A series of field studies
focused on the role of similarity as niche construction in friendships. Using a
free-range dyad harvest method, we collected 11 independent samples with 1,523
interacting pairs, and compared dyad members' personality traits, attitudes,
values, recreational activities, and alcohol and drug use. Within-dyad
similarity was statistically significant on 86% of variables measured.
To
determine whether similarity was primarily attributable to niche construction
(i.e., selection) or social influence, we tested whether similarity increased
as closeness, intimacy, discussion, length of relationship, and importance of
the attitude increased. There were no effects on similarity of closeness,
relationship length, or discussion of the attitude. There were quite modest
effects of intimacy, and a reliable effect of the shared importance of the
attitude.
Because relationship length, intimacy, closeness, and discussion can
all serve as markers of opportunity for, or potency of social influence, these
data are consistent with the "niche construction" account of
similarity. In 2 follow-up controlled longitudinal field studies, participants
interacted with people they did not know from their large lecture classes, and
at a later time completed a survey of attitudes, values, and personality
traits. Interacting pairs were not more similar than chance, but for the 23% of
dyads that interacted beyond the first meeting, there was significant
similarity within dyad members.
These 2 lines of inquiry converge to suggest
that similarity is mainly due to niche construction, and is most important in
the early stages of a relationship; its importance to further relationship
development wanes.
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J Pers Soc Psychol. 2016 Feb 1
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