Attractiveness

Question 1

Why is it proposed that the averages of faces are perceived as more attractive than the original?

Answer 1

Skin texture becomes smoother nd face becomes more symmetrical
Evolutionary - avoid extreme non-average genotypes
Psychological - we like what we see often

Question 2

Does averageness give optimum attractiveness?

Answer 2

No, average of more attractive faces is perceived as more attractive and exaggerated attractive features are even more attractive - attractive faces are systematically different from average

Question 3

Why is symmetry proposed to be perceived as more attractive?

Answer 3

• Shows that challenges were coped with during growth

- Indicates health and immunity

Question 4

Why are more masculine features sometimes rated as less attractive?

Answer 4

Perceived as ‘less honest’ and ‘cold’
Selection for parental role in humans?
Men with higher testosterone levels have more maritial problems

Question 5

How does the menstrual cycle affect the perceived attractiveness of masculinity?

Answer 5

Increased attraction to masculinity when fertile