The Matching Hypothesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Matching Hypothesis - Essay Example The Matching Hypothesis proposes that people of similar levels of physical attractiveness gravitate toward one another (Weiten & Lloyd, 2003). For the sake of testing the validity of the Matching Hypothesis, this research study was conducted to witness whether married couples (or romantic partners) form relationships based primarily on physical attractiveness. This researcher hypothesised that there would, indeed, exist a positive correlation between couples of the same average level of physical beauty being rated on similar levels in a 1-10 scale; or that both variables representing each partner in a romantic relationship would co-vary in the same direction; thus a directional hypothesis. In a correlational research study, the correlational coefficient will vary between 0 and +1.00 (if positive) or between 0 and -1.00 (if negative). In some studies, attractiveness levels of long-term spouses have correlated above .50. (Manstead & Hewstone, 1999). Walster & Walster (1969) conducted a n experiment which indicated a .89 correlation (high) between physical attractiveness and the subsequent perceived desire for another individual. This researcher chose to analyse the results of this study using a correlational method as part of verifying the directional hypothesis. The concept of the Matching Hypothesis was offered by a professional researcher in psychology, E. Walster, who, in conjunction with various researchers, established high correlation coefficients that supported the theory. Walster and Walster (1969) conducted an experiment where participants in the study were randomly paired in a "computer dance" scenario and then issued a follow up survey to rate the acceptability of their partners. It was found in this study that physical attractiveness Further, Berscheid & Walster have conducted research studies which have supported the view that people tend to prefer partners who are more similar to them in terms of attractiveness (Harvey et al, 2004). With this

MEDIA AUDIENCE EXERCISE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

MEDIA AUDIENCE EXERCISE - Essay Example As a function of this particular analysis, the widely popular news and opinion site the â€Å"Drudge Report† will be analyzed. Although it is true that this particular is most certainly biased and represents a far right of center outlook on the world, is the understanding of this particular analyst that the skewed worldview that it represents fosters is essential in helping to apply the theories of Habermas and Lunt; as they relate to â€Å"media publics† and the means through which they are fostered and represented within current society. At the heart of understanding and appreciating either Habermas or Lunt’s approach to theory is an appreciation for the way in which the communication process itself takes place. Bias and point of view takes the place of objectivistic reason and a level of ethos is inherently present. Within this line of understanding, the â€Å"Drudge Report† offers up a seemingly incessant stream of opinion based â€Å"facts† that serve to confirm and promote the worldview of those that frequent the site. Ultimately, the media public that is being created within this particular case is somewhat unique with respect to many other media publics that exists within the realm of news (McQuail 57) What is meant by this is that the â€Å"news† items that are promoted and presented to the reader of the â€Å"Drudge Report† serve the function of confirming a particular world view; rather than merely presenting the news itself (Lunt 88). Although this is certainly true for m any of the media publics that exist within the current model, it is most certainly the case for the news items that seemingly perpetually recycle themselves on the Drudge Report. As a result of the political orientation and focus that the site promotes, the main source of engagement and/or the media public that is created is defined by a demographic that is largely white, Christian, and middle class. Whereas with any media