Chapter 9 Suggested Answers
Review 9.1
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Interpersonal attraction is the study of attraction between people. It considers
the degree to which we like others.
The interpersonal factor of proximity relates to the tendency to like someone
who is physically or functionally close. Therefore, two people may develop an
online friendship if they regularly visit the same place online because they are
functionally close. There can be serious dangers, however, with meeting
someone online.
There are a number of studies that could be included here. The study outlined
in the text is the following: A study on police trainees supports familiarity
(Segal 1974). The trainees were assigned to their apartments in alphabetical
order. They were also seated alphabetically in their classrooms. After six
weeks each trainee was asked to name their three closest friends in the police
force. The trainees consistently chose people with surnames near their own in
the alphabet. In fact, on average their friend was 4.5 letters away from them in
the alphabet. It is plausible that other factors could be involved, but the high
likelihood of finding a friend amongst those who are seen often supports the
idea that proximity leads to familiarity.
The images of ourselves that we prefer are mirror images (those that show the
way we appear in the mirror) while our friends prefer the non-mirror image.
We seem to like what we are familiar with. This relates to the interpersonal
attraction factor of familiarity.
Review 9.2
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We may dislike others who are too much like ourselves. Perhaps this is because
we like to view ourselves as being one of a kind: a wonderful, unique individual!
And we also don’t want to be reminded of our faults.
A number of other similarities may increase the likelihood of friendship,
including being similar in age, education, socio-economic level, personality,
political beliefs and religion, having a similar background and sense of humour
and having a similar set of beliefs, attitudes and values.
Research suggests that most people prefer large eyes, a small nose and chin, and
prominent cheekbones. When these features are measured, it appears that highly
attractive faces are more symmetrical and closer to average within the culture.
The matching hypothesis proposes that we are more likely to be attracted to a
partner who is of similar attractiveness to us. A classic study that supports the
matching hypothesis had participants rating the physical attractiveness of couples
in photographs. The participants were shown photos of ‘real’ couples and other
photos of ‘random’ pairs of people—people just photographed together for the
purpose of the research. The ‘real’ couples were consistently found to be judged
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as more equal in attractiveness than the ‘random’ pairs. We seem to select people
who are equal in attractiveness.
The complementary factor is where one person seeks one thing from a
relationship while the other seeks something else. People like to be with others
whose needs, behaviours and resources complement their own. This provides a
balance and some evidence that similarity in terms of attractiveness may not
always be important. A less attractive person may seek attractive friends to
complement their own great sense of humour.
Scars do not seem to be unattractive, either to males or females. Heterosexual
females may even view scars as attractive because they indicate health and
bravery, at least in the short term!
This is a fairly new area of research and more is needed before definitive
conclusions can be reached. Speed-dating may help in short-term relationships—
people sum up each other very quickly (within three seconds) and, if positive, this
may lead to a first or second date. Long-term relationships most likely depend on
a number of other factors.
Review 9.3
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People are more inclined to like those who display positive attitudes towards
others and life in general than those who display negative attitudes.
Psychologically attractive people are friendly, and patient and have a ‘warm’
personality.
Any example where two people think the same of each other; for example, if
person A likes person B, that will cause person B to like person A.
If person B detects that a compliment from person A is not genuine, then person B
is likely to think less of person A as the fake compliment probably shows that
person A think less of person B.
Gain–loss theory states that we will like someone more if that person originally
didn’t like us, but now does. Conversely, if the person originally liked us but then
changed their mind, we will dislike that person more than someone who didn’t
like us from the beginning.
There are a number of factors, including:
 the role of pheromones (bodily odours). We all secrete a unique, genetically
determined body odour that influences attraction.
 parts of the brain, including the limbic system. The limbic system drives our
emotions and therefore influences our feelings towards others.
 hormones such as oxytocin. There is evidence that oxytocin plays a major role
in attraction, particularly in loving relationships.
There are a number of criticisms of past research, including:
 It mainly concentrated on heterosexual relationships.
 It looked at just two people and usually only very short-term relationships,
such as one or two dates.
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
Some studies lacked reality—it was not carried out in a real setting in
everyday life.
 Many participants were in their late teens and early twenties; a time when
people tend to overemphasise the importance of physical attractiveness.
Research methodology is changing and today there is more research considering:
 practical implications in the natural world, with research in naturalistic
settings rather than in artificial circumstances
 impacts of modern technology, such as Internet social networking pages, chat
rooms and video links
 cultural aspects and differences
 relationships between friends (platonic relationships)—both same sex and
opposite sex
 same-sex romantic relationships
 longer-term studies—more than just a glimpse (snapshot) at one time, mainly
with college students
 other factors, such as third-party influences; for example, the role of family
members and other friends.
Test Your Understanding
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A
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B
It is easier to meet someone if they are physically or functionally close to us.
Being in close proximity allows us to meet the person in the first place. Proximity
leads to more exposure, which leads to familiarity. Being in the same place may
also be due to similarity, such as, possessing similar backgrounds or interests.
The matching hypothesis proposes that we are more likely to be attracted to a
partner who is of similar attractiveness to us.
Being in the same place (proximity) may also be due to similarity; for example,
possessing similar backgrounds or interests has drawn you to the same place.
a
Yes. Both people are online (functionally close) and then could find out
whether they have similar attitudes, backgrounds and interests to one another.
Both people could be similar in terms of wanting to find a romantic partner.
Alternatively, one or both people may be pretending to be similar in order to
increase the role of similarity. This highlights a serious danger with meeting
people online.
b
There are other reasons, including:
 • familiarity—recognising the person’s name and becoming familiar with
their life, style of writing, etc .; even if the details they give are not true.
 • reciprocity—thinking that they like you is likely to mean that you like
them.
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c
Safe and valuable long-distance Internet friendships are known to occur. It
can help someone overcome loneliness or assist them when, for some reason, they
are unable to meet others/leave the house.
However, chat rooms can be very dangerous. Some users prey on others, and
know what to write in order to increase interpersonal attractiveness. A person
using chat rooms should always be on guard and never divulge too much personal
information. Check out the government guidelines at the website of the
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
(www.education.vic.gov.au/healthwellbeing/safety/bullying/default.htm).
10 The answer requires you to think about how you become friends: where, when
and why did you become friends?
11 a
Strong friendships are important. We are very social creatures and
studying this topic can help us understand why we like some people and not
others. It can help those who want to develop new friendships and can apply to a
range of other settings, such as getting along with people at work and within
family settings. Having strong friendships can build self-esteem and confidence,
help us cope with difficult periods in our lives and lead to a more fulfilling life.
b
While these factors are generally found in most situations, they are not
absolute. Each person is complex. What attracts us to friends may not always be
according to the findings mentioned in this chapter. Each of us comes with our
own unique biology and experiences and each person’s likes and dislikes will
differ from those of others.
12 Students’ own answers.
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