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Effects of Affective Value and Similarity on Attraction
Maryann E Steele1, Richard P McGlynn1
1a Department of Psychology , Texas Tech University , USA.
Abstract:
It has been suggested that an information processing analysis of the ubiquitous similarity-attraction relationship predicts that the effects of similarity on attraction are indirect. A reanalysis which views similarity manipulations as conveying relevant information about attraction was subjected to empirical test. Data from 60 male and female undergraduates who rated the attractiveness of persons described by positive or negative personality traits under conditions in which their own personality feedback was either similar but neutral, similar but explicitly positive or negative, or controlled (no feedback) provided a test of the effects of similarity with affective value controlled. Results showed significant main effects for both affective value and similarity indicating that similarity can have direct effects on attraction.
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