Becoming Friends by Chance
Back, Schmukle & Egloff (2008) · Psychological Science, 19(5)
We use this paper in 2 places in the academy · 1 stated limit
What the study found
On their first day, 54 new students were given seats at random. A year later, students who had sat next to each other, or in the same row, rated their friendship as stronger than students who had sat further apart.
What the study cannot prove
This was one group of 54 first-year psychology students in Germany, who were given seats at random in a single introductory session. It shows that a chance meeting can matter a year later. It does not show how large the effect is for adults outside a university.
Limits we note on the exercises
This was one group of psychology students at one German university. It shows that being near someone by chance can matter a year later. It does not tell you how strong the effect is for adults.
Where we use it
We use this paper in 2 places in the academy. If the paper turned out to be wrong, we would have to change everything in this list.
In the topics · 1
Other papers used in the same places
These papers are used in the same topics and videos as this one. That does not mean the papers agree with each other. It only means that the same exercises use both.
If You Need Help, Just Ask: Underestimating Compliance With Direct Requests for Help
Flynn & Lake (2008)How Many Hours Does It Take to Make a Friend?
Hall (2019)The Surprise of Reaching Out: Appreciated More Than We Think
Liu, Rim, Min & Min (2022)The Experimental Generation of Interpersonal Closeness
Aron, Melinat, Aron, Vallone & Bator (1997)The Liking Gap in Conversations: Do People Like Us More Than We Think?
Boothby, Cooney, Sandstrom & Clark (2018)Undervaluing Gratitude: Expressers Misunderstand the Consequences of Showing Appreciation
Kumar & Epley (2018)Research
A real study. We tell you what it found, how many people were in it, and what it can't prove.
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