Question

In the study by Kenrick and Gutierres (1980), exposing male subjects to a TV show dominated by extremely beautiful women: A. had no effect on their ratings of the attractiveness of a prospective date. B. increased their ratings of the attractiveness of a prospective date. C. decreased their ratings of the attractiveness of a prospective date. D. increased their ratings of their own attractiveness.

Short answer

Answer: C. Decreased their ratings of the attractiveness of a prospective date.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the study and evaluate its outcome

Kenrick and Gutierres' 1980 study investigated the effects of exposing male subjects to a TV show which featured very attractive women. The study aimed to understand how this exposure influenced the subjects' ratings of the attractiveness of a potential date. Four possible outcomes have been provided, and the task is to identify the correct one based on the results from the study.

Review options A, B, C and D

Before choosing the answer, carefully examine each option and understand the underlying meaning. A. No effect on ratings of the attractiveness of a prospective date. B. Increased ratings of the attractiveness of a prospective date. C. Decreased ratings of the attractiveness of a prospective date. D. Increased ratings of their own attractiveness.

Select the correct outcome

After understanding the options provided, the student must recall or research the findings of the study. In this case, the study by Kenrick and Gutierres discovered that male subjects who were exposed to a TV show featuring highly attractive women showed a decrease in their ratings of the attractiveness of a potential date. This means that the correct answer is: C. Decreased their ratings of the attractiveness of a prospective date.

Key concepts

Attractiveness

Attractiveness is a significant concept in social psychology. It's not just about physical beauty. Attractiveness can influence perceptions, decisions, and social dynamics. In the practical realm of psychological studies, researchers like Kenrick and Gutierres aim to understand how external factors, like media, affect perceptions of attractiveness. Their study showed that exposure to media with highly attractive individuals can alter our own standards of attraction. In their experiment, males exposed to beautiful women on TV rated a potential date as less attractive afterwards. This suggests that when we encounter high attractiveness standards, our perceptions adjust accordingly. This adjustment often lowers the attractiveness ratings of more average individuals. Understanding this helps us appreciate how attraction is a dynamic and subjective experience affected by our environment.

Media Influence

The influence of media is profound in shaping perceptions and behaviors. Kenrick and Gutierres’ study serves as an example of how media can impact personal assessments of attractiveness. From TV shows to social media, images of extreme beauty are pervasive. This exposure can shift our personal attractiveness standards.

• This is known as the 'contrast effect' where exposure to very attractive stimuli makes average stimuli seem less appealing.
• Regular exposure to media’s portrayal of beauty can distort our perception of reality.
• Understanding media influence empowers us to recognize the potential manipulations in our perceptions.

Media shapes societal norms and personal beliefs, which makes it essential to critically evaluate the content consumed and its effects on personal perceptions.

Perception

Perception is a key element in how humans interpret and interact with the world. In psychology, perception involves the processes that allow us to organize and interpret sensory information. In the context of Kenrick and Gutierres' study, perception was the central focus; it examined how exposure to certain visuals altered individuals' perceptions of attractiveness. The study exemplified that perception is not static; it is influenced by external stimuli and context.

• External influences, like media, create benchmarks that affect individual judgment.
• Perception is subjective; what one perceives as attractive may vary for another based on experiential factors.
• An individual's expectations and prior experiences can also shape perception.

Understanding perception helps us become aware of how subjective our views truly are.

Psychological Study

Psychological studies seek to uncover complexities in human behavior and mental processes. The Kenrick and Gutierres study is a psychological exploration into how the media can influence perceptions of attractiveness. Such studies use methods that are systematic and empirical to explore societal influences on personal attitudes.

• The scientific method is crucial for reliability and validity of results.
• Controlled experiments are often employed to isolate variables and determine cause-effect relationships.
• Studies contribute valuable insights into how factors like culture, media, and interpersonal interactions shape human psychology.

These studies enhance our understanding of behaviors and inform interventions. They provide a foundation for psychological theories and practical applications to improve social functioning.