Abstract
We collected data from 55 participants (23 males and 32 females) who took part in commercial speed-dating sessions ran in the Czech Republic. Participants completed two sets of questionnaires (a) on partner preferences before they attended the session and (b) on the person they selected at the speed-dating one week after the session.
We then compared the scores between an ideal and actual partner in 6 categories (Agreeable/Committed, Resources accruing potential, Physical prowess, Emotional stability, Surgency, and Physical attractiveness) using repeated measures ANOVA. We found significantly higher scores in preferences compared to the real choice in all 6 categories.
We also found significant differences between men and women in total scores in the following categories: Resources accruing potential, Physical prowess, Emotional stability, and Surgency. In all cases women scored significantly higher.
However, we found no sex differences in ideal vs. real partner discrepancy.