Mate Selection
Introduction
The purpose of this research paper is to identify the differences in mate selection strategies of men and women. This paper will first discuss the past research in mate selection tactics. It will then examine the hypotheses of the present research in the light of the studies previously conducted. Consequently it will discuss the method used to conduct present research, its results and its findings. Then it will relate the current study to major theories of mate selection. Lastly, it will discuss the limitations and the strengths of this study.
Past Research
Darwin’s theory of sexual selection successfully explains why men and women may vary psychologically and behaviourally when selecting their mates (Buss, 2007). According to his theory, various characteristics have evolved in different species, that provide some members of the species with mating advantages (Darwin, 1959). These characteristics make reproduction more likely for those members of the species that possess these characteristics (Darwin, 1959). He divided these characteristics in two separate components (Darwin, 1959). These components were intrasexual competition and intersexual selection (Darwin, 1959). The intrasexual competition assisted an individual to succeed in attaining a sexual mate of an opposite sex, over another same sex individual (Buss, 2007). In other words, these characteristics allow certain members of the species to successfully compete with same-sex members in order win over member of the opposite sex (Buss, 2007). While intersexual selection involved traits that made member of one sex more desirable to member of an opposite sex (Buss, 2007). So the members who possessed these characteristics were more likely to mate with opposite sex than their deprived counterparts (Kenrick, Sadalla, Groth & Trost,
The purpose of this research paper is to identify the differences in mate selection strategies of men and women. This paper will first discuss the past research in mate selection tactics. It will then examine the hypotheses of the present research in the light of the studies previously conducted. Consequently it will discuss the method used to conduct present research, its results and its findings. Then it will relate the current study to major theories of mate selection. Lastly, it will discuss the limitations and the strengths of this study.
Past Research
Darwin’s theory of sexual selection successfully explains why men and women may vary psychologically and behaviourally when selecting their mates (Buss, 2007). According to his theory, various characteristics have evolved in different species, that provide some members of the species with mating advantages (Darwin, 1959). These characteristics make reproduction more likely for those members of the species that possess these characteristics (Darwin, 1959). He divided these characteristics in two separate components (Darwin, 1959). These components were intrasexual competition and intersexual selection (Darwin, 1959). The intrasexual competition assisted an individual to succeed in attaining a sexual mate of an opposite sex, over another same sex individual (Buss, 2007). In other words, these characteristics allow certain members of the species to successfully compete with same-sex members in order win over member of the opposite sex (Buss, 2007). While intersexual selection involved traits that made member of one sex more desirable to member of an opposite sex (Buss, 2007). So the members who possessed these characteristics were more likely to mate with opposite sex than their deprived counterparts (Kenrick, Sadalla, Groth & Trost,