What is similarity attraction theory?

Definition. The similarity-attraction effect refers to the widespread tendency of people to be attracted to others [Page 876]who are similar to themselves in important respects. Attraction means not strictly physical attraction but, rather, liking for or wanting to be around the person.

What is similarity theory in psychology?

Similarity/attraction theory posits that people like and are attracted to others who are similar, rather than dissimilar, to themselves; “birds of a feather,” the adage goes, “flock together.” Social scientific research has provided considerable support for tenets of the theory since the mid-1900s.

Who made the similarity attraction theory?

The theory that similarities or sameness attracts has been formalized in research since the mid-1900s. Researchers Ellen Berscheid and Elaine Hatfield conducted research in 1969 that showed participants were more likely to desire a relationship with those that were seen to share attitudes.

Why is similarity important?

While similarities are important, differences hold great significance as well. People who share similar personality types are able to understand and appreciate these traits and characteristics, while differences allow for a new experience (Lurtz, 1999).

What is the need to belong theory?

The need to belong refers to the idea that humans have a fundamental motivation to be accepted into relation-ships with others and to be a part of social groups. The fact that belongingness is a need means that human beings must establish and maintain a minimum quantity of enduring relationships.

What are similarity models?

Similarity models search for related items, for example finding similar-looking clothes and identifying currently playing songs.

Why does similarity increase attraction?

That is, we learn to associate positive feelings with people that are linked to rewards. Instances of interpersonal similarity function as rewarding stimuli, which leads people to associate positive feelings with similar others, which in turn leads people to be more attracted to similar others.

Why is it important to focus on individuals similarities?

When we see others as being similar to us, they offer more human value than if we see them as inherently different. This could eliminate the past, present and potential dehumanizing of people based on their diminutive differences.

What is belongingness theory?

The belongingness hypothesis predicts that people should generally be at least as reluctant to break social bonds as they are eager to form them in the first place. A variety of patterns supports the view that people try to preserve relationships and avoid ending them.

What is community belongingness?

Having a sense of community belonging is “a feeling that members matter to one another and the group.” People who say they have a strong sense of community also tend to say their health and mental health are very good or excellent.

What is the similarity principle?

Similarity principle. The principle of similarity is grounded in the idea that things which share visual characteristics such as shape, size, color, texture, value or orientation will be seen as belonging together.

What is similarity theory?

Similarity Theory. In dynamic similarity, systems of different types of acting forces or force fields—such as gravity forces, pressure forces, and viscous forces —are similar. The mechanical similarity of, for example, two liquid or gas flows or two elastic systems presupposes geometric, kinematic, and dynamic similarity.

What is attraction theory?

Transcript of Attraction Theory. The attraction theory theorizes that human beings are attracted to one another based on four specific factors: appearance, proximity, similarity, and rewards.

What is the gain loss theory of attraction?

A definition of the term “gain-loss theory of attraction” is presented. It refers to a theory which states that people are attracted to those who will provide them with the greater gain and not to those who will provide them with the greater loss. The theory was proposed by the American psychologist Elliot Aronson . ACCESSION #.