[Air-l] special issue

[mwhitty]

Apologies for cross posting:

Some people on the list might be interested in contributing:


Special Issue - Call for Papers
Matchmaking methods in the 21st Century

Guest Editors: Dr. Monica Whitty (Queen's University Belfast) and Dr. Tom
Buchanan (University of Westminster) 

Submission deadline: 10th December 2007

Method of submission: All manuscripts should be prepared in a word document
and emailed to Dr. Tom Buchanan on buchant at wmin.ac.uk

Issue scope
Singles these days have a multitude of formalised methods to choose from to
seek out a romantic partner. What might be classed as more old fashioned
methods, such as personal ads, dating agencies and blind dates are still
used by some. However, more contemporary methods both online and offline are
increasing in popularity. Despite this increase, there is a dearth of
academic research examining the utility of these matchmaking methods, the
types of people using them, and the motivations to use them.

A variety of types of online dating services exist online which require a
payment from individuals. Social networking sites, such as MySpace and Bebo
are also set up to accommodate individuals who would like to find a romantic
partner. Some companies have even developed software for mobile phones to
alert individuals to when a potential date is within their vicinity. Further
research is needed to elucidate how people use these cyber-methods and how
successful individuals are at finding appropriate matches. 

Offline, speed dating has become a popular means of meeting potential dates.
Moreover, some reality tv shows, are dedicated to matchmaking. Some of these
shows require participants to endure some fairly gruelling tasks. Little is
known about the success or the appeal of any of these offline methods.
This Special Issue aims to present the best current work in the social
sciences on formalised matchmaking methods. We are especially interested,
but are not restricted to, both empirical and theoretical work on the
following topics:
.	Personality characteristics of users of formalised matchmaking
methods.
.	The perceived and actual pros and cons of using any of these
formalised matchmaking methods.
.	Stigmatisation associated with the use of any formalised matchmaking
method.
.	An examination of how successful any of these formalised matchmaking
methods are.
.	Identity and self-presentation issues related to formalised
matchmaking methods.

All manuscripts will be sent out for anonymous peer review. Although the
journal does accept papers in different languages, only papers in English
will be accepted for this Special Issue. Authors should consult the Notes
for Contributors for further information about submission requirements.
http://www.interpersona.org/

For further information about the Special Issue, please contact either of
the Guest Editors:

Monica Whitty: m.whitty at qub.ac.uk
Tom Buchanan: buchant at wmin.ac.uk


Dr. Monica Whitty
Queen's University Belfast
School of Psychology
David Keir Building
Northern Ireland
BT7 1NN
Phone: +44 (0)28 9097 5654
Email: m.whitty at qub.ac.uk
http://www.psych.qub.ac.uk/staff/teaching/whitty/profile/