The environment’s influence on mate preferences

Two studies tested the hypothesis that the degree to which individuals are selective in a location is influenced by the perceived probability that others within a given location can support reproductive goals. In Study 1 (n1⁄4 72), participants were asked to imagine themselves in various locations and asked their minimum criteria for a onenight stand. Both male and female participants were less selective in locations that were perceived to support their reproductive goals and became more selective in non-supportive locations. Study 2 (n1⁄4 300) extended and replicated the findings in a field study in which experimenters collected criteria in six locations. Limitations and implications of the current research are discussed.