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Abstract

We extended earlier demonstrations of the matching phenomenon (individuals choose romantic partners who tend to match them on a variety of traits) to demonstrate several relationship issues including contrast effects, the impact of alternative mates on relationship satisfaction, and social exchange and equity theories. Students first place playing cards of differing values on their foreheads and pair with another student to achieve the highest combined card value. Students are unaware of their own card value. After all have paired, a student with a more valuable card is introduced to the mix. Students then reassess their pairings and relationship satisfaction and the process is repeated. Data indicated that this demonstration significantly enhances student knowledge of the subject material.

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Mixing,Matching,and Mating: Demonstrating the Effect of Contrast on Relationship Satisfaction

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