Yong, Jose C., Tan, Yi Wen, Li, Norman P., and Meltzer, Andrea (2022) Looks and status are still essential: Testing the mate preference priority model with the profile-based experimental paradigm. Journal of Personality, 90 (6). pp. 821-845.

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Abstract

Objective: Although the mate preference priority model (MPPM) has advanced our understanding of mate preferences, tests of the MPPM have relied on methods using text labels and thus lack ecological validity. We address this gap by testing the MPPM using J. M. Townsend's profile-based experimental paradigm, which utilizes profiles comprising photos of pre-rated models to manipulate physical attractiveness as well as costumes and descriptions to manipulate social status.

Method: Using Singaporean samples, we conducted two studies (Study 1 n = 431, Study 2 n = 964) where participants judged the short-term and long-term mating desirability of opposite-sex profiles varying systematically on physical attractiveness and social status. We also tested whether treating these attributes as ordinal or continuous variables would be more valid.

Results: Results showed broad support for evolutionary predictions of mate preferences and priorities while revealing an increased premium placed on social status in our sample. We also found that continuous operationalizations produced less inflated results.

Conclusions: The current research provides the first non-label, profile-based test of the MPPM, a well-powered replication of the profile-based paradigm, and an opportunity to observe the robustness and variations of mate preferences in a non-Western culture.

Item ID:	83510
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1467-6494
Copyright Information:	© 2022 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Date Deposited:	02 Sep 2024 23:36
FoR Codes:	52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5202 Biological psychology > 520204 Evolutionary psychological studies @ 30% 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5205 Social and personality psychology > 520505 Social psychology @ 30% 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5205 Social and personality psychology > 520502 Gender psychology @ 40%
SEO Codes:	28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280102 Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences @ 35% 28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280121 Expanding knowledge in psychology @ 65%
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