Do the Maasai perceive weak walkers to be stronger and more attractive than strong walkers? A re-analysis of Fink et al . (2019)

Reply to Durkee: ‘Do the Maasai perceive weak walkers to be stronger and more attractive than strong walkers? A re-analysis of Fink et al . (2019)’

“…Considering these factors in the analytic approach may account for differences in the results with regards to conventional levels of significance (0.05) [6,7]. Taking the results of our analysis together with the results reported by Durkee [5], we contend that the interpretation should be that the Maasai perception of strength from gait may not follow previously reported patterns in Western samples. Whether this finding extends to other pre-industrial societies is unclear and needs to be investigated.…”

“…In contrast to the results of previous studies with Western samples, Massai men and women judged the gait of strong (British) men less attractive (and weaker) than those of weak men. Durkee [5] presents a re-analysis of these data and concludes that these unexpected results could be owing to the increased likelihood of false positives, in consequence of averaging across groups of stimuli (i.e. the means for 'strong' and 'weak' walkers, respectively).…”

“…the means for 'strong' and 'weak' walkers, respectively). Durkee's [5] re-analysis, using a mixed-modelling approach (i.e. an ordinal mixed-effect model), performed separately for attractiveness and strength assessments, indicates 'no difference' in judgements of strong and weak walkers.…”

“…an ordinal mixed-effect model), performed separately for attractiveness and strength assessments, indicates 'no difference' in judgements of strong and weak walkers. Durkee [5] also addresses the lack of statistical power in Fink et al [4] attributable to precategorization (by HGS) and selection of a subset of stimuli (n ¼ 20) from a larger sample of male walkers. Durkee's [5] re-analysis produces a positive association of attractiveness and strength perception in the Maasai.…”

“…We were challenged with the question as to whether in the Massai the finding of weak walkers being judged more positively is plausible. Durkee's [5] re-analysis suggests caution in interpreting this result, which certainly requires replication, in addition to careful consideration of the choice of statistical analysis. However, considering this present and previous reports, our conclusion is that there may be culture-specific variation in the assessment of male strength from gait, such that, in contrast to other societies, the Maasai may be less concerned with physical strength but emphasize endurance-related traits, given their semi-nomadic pastoralist lifestyle and socio-cultural settings.…”