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SJ-userguide.pdf

Back, M.D., Schmukle, S.C., & Egloff, B. (2008). Becoming friends by chance. Psychological Science, 19, 439-440.  DOI:  10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02106.x

Summary: This study examines whether physical proximity and group assignment during an initial encounter affect decisions to friendship decisions.

Questions to consider:

1. Describe the rationale regarding why physical proximity might affect whether people become friends or not.
2. Explain how the researchers gathered the data.
3. Did the results confirm their expectations?

Finkel, E.J., Eastwick, P.W., Karney, B.R., Reis, H.T., & Sprecher, S. (2012). Online dating: A critical analysis from the perspective of psychological science. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 13, 3-66.  DOI:  10.1177/1529100612436522

Summary: This research examines whether online dating provides advantages that in-person dating might not provide. The authors examine whether access, communication, and matching.

Questions to consider:

1. Explain the aspects of access, communication, and matching provided by online dating websites.
2. In what ways does online dating differ from in-person dating?
3. Describe how online dating has altered the dating scene overall.
4. What is the science behind matching people via online platforms?
5. Using evidence presented in the article, in what ways is online dating superior to traditionally dating and why?