Matchmaker, matchmaker, can you make me a match? Predicting liking between two unacquainted persons.

Abstract

This research examined liking predictions for 2 unacquainted persons made by a 3rd person who was acquainted with both targets. Both the process by which these predictions were made and the accuracy of these predictions were explored. A total of 120 women in 24 five-person groups was studied. Using a Social Relations Model (SRM) analysis (Kenny & La Voie, 1984), it was found that Ss relied on their own liking for the 2 targets, balance, and reciprocity to predict the targets' liking for each other. Evidence from notes taken about the interactions and justifications for Ss' predictions indicated that Ss used perceived similarity of the targets as a basis for liking predictions. Although Ss were somewhat accurate at predicting general popularity levels, little accuracy was found at the dyadic level