Relationships Key Studies

Buss (1989) conducted survey of over 10,000 adults in 33 countries. Females valued resource-based characteristics while men valued good looks and preferred younger partners.

Clack and Hatfield (1989) conducted study on students in Florida State University. Student was told to ask the opposite sex for one of three things; go on a date, go back to their apartment or go to bed with them. 50% of both men and women agreed to go on a date, 69% of men agreed to visit apartment and 75% agreed to go to bed with them. Only 6% of women agreed to go to apartment and 0% agreed to go to bed.

Dion, Berscheid and Walster (1972)

Participants rates photographs of 3 strangers for a number of categories including different personality traits (overall happiness and career success). Those rated most physically attractive also rated higher on other positive traits.