(d) When it appears under certain circumstances that opposites in personality do in fact
seem to attract each other, what principle appears to be at work?Answers: (a) two; (b) Interpersonal; (c) Physical appearance; (d) Reciprocity.Third, interestsare sets of factors. If Arthur is interested in reading science-
fiction novels, and if Herman is also interested in reading such novels, this may
form a partial basis for a friendship. Mutual interests that people have in music,
movies, decorating, travel, sports, and cooking provide additional examples of
subjects that may bring people together. Does this contradict the observation that
opposites attract? No, not if this observation is limited, as it was above, to person-
ality traits. In the case of interests, it seems that another saying is applicable: “Birds
of a feather flock together.”
Fourth, the matching hypothesisstates that interpersonal attraction is fos-
tered when two people see themselves as relatively similar in intelligence, stature,
ambition, and other personal characteristics. A woman who perceives herself as
very bright will look for a very bright male. A man who is short will generally be
attracted to a relatively short woman, not to a statuesque one. An individual who
wants to become a big financial success will tend to be attracted to similarly ambi-
tious people, not those with a low level of financial aspiration.(a) Both Arthur and Herman like to read science-fiction novels. They like each other. In this
case, what factor appears to be playing a role in interpersonal attraction?(b) The hypothesis states that interpersonal attraction is fostered when two
people see themselves as relatively similar in personal characteristics.Answers: (a) Interests; (b) matching.Fifth, the ratio ofgainsto lossesis a factor. Elliot Aronson, referred to earlier,
developed the gain-loss theory of interpersonal attraction.A gainis a per-
ceived benefit; for example, one’s self-esteem might rise after receiving a compli-
ment. A lossis a perceived detriment; for example, one’s self-esteem might fall
after receiving a criticism. Let’s say that Rebecca gives compliments freely and fre-
quently to Sophia. Rebecca is never critical. A different friend, Susan, gives com-
pliments to Sophia somewhat less frequently and with more restraint. Sometimes
she gives a little negative feedback. Who will Sophia be more attracted to?
According to the gain-loss theory, she will tend to be more attracted to Susan.
Sophia places more value on Susan’s compliments than on Rebecca’s. Susan’s
statements of praise seem thoughtful, and, consequently, when given they tend to
raise Sophia’s self-esteem more than the ones given by Rebecca. Sophia tends to
think of Susan as genuine and authentic. Sophia suspects that Rebecca is an insin-
cere fake.
Sixth, according to attribution theory,we are prone to explain the behav-250 PSYCHOLOGY