The influence of model quality on self-other mate choice copying

Abstract

We explored, through two experiments, the influence of model quality and gender on mate choice copying (MCC) behavior for oneself and for others. In the first experiment, we used a 3 (decision-making role: self, stranger, close friend) × 2 (gender: male, female) between-subjects design. The phenomenon of MCC was only found in females. There was no significant difference between making decisions for oneself and for close friends, but there was a significant difference between making decisions for oneself and for strangers. In the second experiment, we used a 2 (model quality: higher, lower) × 3 (decision-making role: self, stranger, close friend) × 2 (gender: male, female) mixed experimental design. Results showed an MCC effect under the condition of high-quality models for both males and females, but no MCC effect for low quality models, either for males or females. Again, there was no significant difference between making decisions for oneself and for close friends, but there was a significant difference between making decisions for oneself and for strangers. These results reveal that context is important for the manifestation of MCC behavior: both women and men are influenced by the choices of high quality models, but ignore the behavior of low quality models.