Error Management Theory - Sexual Overperception Bias

Sexual Overperception Bias

Males

One of the aims of error management theory is to explain sexual overperception bias. Sexual overperception occurs when a type I error is committed by an individual. Under this type error, the individual falsely concludes that the member of the opposite sex has a sexual interest in the individual. Males are more likely than females to commit sexual overperception bias, as evidenced by previous research. Findings have found that men “overestimate women’s sexual interest” while women tend to “underestimate men’s interest”. This is likely due to the fact that the reproductive costs of sexual underperception are greater for men than the risk of making false positives. Men who perceive themselves as especially high in mate value are especially prone to experiencing this phenomenon. In addition, men who are also more inclined to pursue a short term mating strategy exhibit a more prominent case of sexual overperception bias.

Manipulation

Males and females may also manipulate each other through sexual overperception. Knowing about sexual overperception, females may flirt with males to fulfill certain wants without possessing any sexual desires for the male. However, women are not the only sex to twist the overperception bias in their favor. Approximately “71% of men” report using manipulation to gain favors, however this was done by manipulating how emotionally invested they appeared to be. Contrary to the previously reported statistics, approximately “97% of women” state that they had experienced emotional manipulation by a male. The manipulations performed by both sexes lead to conflicts in opinions on the standings of their relationships. Common statements made by males experiencing the manipulation may include the complaint of being led on by the female. As for women, complaints on moving too quickly in a relationship may arise.