animal models, making human application speculative

What does research by Taylor contradict about the Matching Hypothesis?

• That personality compatibility is the most important factor in attraction

• That people prefer partners with similar hobbies

• That people are attracted to attractive people, refuting the central tenet of the Matching Hypothesis

• That financial stability is the key factor in partner selection

Why is the over-focus on physical attractiveness in relationship formation considered reductionist?

• Because it ignores the importance of emotional connection

• Because it overestimates the role of genetics in attraction

• Because it oversimplifies complex human behavior

• Because it underestimates the importance of social status