“Weighting” to find the right person: compensatory trait integrating versus alternative models to assess mate value

Abstract

Abstract An overall evaluation of potential relationship partners (mate value) is fundamental to numerous key lifetime decisions, but how people integrate the diverse component traits of mate value remains poorly understood. Three within-subjects studies (N = 190) contrast multiple models of mate value trait integration, including both compensatory and non-compensatory decision-making strategies. A weighted additive model outperformed equal weight and take-the-best strategies (Study 1), as well as an aspiration model, threshold model, Euclidean distance from ideal / realistic ideal models, and correlation to ideal / realistic ideal models (Studies 2 and 3). These results contrast with suggestions that mate value decisions should be non-compensatory or follow a Euclidean distance model. Correlational models are particularly poor fits to how people make mate choice decisions. The methodology developed here allows more sensitive assessments to reveal in finer detail the mental algorithms that guide this process. Further extensions can incorporate additional aspects of real-world assessments and mating decisions.