Internet research: Self-monitoring and judgments of attractiveness

Two studies examined the relationship between self-monitoring and factors i nfluencing romantic attraction to others. In Study I, participants complete d an Internet-mediated version of the Self-Monitoring Scale (Gangestad & Sn yder, 1985) and indicated which of two people (one physically attractive, o ne with a more desirable personality) they found most attractive. Results m atched previous findings (Snyder, Berscheid, & Glick, 1985), but the effect was smaller. Study 2, a paper-and-pencil replication of Study 1, examined whether the weaker effect was due to Internet mediation and found no differ ences in the choices made by high and low self-monitors. Results suggested that while determinants of attraction may vary for different populations, I nternet research methods can tap the same phenomena as traditional laborato ry studies.