Lecture Notes: Mere Exposure Effect and Enculturation in Attraction

Theory: Mere Exposure Effect

• Definition: Psychological phenomenon where familiarity breeds preference.
  • Increased exposure to a stimulus increases likability.
  • Applies to interpersonal attraction; repeated exposure to a person enhances their likability.
• Key Points:
  • Initial exposures are most impactful.
  • Occurs without conscious recognition; need not infer.
  • Stronger if no pre-existing negative attitudes exist.

Zajonic et al (1968)

• Aim: Investigate if repeated exposure enhances attraction.
• Research Method: Lab experiment
• Sample: Female seniors from Michigan State University
• Procedure:
  • Participants believed they were in a visual memory study.
  • Shown photos of male faces for 2 seconds at varying frequencies.
  • Rated attractiveness on a scale of 1-7.
• Results:
  • Higher exposure led to higher likability ratings.
• Conclusions:
  • Familiarity increases attraction and likability.
• Link:
  • Demonstrates relationship formation via attraction through familiarity.
  • Frequency of exposure raises likability/attractiveness.

Study Evaluation

• Sample Limitations:
  • Narrow demographic (gender and age-specific); affects generalizability.
  • Cultural and age-related differences may alter outcomes.
• Methodology:
  • Controlled exposure variable effectively.
  • Ethical concerns due to deception about study purpose.
  • Photographs limit interpersonal interaction assessment.
• Validity:
  • High internal validity from clear cause-effect design.
  • Limited external validity due to artificial setting.
  • Influences from social desirability biases possible.

Theory Evaluation

• Applications:
  • Relevant in marketing, media, and interpersonal relationships.
  • Preferences may form based on familiarity without genuine connection.
• Testability:
  • Experimental manipulation of exposure levels verifies effect.
  • Supports formation of relationships through increased interaction opportunities.

Enculturation as an Explanation for Attraction

Enculturation Theory

• Influences partner preference based on cultural norms and expectations.

Ye et al

• Aim: Explore cultural differences in partner preferences on online dating.
• Research Method: Content analysis
• Sample: Chinese and American online dating users
• Procedure:
  • Analyzed dating profiles for stated preferences.
• Findings:
  • Chinese profiles emphasized physical, financial, moral traits.
  • American profiles focused on personality and hobbies.

Link

• Cultural Influence:
  • Chinese culture values stability, family approval; reflects in dating traits.
  • American culture values self-expression; manifests in profile priorities.
  • Cultural norms influence what individuals seek in partners.

Study Evaluation

• Sample:
  • Cross-cultural approach highlights cultural influence on dating preferences.
  • Online dating users might not reflect broader dating behaviors.
• Procedure:
  • Content analysis identifies cultural priorities in mate selection.
  • Online interactions may differ from offline dynamics.

Application

• Cultural Presentation:
  • Cultural values shape online dating presentation.
  • Familiarity through profiles enhances attraction when aligned with cultural values.

Theory Evaluation

• Relevance:
  • Enculturation highlights cultural impact on relationship preferences.
• Biases:
  • Cultural norms may overshadow other partner potential.
• Predictability:
  • Cultural congruity predicts mate preferences, but individual differences may alter outcomes.