Looking Like a Million Dollars: Does Attractiveness Priming Increase Altruistic Behavior in Experimental Games?

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Behavioral science
• Social psychology

Background:

• Altruistic behavior is a key area of study in evolutionary biology and behavioral science.
• Explanations include kin selection, reciprocity, and costly signaling.
• Costly signaling theory suggests altruism can signal desirable partner qualities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if priming with attractive faces influences altruistic behavior.
• To examine the relationship between altruism levels and the number of sexual/romantic partners.
• To test costly signaling theory in the context of attractiveness priming.

Main Methods:

• Participants (N=158) rated attractiveness of faces and played Dictator and Ultimatum Games.
• Attractiveness priming involved exposure to high or low attractiveness rated photographs.
• Correlation analysis was used to link game behavior with self-reported partner numbers.

Main Results:

• Altruistic behavior differences emerged in Ultimatum Game offers, but contrary to expectations in women.
• Men's altruism did not significantly differ between priming groups.
• Number of sexual partners positively correlated with minimum acceptable offers in the Ultimatum Game.

Conclusions:

• Findings partially support costly signaling theory, particularly the link between sexual partners and ultimatum game offers.
• The effect of attractiveness priming on altruism is complex and sex-dependent.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the evolutionary underpinnings of altruism and mating strategies.