Euclidean Mate Value and Power of Choice on the Mating Market

Authored by Daniel Conroy-Beam

Date Published: 2018

DOI: 10.1177/0146167217739262

Sponsors: No sponsors listed

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Model Documentation: Other Narrative

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

Three studies tested the hypothesis that human mate choice psychology uses a Euclidean algorithm to integrate mate preferences into estimates of mate value. In Study 1, a series of agent-based models identify a pattern of results relatively unique to mating markets where individuals high in Euclidean mate value experience greater power of choice: strong preference fulfillment overall and correlations between mate value and (a) preference fulfillment, (b) ideal standards, and (c) partner mate value. Studies 2 and 3 demonstrated that this pattern of results that emerges in human romantic relationships, is specific to mate value as a long-term partner, and is not accounted for by participant biases. These results suggest that human mate choice psychology uses a Euclidean algorithm to integrate mate preferences in mate choice, providing insight into the computational design of human mating psychology and validating this algorithm as a useful tool for future research.
Tags
Computer simulations preferences assortative mating Mate Choice Satisfaction evolutionary psychology Strategies Psychology Sex-differences Mate preferences Attractiveness Traits Retention Cultural variation Potential mates