Award Date

1-1-2003

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Committee Member

Murray Millar

Number of Pages

79

Abstract

Various socio-cultural domains were investigated for the influence they may have on mating decisions. 102 male and 114 female university students were presented "potential dates" from a mock Internet dating service. Potential dates were described in terms of their ethnicity, music interest, education, leisure interest, occupation, religious affiliation, political affiliation, language, socio-economic status, and style of dress. Potential dates' socio-cultural traits were determined randomly according to a computer program. For each of these domains, information was gathered regarding the level of similarity between participant and potential date. After reviewing all traits, participants rated the potential date in terms of how desirable he/she was as a romantic partner. Ratings of similarity were used to predict desirability judgments. A multiple regression analysis revealed that socio-cultural similarity was a substantial predictor of desirability. In particular, similar music interest was the best predictor of desirability, followed by dress style, education, and political affiliation.

Keywords

Cultural; Desire; Mate; Similarity

Controlled Subject

Social psychology

File Format

pdf

File Size

1372.16 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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