Partner
preferences across the sexual orientation spectrum
How do we choose a partner, for life, or at least for
a while? Over the past decades an extensive body of research that
investigated partner preferences across various different cultures and
contexts (long-term relationship, short-term mating) allowed us to better
understand why we choose specific individuals as partners. However,
while we seem to have a good understanding of partner preferences in
heterosexual individuals, research into partner preferences in individuals
with other sexual or asexual orientations has been limited.
Here, we aim to investigate partner selection criteria
in individuals with different sexual orientations, including homosexual,
bisexual, asexual and demisexual individuals. Notably, for many individuals
a lack or reduction in sexual attraction does not exclude the wish to form
part of a romantic or emotional relationship.
Before you decide whether you would like to
take part, please read the following information carefully.
You are eligible to participate if you are
over the age of 16, and identify with one of the following sexual
orientations: asexual, bisexual,
demisexual, heterosexual, homosexual, pansexual. Taking part in this research is entirely voluntary.
What does the study involve?
you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire on partner preferences
in which you will have to rate the importance of certain characteristics
that you seek in a potential partner. The questionnaire will also include
questions about your demographic information and your sexual and romantic
orientation. We will further ask you to rate the attractiveness of different
male and female faces. The study will take 15-20 minutes to complete.
After you complete the survey, you will be informed in more detail about the
specific aims and hypotheses of this study.
Will my information be kept confidential?
The information you provide in this study is anonymous. No identifying
information will be asked of you. As the information you provide
in this study is anonymous, it will not be possible to withdraw your data
upon completion of the study. However, you can choose to end your
participation at any time during the study, with no negative consequences,
by closing your browser. Your data will be retained for each section of the
study you complete if you select "continue" on the page or complete the face
ratings.
Are there any risks associated with taking
part in this study?
There are no identified risks in
taking part in this research.
If you have any questions or concerns about the study, please contact:
Dr. Meike
Scheller (meike.scheller@abdn.ac.uk). Dr. Alexandra de Sousa
(a.desousa@bathspa.ac.uk). Dr. Anthony Little (a.little@bath.ac.uk)
Consent
Please select all the boxes below to show that you have read and understood the following statements. By checking the boxes and pressing "Continue" below to proceed, you are providing informed consent to take part in the experiment. If you do not consent to participate, please exit the study by closing the browser window.
I confirm that I have read and understand the subject information provided for this study.
I understand that my participation in this research is entirely voluntary and I understand that I have the right to withdraw from the study at any point, without having to give a reason.
I understand and acknowledge that the investigation is designed to promote scientific knowledge and that the University of Bath will use the data I provide for no purpose other than research.
I understand that the data I provide will be kept confidential. My name and other identifying information will not be disclosed in any presentation or publication of the research.
If you have any concerns related to your participation in this study please direct them to the Department of Psychology Research Ethics Committee, email: psychology-ethics@bath.ac.uk.
Click below to begin the study.
Progress