1. FNBE APRIL INTAKE 2013
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY PSYC0103
GROUP ONE (WEDNESDAY 3:00PM)
CHARACTERISTIC VS. APPERANCE
SUBMISSION DATE: 22 JANUARY 2014
MEMBER NAME:
STUDENT ID
CHEONG SIEW YING
CHIA WEE MIN
PEERUN BIBI AMEERAH
MAHIABDUL MUHSIN
NAWAZ SHAREEF
VOON SZE LUN
0314618
0315186
0313939
0314421
0310405
0315032
0
2. ACKNOWLEGDEMENT
We, Cheong Siew Ying, Chia Wee Min, Peerun Bibi Ameerah, Mahiabdul Muhsin, Nawaz
Shareef and Voon Sze Lun have taken efforts in this project. However, it would not have
been possible without the kind support and help of many individuals and organizations. We
would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of them.
We are highly indebted to our lecture, Chia Yee Peng for her guidance and constant
supervision as well as for providing necessary information regarding the project and for her
support in completing the project through this semester. Your opinions and instruction were
precious. Thank You!
Moreover, we want to thank all classmates and online participants. We would like to thank
Akshay Ramlalawon who advises us in designing the survey, formulating the questions and
appropriate answers in a logical way. Furthermore, thanks to Nushrat Jahan, Abdool
Muhammad Wazeer, and other friends who shared the survey over the internet.
Our thanks and appreciations go to our colleague in developing the project and people who
have willingly helped us out with their abilities. Thank You.
1
4. ABSTRACT
In recent year a similar research found that men are more likely to choose attractive partners
while women prefer males with a higher social class.
To further enquire about their preferences a survey was carried out with the collaboration of a
100 participants who were asked to reply to a few questions with their partners in mind. This
literature review explores the differences between male and female while choosing their ideal
partner. The researchers expected results to indicate whatever someone is more attracted by
appearance or characteristic of their partner in a relationship.
The results were obtained through a survey of males and females of different age groups
starting from 15 to 35+ years old. The questionnaire was distributed among students of
Taylor’s university and also online to make it more accessible.
3
5. INTRODUCTION
Initially, as time elapse close relationships becomes more personal when processes of
switching rewards and self-revelation last well. When heading to a close relationship, the
nature of interchanging rewards and the type of rewards alters, and people become
cognitively, psychologically, and affectively interdependent. People also feel obsessive love,
that is, they experience sexual thoughts and intense desire for their partner, and want to be
intimate to the person for whom they express passionate love.
Temptation, especially
interpersonal attraction, is a process that follows when we glance at somebody and realize
how eye-catching this person is. This leads to the beginning to a friendship or a romantic
relationship.
Interpersonal attraction is the desirability between people, which leads to attachments, and
romantic relationships. The analysis of interpersonal attraction is a chief part of investigation
in social psychology. Interpersonal attraction is correlated to how much we adore, dislike, or
hate somebody. It can be noticed as force acting between two individuals that seems to pull
them closer and bear their break up. It is advised that to define attraction, character and
condition should be taken into consideration.
Basically psychology is the science, which deals with the study of human mental and
physical behaviors and characteristics. We have designed the survey to find the difference
between men and women’s ways of thinking and opinions in specific topics. Whether they
are approximately the same or there is ocean of difference between these two genders. That
will be revealed statically by a graphical interpretation, after the survey has been answered
completely by a significant number of people of both sexes.
Humans are complex creatures; detailed information can be gathered only by precise
questions and they have infinitely different angles of viewing a particular thing or aspect.
Moreover, investigators in previous reports have claimed that though men and women say
they want something special in romantic partners, the two genders actually want the same
thing. Another study, suggests the statement needs to be reconsidered. The analysis found
that men and women really mean what they state; boy's care more about physical appearance
and females care more about social prestige
A new study, including students from Taylor’s University suggests the statement needs to be
reconsidered. Whatever men are more attracted by physical appearance and women
characteristic is more attracted by appearances or characteristics of their partner in a
relationship.
4
6. METHOD
5.1 Participant
To complete the project, we did our survey via questionnaire and online questionnaire to
collect our data. We collected 100 participants from Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus
via questionnaire and friends from different countries via online questionnaire. This survey
involved female and male from the age of 15 to 55.
Sex:
male
49%
female
51%
Age
Below 15
15 - 19 years
20 - 24 years
25 - 29 years
30 - 35 years
35+ years
6% 1% 2%
0%
45%
46%
5
7. Educational Level:
7%
3%
Less than high school
9%
32%
29%
Bachelor degree
high school diploma
undergraduate
20%
postgraduate
Other
Status:
0%
2%
5%
0%
0%
In a relationship
25%
Single
engaged
married
68%
divorced
widowed
Other
We tried to control the number of male and female answering the survey constant and equal
so as to total an average of 100 participant, this ensured that biggest number and verity of
answer recorded to make the survey and the result more accurate so that no gap between male
and female participants. More than 90% of participants were aged 15 to 24 years. Due to the
fact that most of undergraduate student are more attracted by a relationship based on inner or
outer beauty. Furthermore 68% of them were single waiting for their ideal partner.
5.2 APPARATUS / MATERIALS
6
8. The survey was printed out into 50 copies. Besides that, an online questionnaire was created
in order to make the survey more accessible for the foreigner participants and to save cost.
5.3 PROCEDURE
The survey was contributed to students and staffs of Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus
and also friends and relatives from differences countries and races via online survey form.
The study-targeted participant’s aged of 15- 55 years. The survey examines preferences of
female and male while choosing their partner. The hypothesis of the survey is people will
appeal more on appearance.
The participants in the survey were categorized into two sections: the preference of male and
the preference of female. The researchers gave every participant an anonymous survey
through online link, to assure confidentiality and promote honest responses. The duration to
answer the survey is about 5 minutes.
Once all the completed surveys were reply, the responses were sent into Excel. All data were
analyzed. Finalized data were recorded and shows in graph,
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9. RESULTS
How do you believe people fall in love
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Male (50)
Female (52)
Friendship
developing
into love
Male (50)
Female (52)
17
13
Getting to
know
them, then
fall in love
21
30
love at
first
sight
luck/chance
destiny
/fate
all of the
above
whatever
Allah decides
2
1
3
2
3
4
3
2
1
0
30 female and 21 male choose getting to know them first, then fall in love, is the way
participants believe that the way people fall in love. 51 participants out of 102 participants
choose this option making it the highest and 30 out of 52 female participants believe this is
the way people fall in love. 30 out of 102 participants believe friendship developing into love,
which is the second highest, and less than 7 participants chose all the other options.
8
10. What can a partner do to show you that they care?
40
35
30
25
20
Male (50)
15
Female (53)
10
5
0
buy you gifts
Male (50)
Female (53)
compliment
you often
Buy you
gifts
1
1
give you
respect
Compliment
you often
5
6
giving you
personal space
others
Give you respect
Giving you
personal space
29
37
8
4
37 female and 29 male believes that giving respect, is the way that the participants believe
their partner shows the way they care for them. 66 participants out of 102 participants choose
this option making it the highest as well as the highest chosen option from both gender
groups. One member from each gender group choose buying gifts making it the least chosen
option, and less than 8 participants from each group chose all the other options.
9
11. What is the first thing that attracts you in a potential partner?
Male (50)
Female (52)
Characteristic
Single (33)
Married (3)
Engaged (1)
In a relationship(
13
Appearance
13
0
0
6
20
3
1
7
Male
25
20
15
10
5
0
Appearance
Characteristi
c
Single (36)
Married (2)
Engaged (1)
In a
relationship
(13)
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Characteristi
c
11
0
0
6
Appearance
25
2
1
7
Female
Appearance
Characteristic
20 single male participants chose characteristic, on the other hand 13 single male participants
chose appearance. More over 25 single female participants chose characteristic. 11 single
female participants chose appearance. 6 participants in a relationship chose appearance and 7
participants in a relationship chose characteristics from both gender respectfully. Addition to
that one participant who is engaged from both gender group selected characteristics over
appearances. None of the married participants chose appearance, however 3 male and 2
female married participants chose characteristics.
10
12.
Will you ever date someone based on their attractiveness despite not
disapproving their personality?
Male (50)
6
18
26
0
Yes
No
Maybe
Blanks
Female (52)
3
33
14
2
35
30
25
20
Male (50)
15
Female ( 52)
10
5
0
yes
no
maybe
blanks
According to bar chat, majority participants (51 person) disagreed that they will date
someone based on their attractiveness despite not disapproving their personality and female
consist the highest amount which is 33 among the others in the bar chat. 40 participants
selected ' maybe' for the statement while 9 participants agrees with it. However, there is
female participants didn’t answer the question.
11
13. Someone who dresses inappropriately
Male (50)
6
24
20
Yes
No
Maybe
Blanks
Female (52)
2
35
13
2
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Male (50)
Female ( 52)
yes
no
maybe
blanks
An individual with visible tattoos
Male (50)
10
27
12
1
Yes
No
Maybe
Blank
Female (52)
11
27
11
3
30
25
20
15
Male (50)
10
Female ( 52)
5
0
yes
no
maybe
blank
The bar chart shows that 54 participants disagreed with the statement, which is the majority
selection, however, 21 participants agreed with it. 23 participants selected 'maybe ' for this
statement. 3 female participants and one male participant leave it blank.
12
14. An individual with facial problems such as scars/acne
Maybe
29
30
Male (50)
Female (52)
Yes
9
15
No
12
5
Blank
0
2
40
30
Male (50)
20
Female (52)
10
0
maybe
yes
no
blank
From the analyzing this graph, it shows that 9 male participants said yes and 12 said no, but
on the other side 15 female participants said yes and 5 said no. 59 participants said maybe.
An Alcoholic
Male (50)
Female (52)
Maybe
18
9
Yes
7
3
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
No
25
38
Blank
0
2
Male (50)
Female (52)
maybe
yes
no
blank
Clearly stated that highest amount of participant (63 participants) disagreed of choosing a
mate who is alcoholic, however 10 participants can accept it.27 participant might accept an
alcoholic as their mate. 2 female participants didn’t answer the question.
13
15. A girl/guy who always uses cover-up/makeup
Maybe
34
21
Male (50)
Female (52)
Yes
4
5
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
No
12
22
Blank
0
4
Male (50)
Female (52)
maybe
yes
no
blank
55 participants choose maybe, when they prefer a person who uses cover-up/makeup as their
partner, 34 male participants chose not to be with a person who uses cover-up/makeup. 34
participants choose not to be with a partner who uses cover-up/makeup. Most number of
females chooses maybe, and with 9 participants yes is the least chosen option.
A person who always uses vulgar words
Maybe
18
12
Male (50)
Female (52)
Yes
7
4
No
25
34
Blank
0
2
40
30
20
Male (50)
10
Female (52)
0
maybe
yes
no
blank
59 participants choose not to prefer a person who uses vulgar words as their partner, 25 male
participants and 34 female participants chose not be with a person who uses vulgar words
commonly when they speak. 30 participants choose maybe and with 11 participants yes is the
least chosen option.
14
16. DISCUSSION
With respect to humans, appearance is not the only factor that determines if two people
choose to be with each other, but it is an undeniable component of the decision-making
process involved behind attraction.
From the information gathered and analyzed from the responses of the participants, the
hypothesis for giving priority to physical appearance rather than personal characteristics has
not been supported. There is a noticeable gap between the biases towards choosing the
personality over the looks. However subjective the issue was thought to be at the outset, the
survey clearly suggests that people find characteristics as the determining point into choosing
a partner.
When asked about their opinion on natural beauty, 63% of the survey participants agreed that
beauty is a combination of both inner and outer features of a person. How they carry
themselves meaning there behavior, characteristics and personality, as well as how well they
interact with others. 35% of people believe that beauty is reflected mostly through
personality, without giving any regard to appearance. Only 2% of people chose physical
attributes
to
define
the
idea
of
beauty.
When the option is narrowed down to just appearance or characteristics, 65% of the
participants chose characteristics. 51% of the survey participants have strongly disagreed to
pick a partner with only a good physique and with a bad personality. 40% of participants kept
this option open with an indecisive ‘maybe’ suggesting that looks and characteristics do not
always matter for some people. This is possibly only a matter of preference in a certain
period of their lifetime and according to their lifestyle, ethics and beliefs, for example: a
person who is only seeking sex from a partner would date an exceptionally attractive female,
regardless of their intelligence or personality. However, a person planning to settle down in a
stable relationship would take into consideration their characteristics firstly and mostly then
move to their physical attributes. As the subject we chose to tackle is not that simple and
conclusion cannot be drawn that quickly because it will cause a lot of errors to occur. The
survey is further deepened to investigate in more details certain physical and characteristic
attribute of partners.
15
17. Majority of participants believe physical appearance is an equation regarding the entire body,
whilst some are attracted to more specific parts of the body. In contrast, we observed that
intelligence and good humor are tied as the characteristic that most participants found
appealing in a partner.
It is understandable that appearance is a powerful determinant to attract a companion. Mostly
because a lot of people are under the influence of the most powerful sense that is the sight.
Furthermore a combination of influence is often the reason for this choice, the reasons being
healthier and more beautiful off springs, the way our society values beauty over personality
and personal preferences.
Many of the responses indicated that we should never judge others by their outward
appearance, and yet we biologically rely in the human body’s appearance. Furthermore even
if the participant supported the mind more than the body, they were still concerned by their
partner’s health and body. This is supported by the question of whether the participants
would choose a partner if they were an unhealthy alcoholic or not, and 63% of people chose
the non-alcoholic. Only 10% of people were willing to take an alcoholic partner whilst 27%
of participants kept their options open. Therefore stating that participants were just as
concerned about their inner beauty as to their physique.
Dr. David Hawkins, the director of Marriage Recover Center in Washington D.C suggests
that Men are visually minded, it's the way males are wired and it certainly is healthy to be
attracted to our female partners which will probably be their lifelong partner. The research
thoroughly supports this statement as when asked if they would choose a partner with facial
scars or acne, 12% of men disagreed, while only 9% said yes. In contrast, 5% of females said
they wouldn’t date a male with facial problems whilst 15% didn’t consider it to be a problem.
Therefore proving that men are visually more stimulated than women when it comes to
choosing a partner.
From all the information recorded a rather surprising conclusion was observed. Most of the
male participants who were thought to prefer physical appearance over personality proved
our hypothesis wrong as majority replied that they preferred personality with the exception of
some dissenters. The women followed the hypothesis and chose the characteristics over the
looks of their partners.
16
18. The research has allowed us to determine a conclusion and achieve the targeted information.
In a nutshell, the research supports the fact that however visual men can be, they prefer a
partner who has strong characteristics and nice personality. The vast majority of men will
respond to visual images when it comes to women, however these glances are limited to a
temporary satisfaction and are automatic reflex of nature as was proven by the survey. The
survey proved that even though men were willing to date attractive female despite a bad
personality when it comes to relationship, men seek strong personalities in their women and
looks mattered less. Strong personalities of the women often contributed to a stable and
healthy relationship between the couple.
The research also clearly suggested that what men really want is to know that their wives are
making an effort to take care of themselves. Husbands appreciate the efforts their wives make
to maintain their attractiveness. The same goes for women. The data analyzed concludes that
women are more hesitant to date a person just for their physical attributes, compared to men.
To conclude, men and women may worry about their partners’ outer appearance but only to
some extent. The more they worry about is the personality because it reflects how compatible
they are and shows how willing to adjust to each other to make the relationship last.
17
19. REFERENCES
1. birth order. (2011). Retrieved January 20, 2014, from
http://www.clcillinois.edu/depts/vpe/gened/pdf/samplepaperpsychology.pdf
2. How to Write a Method Section. (2001). Retrieved January 20, 2014, from
http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologywriting/ht/method.htm
3. Psychology Research Report. (2011). Retrieved January 20, 2014, from
www.simplypsychology.org/research-report.html
4. Report Writing: Conclusion. (2008, April). Retrieved January 20, 2014, from
http://www2.elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eiw/report_conclusion.htm
5. Should a Spouse's Physical Appearance Matter? (2007). Retrieved January 20, 2014,
from www.wezeradio.com/11528147/page2/print/
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20. APPENDIX
-Preferences while choosing a partner ( sample of the survey)
We are conducting a research study to examine preferences of boys and girls
while choosing their partner. Your participation in this research project is
entirely voluntary and you responses will be kept completely confidential. The
questionnaire is composed of 15 and takes approximately 10 minutes to
complete it. Thank you very much for your time and effort
1. Sex
O female
O male
2. Age
O
O
O
O
O
O
Below 15
15 - 19 years
20 - 24 years
25 - 29 years
30 - 35 years
35+ years
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Chinese
Malay
Indian
African
Caucasian
African American
Other:……………………………………………….
3. Race
19
21. 4. Religion
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Islam
Christianity
Taoism
Buddhism
Hinduism
Judaism
Other:…………………………..
5. Level of education
O
O
O
O
O
O
Less than high school
Bachelor degree
High school diploma
undergraduate
postgraduate
Other:…………………………………………….
6. What can a partner do to show you that they care?
O Compliment you often
O Give you respect
O Buy you gifts
O Looking good for you by staying fit
O Giving you personal space
O Other:…………………………………………………..
7. Status
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
In a relationship
Single
Engaged
married
Divorced
Widowed
Other:…………………………………………………
20
22. 8. How do you believe people fall in love?
O
O
O
O
O
O
Love at first sight
Friendship developing into love
Getting to know them, then falling in love
Destiny/ fate
Luck/ Chance
Other:…………………………………………………..
9. In your opinion what is beauty?
O Physically attractive
O Beautiful on the inside in terms of personality
O Both inner and outer beauty
10.
What is the first thing that attracts you in a potential partner?
O Appearance (please proceed to question 12)
O Characteristics (please proceed to question 13)
11.
If you have chosen appearance, What attracts you:
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Eyes
Legs
Height
Overall body
Hair
A person who wears a uniform
A person who does not wear uniform
21
23. 12.
If you have chosen characteristic, What attracts you:
O
O
O
O
O
13.
Humor
Kind heart
Humble
Discipline
Intelligence
State the characteristics of your ideal partner that you prefer
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………….
14.
State the appearance of your ideal partner that you prefer
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………….
22
24. 15.
Tick accordingly, based on your personal acceptance of a partner
towards the following statements.
Questions
Will you ever date someone based on their
attractiveness despite not disapproving
their personality?
Someone who dresses inappropriately
An individual with visible tattoos
An individual who has undergone plastic
surgery
An individual with facial problems such as
scars/acne,
An alcoholic
A girl/guy who always uses coverup/makeup
A person who always uses vulgar words
Yes
Maybe
No
23
