Pierre is a moderately attractive 16-year-old. The high school that he attends is holding a "Sadie Hawkins" dance where the girls ask the boys to the dance. He is hoping to be asked to the dance by either Whitney or Tammy. Whitney is moderately attractive; Tammy is extremely attractive. Based on the evidence from studies which have investigated physical attractiveness and dating, it is MOST likely that
A) Tammy will ask Pierre to the dance, because people tend to select partners who are slightly less attractive.
B) neither girl will ask Pierre to the dance, because people tend to select partners who are more attractive.
C) both girls will ask Pierre to the dance, because women are less likely to consider attractiveness in selecting partners.
D) Whitney will ask Pierre to the dance, because people tend to select partners who match their own level of attractiveness.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that people tend to select partners who match their own level of attractiveness, which is known as the matching hypothesis. Therefore, it is most likely that Whitney, who is moderately attractive like Pierre, will ask him to the dance. While some studies have found evidence for the idea that people select partners who are slightly less attractive, this effect is not strong enough to overcome the overall trend towards matching. It is also unlikely that neither girl will ask Pierre, as physical attractiveness is only one factor that people consider when selecting romantic partners.

Pierre Is a Moderately Attractive 16-Year-Old