Puzzling Perceptions: Attraction, sociosexuality, and rivalry evaluations among women

Abstract

Can we identify others as potential mates or rivals based on their appearance and behaviours? Do specific mannerisms or aspects of appearance provide information about sexual attraction or openness to sexual behaviour? A study by Stillman and Maner (2009) explored appraisals using videotaped interactions of two people solving a Rubik’s Cube puzzle together. In the study, a female participant and a male confederate attempted to solve a puzzle without speaking to each other, and each using only one hand. Other participants viewed short video clips of these interactions and were asked to rate the female participant’s attraction to the male confederate, her level of sexual inhibition, and several personality variables. Participants also counted or rated several behaviours that are known to be associated with flirtation or interest. In the original study, participants’ ratings of the videos were found to be reasonably accurate when evaluating sexual inhibition. The study also found several reliable behavioural cues, such as eyebrow flashes and glancing at the puzzle partner. In our replication and extension project, we aimed to determine whether the basic effect would replicate and whether additional variables (including sexual orientation) would affect results. We are also collaborating with a researcher at Stetson University in Florida so that videos will be rated by participants who cannot know the people in the videos.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Lynne Honey