3/22/2023 0 Comments Similarity in psychologyThis creates the opposite effect, and our cognitive processing is inhibited: we lose focus easily, finding it difficult to recall the plot of the film. Likewise, when we fail to empathize with a target, such as a film, we evoke a perception of dissimilarity. ![]() Our reading accelerates and our memory increases. Similarly, when we empathize with a target, such as a novel, our enhanced cognitive processing enables us to facilitate reading comprehension. Being attracted to individuals with similar attitudes also enables one to more accurately predict the other’s behaviors in different scenarios, providing an insight into the other’s predilections and “pet peeves” based on similarity. When it comes to attraction, Byrne’s similarity-attraction theory remains relevant today as it provides reassurance that an individual is not alone in their belief. Tversky’s work influenced marketing managers, who started adopting his use of the similarity hypothesis to help make marketing entry decisions. ![]() This has important implications for brands: when creating a new line of products, they should make it as dissimilar as possible from their current offering to prevent market cannibalization. Based on the hypothesis, he suggested that when a new product enters a market, it will take more demand from the share of a similar product than a dissimilar one. 6 Tversky influenced choice theory in economics by applying the similarity hypothesis to decision-making, changing the way modern economists approached the field. The similarity hypothesis then made its way into the field of economics and decision-making in Amos Tversky’s 1972 book, Elimination by Aspects: A Theory of Choice. Byrne’s work on similarity-attraction was so influential that further research has supported his theory, with individuals’ preference for similarity being demonstrated in various other aspects such as social habits and socioeconomic status. 5 Byrne’s similarity-attraction theory stated that individuals are generally romantically attracted to others who share similar physical characteristics and levels of physical attractiveness. Byrne further outlined that individuals associate with those who have similar personality characteristics, such as self-esteem, optimism, and conscientiousness.Īccording to Byrne, personality similarity has a key role to play in the longevity and happiness of a marriage. 4 This holds for friendships as well as romantic partners. He suggested that individuals who share similar “important attitudes” (opinions on family and values) are generally more likely to be attracted to each other, compared to individuals who share similar “less important” attitudes (opinions on a specific type of sink). Byrne’s theory was based on the similarity hypothesis. For instance, in the 1971 The Attraction Paradigm, psychologist Donn Byrne introduced the similarity-attraction theory. 3įestinger’s hypothesis has been used to explain phenomena in a diverse array of fields, from political science to marketing. Since its introduction in A Theory of Social Comparison Processes, a large amount of evidence has supported the hypothesis. Festinger’s influential social comparison theory introduced the similarity hypothesis. In 1954, Leon Festinger proposed in his social comparison theory: when individuals are uncertain of their abilities and opinions, they tend to make comparisons with other similar individuals to assess the accuracy of their own opinion. Even when it comes to making comparisons with others, we tend to look for individuals who share similar attitudes and beliefs because it can be difficult to make accurate comparisons when others are too different from us. An employee might pick up skills more quickly when assisted by a mentor they admire or identify with. An aspiring musician might remember all the lyrics to their favorite band’s albums. The experience of interacting with similar individuals jumpstarts cognitive processing, like learning, memory, attention, and reasoning. ![]() Similarities can refer to shared attitudes and values, as well as political opinions, cultural background, or even minute details like posture. ![]() The similarity hypothesis suggests that we tend to be drawn towards those who are similar to ourselves. We often relate and empathize easily with similar individuals – this is a result of the similarity hypothesis. During the trip, you find yourself effortlessly interacting with other backpackers: sharing a relatively-unknown scenic route, a local exhibition to visit, or the best bed and breakfast in town. You likely share many similarities perhaps a thrill for spontaneity, hobbies, appreciation for culture, music preferences, or food choices. Consider the closest friends you meet while backpacking abroad.
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