Matching hypothesis

The matching hypothesis states that individuals who enter into social relationships ensure that the partner's attraction (through appearance, status, wealth, etc.) is comparable to their own. The two people have a certain similarity, although the comparison criteria vary and the respective dimensions can compensate for one another (e.g. lack of beauty for money).

Experimental confirmation

The matching hypothesis was first confirmed experimentally by Walster and Walster (1969). They conducted a study at the University of Minnesota on 347 students who had volunteered for the Computer Matching Dance test. In this test, the aim was that a computer program selected the opposite-sex partner that was suitable for the test subjects' wishes.

hypothesis

The hypothesis to be tested was that test subjects matched their partner more frequently when they fear rejection and less strongly or not at all when the likelihood of rejection is minimized. So Walster and Walster varied two test conditions between the participants.

conditions

Condition one emphasized the probability as well as the negative consequences of the rejection towards the test subjects (High Probabilitiv of Rejection = Hight POR). The students were told that after the computer had assigned them a partner, there would be a brief introductory meeting. After this first meeting, the partner selected by the computer would have the opportunity to decline another appointment. This option, the students were informed, had so far been used by around half.

Condition Two minimized the likelihood of rejection (Low POR) by telling the test subjects that they could change their minds after the first meeting with the assigned person, but the other person would have no way of declining another meeting.

method

The participants were first rated by employees with regard to their attractiveness (index for level of popularity). Then the test subjects received a questionnaire in which they had to assess themselves with the help of special items about their perceived popularity. In addition, the students had to indicate which type of partner (popularity, level of physical attractiveness) they preferred.

Result

The more physically attractive the students were, the more they wanted a popular partner, regardless of whether the likelihood of rejection was minimized or increased. In both conditions, almost everyone used the matching principle. The varied probability of rejection therefore has no influence on the choice of partner.

The matching hypothesis was later also confirmed in further experiments (Berscheid and Dion, 1969 and Mustein 1971). Berscheid and Dion tested the subjects under an idealistic and a realistic choice condition. Here, too, it was shown that the variation in the choice condition did not significantly influence the matching hypothesis and that both test subject groups proceeded according to the matching principle.

literature

Berscheid, E., Dion, K. Walster, E., Walster, GW (1971). Physical attractiveness and dating choice: A test of the matching hypothesis. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 7, 173-189. Aronson, E., Wilson, TD & Akert, RM (2004). Social Psychology (4th, updated edition) Munich: Pearson Studium