MULTIPREF · A data-driven, multivariate approach to human mate preferences.
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2017-01-01 → 2018-12-31
- EU contribution
- €183,455
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
A data-driven, multivariate approach to human mate preferences.
Darwinian evolution is often described as ‘survival of the fittest’, but possibly an even more important evolutionary process is sexual selection. A fundamental component of sexual selection is choice of mates. In humans, studying mate preferences can provide important insight into how we engage in social and sexual relationships. However, to date research in this area typically is based on sexual selection models derived from studies of non-human species (often characterised by intense competition between males for choosy females, and the lack of formation of stable pair bonds) to identify characteristics that may be important for human mate preferences. This is problematic because this approach does not reflect human mate choice in reality, which is characterised by mutual mate choice, extended courtship, and formation of stable-pair bonds. To address these limitations, the proposed research project used a data-driven approach to identify characteristics important to human mate preferences that entirely avoids the problem of selecting candidate characteristics on inappropriate theoretical models.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Human mate preferences can provide important insight into human social and sexual relationships; however, to date research on human mate preferences are typically based on sexual selection models derived from studies of non-human species to identify candidate characteristics that may influence preferences, and then studies only assess one or two of these characteristics at a time. This is problematic as this does not reflect the multivariate nature of human mate choice in reality. To address these limitations, I propose a research project that uses data-driven approaches to identify characteristics important to human mate preferences that entirely avoids the problem of selecting candidate characteristics based on inappropriate theoretical models. I also propose using powerful new computational methods to develop the first multivariate model of human mate preferences. First, I will use state-of-the-art statistical techniques developed in evolutionary biology to identify facial, body, and personality characteristics important for human mate preferences. Once these characteristics have been identified, they will be used as input into a large, iterative, online study using a technique that simulates the effects of Darwinian evolution on preferences. This project directly addresses difficulties in the field and will develop the first multivariate model of human mate preferences that will drive future research in the field.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW · GlasgowCoordinatorUnited Kingdom
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union