MHC and Mate Selection Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was the objective of the study regarding T-shirts and MHC?

To determine the effects of T-shirt fabric on human attraction

To investigate how MHC influences human mate choice (correct)

To assess the physical condition of participants while wearing T-shirts

To evaluate the impact of different colors on T-shirt preferences

How did women perceive male body odors in relation to their own MHC?

More pleasant when different from their own MHC (correct)

Less pleasant regardless of MHC similarity

More pleasant when similar to their own MHC

Equally pleasant regardless of MHC similarity

What effect did oral contraceptives have on women's odor assessment?

Increased the accuracy of their odor scoring

Reversed their assessment of odor pleasantness (correct)

Made them indifferent to any odor

Enhanced their ability to distinguish between odors

What aspect of the study design minimized demand characteristics?

Double-blind methodology Signup and view all the answers

What criticism was directed towards the theory proposed by the study?

It is too reductionist in overlooking other influences Signup and view all the answers

What was one area identified for further research beyond initial attraction?

Long-term relationship dynamics and satisfaction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was part of the study's ethical considerations?

Consent was obtained and participants were debriefed Signup and view all the answers

What potential implications did the study's findings have on reproductive health?

They related to MHC compatibility and fertility issues Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)?

To facilitate the recognition of pathogens by the immune system Signup and view all the answers

How are MHC genes inherited from parents?

Co-dominantly from both parents Signup and view all the answers

What was the main aim of Wedekind's 1995 study?

To determine the impact of MHC on mate selection Signup and view all the answers

What role did menstrual cycle timing play in the experiment's procedure?

Women were tested during menstruation to increase their odor sensitivity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a requirement for participants before wearing the t-shirts?

Using perfume on the t-shirts Signup and view all the answers

What was observed about couples suffering from repeated miscarriages in relation to their MHC?

They usually share a higher proportion of MHC compared to control couples Signup and view all the answers

What effect did MHC detection have on a woman's mate selection, according to the research?

It plays a key role in searching for the 'best mate'. Signup and view all the answers

What precaution did women take prior to the study related to their nasal capabilities?

They used a nose spray for mucous regeneration. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

MHC and Mate Selection

MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) is a group of genes vital to the immune system.
MHC genes create molecules that help the immune system identify pathogens.
The greater diversity of MHC genes in parents leads to a stronger immune system in offspring.
MHC genes are co-dominantly expressed, meaning both parents contribute equally to the offspring's MHC profile.

Wedekind (1995) Study

Aim: To explore the influence of MHC on mate selection.
Procedure: A double-blind experiment involving 49 female and 44 male university students.
Participants' MHC profiles were determined, with diverse MHC representation.
Men wore T-shirts for two nights, stored in sealed bags during the day, instructed to avoid perfumes, deodorants, alcohol, and smoking.
Women ranked the scent of seven T-shirts: three from men with similar MHC, three from men with dissimilar MHC, and one unworn control.
Women were tested during the second week after menstruation due to heightened odor sensitivity.
Women rated the intensity, pleasantness, and sexiness of the scents.
Findings: Women rated scents from men with dissimilar MHC as more pleasant. This effect was reversed in women taking oral contraceptives.

Implications and Limitations

The study suggests a potential evolutionary basis for mate selection in humans, supporting the idea of MHC influencing odor preference.
The study has been successfully replicated.
The double-blind design minimizes demand characteristics.
The study adhered to ethical standards, including consent and debriefing.
However, the sample might not be representative due to its age and cultural homogeneity.
Critics argue the theory is reductionist, oversimplifying human mate selection by overlooking cognitive and sociocultural factors.
Further research is needed to clarify the role of MHC in long-term relationship dynamics and its overall impact on relationship satisfaction and stability.

Ronay and von Hippel (2010)

Aim: Investigate the influence of evolutionary factors on male skateboarding behavior.
Aim: Determine if men take greater risks in the presence of attractive females compared to males.
Aim: Examine the potential role of testosterone in this behavior.

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Description

This quiz examines the relationship between Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and mate selection based on the study by Wedekind (1995). It focuses on how MHC diversity influences human attraction through scent preferences in a double-blind experiment. Test your knowledge of the immune system's role in partner choice.