Wedekind (1995) Flashcards
MHC genes (8 cards)
Where can this study be used? (3)
Research methods used in the biological approach.
Evolutionary explanations of behavior.
Pheromones
Aim
To determine whether an individual’s MHC would affect mate choice, specifically through body odor, as a potential evolutionary mechanism for selecting genetically compatible mates
Participants
49 female and 44 male students from University of Bern in Switzerland, all of whom had their MHC genes typed
* women were from biology and psychology courses
* men were from chemistry, physics and geography
* some women were using oral contraceptives
MHC gene
Major histocompatibility complex: facilitates an organism’s immune response to pathogens
* has been theorised that the more people differ in MHC genes, the more sexual attraction they appear to feel for each other
Method
- men asked to wear a T-shirt for two nights, using unscented detergent and soap
- instructed to avoid smoking, alchol, spicy foods, deodorants, perfumes and sexual activity
- two days later, women asked to rate the smell of 7 T-shirts
- 3 from men with similar MHC
- 3 from men with dissimilar MHC
- 1 unworn T-shirt as control
- rated based on pleasantness, sexiness and intensity
- women tested during the second week of menstruation (when smell sensitivity is highest), used a nose spray for 14 days prior to enhance nasal sensitivity, given book on smell (“Perfume”???) to sensitise their perception of odors
Results
Suggest that MHC compatibility may influence human mate choice, supporting the idea that smell may play a role in detecting genetic compatibility
* women generally rated the smell of T-shirts from men with dissimilar MHC genes as more pleasant and sexy compared to T-shirts from men with similar MHC genes
* women who were taking oral contraceptives reversed this patter, showing a preference for men with similar MHC genes
Strengths (3)
- supporting evolutionary theory: basis of mate selection as enhancing offspring immune function through different MHC genes
- double-blind design: minimise demand characteristics, ensuring neither P nor R knew which T-shirts the women were rating
- ethical considerations: obtaining informed consent and debriefing participants
Limitations (3)
- reductionism: critics argue the study oversimplified mate selection by focusing solely on MHC genes
- ignoring cognitive and sociocultural factors
- sample bias: consisted of students of similar age and cultural background
- limits generalisability
- influence of contraceptives: reversed preferences suggest hormonal factors could alter effect of MHC on mate choice
