Showing smarts, playing dumb: Functional displays of intelligence in mating contexts

• Other Authors: Sng, Wei Sheng Oliver (Author)
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Social psychology; impression formation; intelligence; mate preferences; mating display
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.I.18720

abstract: The current research seeks to examine whether individuals display or downplay intelligence in various mating contexts. I hypothesized that both men and women should display fluid intelligence when attempting to attract a potential long-term partner, and that only men should display fluid intelligence when attempting to attract a potential short-term partner. Contrary to predictions, I find that men perform worse at a fluid intelligence test when motivated to attract a long-term partner. With respect to crystallized intelligence, I predicted that both men and women should display crystallized intelligence when attempting to attract a potential long-term partner, but women should downplay crystallized intelligence when attempting to attract a potential short-term partner. However, there were no effects of mating contexts on displays of crystallized intelligence. === Dissertation/Thesis === M.A. Psychology 2013