Date created: | Last Updated:

Category: Methods and Measures

Description: Opening gambits, informally known as pick-up lines, are generally used between strangers to spark a conversation with the intent to initiate a romantic relationship. There are three styles of opening gambits: flippant, innocuous, and direct. Existing research suggests that these gambit types differ in overall effectiveness, depending partially on the context. A potential factor that could play a role in the effectiveness of an opening gambit is the physical appearance of the contributor. A person’s physical appearance can be a factor that influences how they are viewed by others, leading to stereotyped expectations and responses. This study addressed the possibility that opening gambit expectations would differ as a function of physical attractiveness of the contributor.