A multidimensional scaling approach to interpersonal similarity and attraction

A multidimensional scaling approach (the Stone-Coles method) was used to study interpersonal attraction. Judgments were estimates of interpersonal similarity, and attraction rankings made by 16 sorority pledges. Four factor-dimensions emerged from the judgmental data, similarity estimates, which were readily interpretable. Only two dimensions were found to linearly related to attraction. However, observers loading a very high or low on the other two of the dimensions showed a preference for others having similar loadings. Other findings presented were: 1) the individuals who were seen as being more similar to the group were ranking as being more attractive by the group; 2) pairs who the group saw as being most similar to each other ranked each other as more attractive; 3) each judge tended to see, as most attractive, those whom she saw as being most similar to herself.