Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Studying Food Reward and Motivation in Humans
Published on: March 19, 2014
Motivated behavioral outcomes affect ratings of attractiveness
Larry C Bernard1, David J Hardy
11 Loyola Marymount University.
Abstract:
A relatively new theory of motivation posits that purposeful human behavior may be partly explained by multidimensional individual differences "traits of action" (motives). Its 15 motives can be characterized according to their purpose: individual integrity, competitiveness, and cooperativeness. Existing evidence supports the model on which the motives are based and the reliability and validity of strategies to assess them. This experiment tested whether the hypothetical results of consistent, motivated cooperative and competitive behavior could affect ratings of attractiveness. Male and female participants (N = 98; M age = 18.8, SD = 1.4) were shown 24 opposite-sex facial photos ranging in attractiveness. The photos were paired with one of three conditions representing theoretical outcomes that would result from low, control, and high levels of cooperative and competitive motives. As predicted, outcome descriptions representing high motive strength of six motives statistically significantly affected ratings of attractiveness. This result was independent of sex of participant and consistent with the theory.
More Related Videos
07:43Quantifying Social Motivation in Mice Using Operant Conditioning
Published on: August 8, 2015
06:39Electroencephalographic, Heart Rate, and Galvanic Skin Response Assessment for an Advertising Perception Study: Application to Antismoking Public Service Announcements
Published on: August 28, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Factors Influencing Attraction IV: Reciprocity
Factors Influencing Attraction VI: Personality Traits
Relationship Formation
Motivational Bias
Factors Influencing Attraction III: Similarity