Accurately Detecting Flirting: Error Management Theory, the Traditional Sexual Script, and Flirting Base Rate

Abstract

The present manuscript reports two studies on the accuracy of flirting detection. In Study 1, 52 pairs (N = 104) of opposite-sex heterosexual strangers interacted for 10-12 minutes, then self-reported flirting and perceived partner flirting. The results indicated that interactions where flirting did not occur were more accurately perceived than interactions where flirting occurred. In Study 2, 26 one minute video clips drawn from Study 1 were randomly assigned to one of eight experimental conditions that varied flirting base rate and the traditional sexual script. Participant observers (N = 261) attempted to determine if flirting occurred. Results indicated that base rate affected accuracy; flirting was more accurately detected in clips where flirting did not occur than in clips where flirting occurred. Study 2 also indicated that female targets’ flirting was more accurately judged than male targets’ flirting. Findings are discussed in relation to accuracy and courtship context.