The matching hypothesis is a theory which argues that relationships are formed between two people who are equal or very similar in terms of social desirability. This is often examined in the form of level of physical attraction. The theory suggests that people assess their own value and then make 'realistic choices' by selecting the available potential partners who match their level of attractiveness. There is a balance between a desire to have the most physically attractive partner possible and their wish to avoid being rejected by someone who is 'way out of their league'.
The Walster Study involved 752 first-year students at a university who were randomly matched to a partner to attend a dance party. However, when the students were picking up their tickets, they were secretly judged by a panel in terms of attractiveness. During the intervals at the dance party, and 4 to 6 months later, students were asked whether they found their partner attractive and whether they would like to go on a second date with them.
Contrary to the matching hypothesis predictions, students expressed higher appreciation of a partner if the partner was attractive, regardless of their own level of attractiveness.
The theory may be reductionist as it tries to generate behavioural laws applicable to all types of relationships, mainly applying to short-term relationships. The Filter Theory, for example, shows that people looking for or in long-term relationships look for similarity of values and complementarity of needs rather than physical attractiveness. This questions the validity of the matching hypothesis, as it will only describe a limited number of relationships, and cannot account for relationships such as less attractive older men marrying attractive young women.
Studies into this theory may lack scientific support. For example, the Walster study relied on a panel of judges to assess the attractiveness of the participants. How do we operationalize 'attractiveness' and isn't this a subjective concept? How can we replicate similar studies where 'attractiveness' is not being measured objectively?
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