Attraction, Evolved

Mating

It's a Match! Assortative Mating on Tinder

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on September 30, 2020

Are we similar to the partners we seek on mobile dating apps?

Are we similar to the partners we seek on mobile dating apps?

Sport and Competition

Why Some Men Pay So Much More for Engagement Rings

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on August 31, 2020

Environmental factors—including the abundance of men in the dating pool—can affect the minimum engagement ring value expected by women.

Environmental factors—including the abundance of men in the dating pool—can affect the minimum engagement ring value expected by women.

Leadership

The Partner Premium and Penalty

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on July 31, 2020

A "trophy spouse" impacts perceptions of a leader's ability, with effects differing for male and female leaders.

A "trophy spouse" impacts perceptions of a leader's ability, with effects differing for male and female leaders.

Narcissism

Narcissists Think They Have Bigger Heads—Literally

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on June 30, 2020

Psychologists asked volunteers to take a narcissism survey and then estimate the size of their own heads.

Psychologists asked volunteers to take a narcissism survey and then estimate the size of their own heads.

Beauty

Tinder Typos: How Language Errors Influence Attractiveness

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on May 31, 2020

Choosing a flattering photo for your dating profile may not get you far, recent research shows, if the accompanying text is riddled with errors.

Choosing a flattering photo for your dating profile may not get you far, recent research shows, if the accompanying text is riddled with errors.

Beauty

The Sweet Smell of Success: Fighting and Body Odor Appeal

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on April 30, 2020

Can you smell a winner? Scientists have investigated the links between victory in physical combat and body odor attractiveness.

Can you smell a winner? Scientists have investigated the links between victory in physical combat and body odor attractiveness.

Mating

Is Tinder Really a Hook-Up App?

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on December 12, 2019

Tinder, a popular mobile dating app, is often depicted in the media as the home of the Pick Up Artist. But is this true? How often do Tinder matches lead to sex?

Tinder, a popular mobile dating app, is often depicted in the media as the home of the Pick Up Artist. But is this true? How often do Tinder matches lead to sex?

Psychopathy

Are Psychopaths Sexy?

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on October 14, 2019

Canadian psychologists test hypothesis that psychopathy has mating benefits.

Canadian psychologists test hypothesis that psychopathy has mating benefits.

Jealousy

Jealousy or Compersion?

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on July 16, 2019

Do polyamorous partners feel jealousy or joy when their lover finds someone new?

Do polyamorous partners feel jealousy or joy when their lover finds someone new?

Consumer Behavior

Deep Impact: Asserting Authority with a Low-Pitched Voice

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on June 5, 2019

Do men and women in positions of authority speak with a deeper and more resonant voice?

Do men and women in positions of authority speak with a deeper and more resonant voice?

Infidelity

Justifying Infidelity

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on May 2, 2019

Most of us think cheating is wrong and wouldn't want an unfaithful partner. So how do cheaters justify their bad behavior?

Most of us think cheating is wrong and wouldn't want an unfaithful partner. So how do cheaters justify their bad behavior?

Infidelity

What Makes Most Partners Remain Faithful

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on April 16, 2019

Psychologists think they know why some people cheat, but why do most remain faithful?

Psychologists think they know why some people cheat, but why do most remain faithful?

Beauty

What Qualities Really Attract People to Each Other?

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on April 3, 2019

Psychologists investigate which physical characteristics men and women find most alluring in a theoretical partner.

Psychologists investigate which physical characteristics men and women find most alluring in a theoretical partner.

Orgasm

The 5 Reasons People Fake Orgasm

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on March 27, 2019

Why do men and women exaggerate sexual enjoyment? Psychologists have revealed the top reasons.

Why do men and women exaggerate sexual enjoyment? Psychologists have revealed the top reasons.

Sex

Yuck! Disgust and Short-Term Relationships

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on February 26, 2019

New research investigates how disgust influences our desire for a casual fling.

New research investigates how disgust influences our desire for a casual fling.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin: More Than Just a "Love Hormone"

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on February 20, 2019

A dose of oxytocin may increase the differences between men's and women's partner preferences.

A dose of oxytocin may increase the differences between men's and women's partner preferences.

Mating

Do Women Pay a Social Penalty for Wearing Makeup?

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on January 23, 2019

New research suggests that female appearance-enhancement is associated with social costs as well as benefits.

New research suggests that female appearance-enhancement is associated with social costs as well as benefits.

Beauty

Does an Hourglass Figure Really Signal Fertility?

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on December 3, 2018

Scientists have looked again at the claim that a low waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index are associated with higher levels of fertility.

Scientists have looked again at the claim that a low waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index are associated with higher levels of fertility.

Beauty

Does Beauty Signal Health?

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on November 27, 2018

Scientists test whether a feminine, glowing face is really evidence of physical health.

Scientists test whether a feminine, glowing face is really evidence of physical health.

Animal Behavior

Animal Magnetism: Can Pets Affect Our Partner Preferences?

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D. on November 7, 2018

Psychologists find that being near animals can change what we find attractive in a partner.

Psychologists find that being near animals can change what we find attractive in a partner.