Abstract
The primary objective of this dissertation was to determine which of three theories of dating preferences affords the best explanation and understanding of dating behavior as practiced currently on college campuses. More specifically, the research tested Waller's materialistic-competitive theory (1937) which posits that women are dated because of such characteristics as looks, dress, and popularity with men; Blood's personality theory (1955) which maintains that women are dated because they exhibit such characteristics as consideration and cheerfulness; and finally, Reiss's social class theory (1971) which asserts that social class influences not only one's looks and personality, but also one's dating behavior. Three hundred twenty-five casually dating women attending Stephen F. Austin State University in the fall of 1972 were sent questionnaires. Three statistical techniques were used in analyzing the data, contingency tables, correlation and regression coefficients. All three techniques indicated that Waller's materialistic-competitive theory was the best predictor of college women's dating behavior.
Spreadbury, Constance Lizotte (1976). A test of three theories of dating preference. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -184586.