Interpersonal attraction as a function of social interaction

Tested the hypothesis that social interaction may lead to attraction, an idea suggested by B. Latané's animal research (see PA, Vols 48:6854 and 52:9750). Three-person groups were formed with 54 undergraduates, in which 2 of the possible pairs of Ss interacted (and got accquainted) and 1 pair did not overtly interact. All Ss sat facing each other in a triangular pattern and thus had equal access to what was said. Results support Latané's position and also reveal additional effects on assessments relating to similarity, reciprocal liking, etc. The findings are interpreted in terms of balance theory—analogously to J. M. Darley and E. Berscheid's interpretation of the effect of anticipated interaction on attraction (see record 1967-10373-001). (18 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)