Research Symposium

BIO

Jacq Caughell is a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and has been awarded Dean's List and President's List academic awards for three consecutive semesters. They work as a research assistant in Dr. Andrea Meltzer's Attraction and Close Relationships lab studying the formation, maintenance, and deterioration of romantic relationships. After graduation, Jacq plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology with a specialization in sexology.

Studying Attraction Through Virtual Speed Dating

Abstract

Presently, romantic selectivity and factors of initial attraction are poorly understood given the methodological challenges. To enhance understanding, studies have employed speed dating events to examine associations between an individual’s basic romantic preferences and their relationship outcome. To test these associations, participants aged 18-24 at Florida State University (N = 66; 33 = female, 33 = male) were enrolled in a virtual speed dating paradigm. These Zoom events consisted of 8 to 12 brief speed dates for each participant and surveys measuring partner interest were administered after each date. In pairs with reciprocated interest, virtual first dates were held, and follow-up surveys of partner satisfaction were administered over the next four weeks. Over the period of study, 4 speed dating events were hosted from October 6, 2025 to November 4, 2025. Results indicated that 42 total matches were formed, averaging 10.5 matches per event with 41 participants having at least one match. Both genders were about equally selective, as 21 females had at least one match (63.6%), while 20 males had at least one match (60.6%). These findings diverge from prior research suggesting women are more selective in identifying romantic partners, as both genders demonstrated about equal selectivity. This increases the possibility for new insights into attraction and relationship formation. Further research is needed to examine the relationship formation of individuals outside the profile of educated young adults, as well as to examine same-sex relationship formation.

Keywords: Psychology, Romantic relationships, Virtual speed dating