Final answer:
College students generally judge an average, composite face as attractive due to the symmetrical and widely appreciated features that such faces often possess.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research suggests that a composite face, created by averaging features from many different faces, is often judged as attractive by viewers. This is because average features are typically symmetrical and tend to combine traits that are commonly found as attractive across various individuals. Composite faces smooth out anomalies and imperfections, leading to a face that is more likely to be seen as aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, the answer to the question posed would be: a) Attractive. The universal factors contributing to attractiveness, such as facial symmetry and certain bodily proportions, are well-documented across genders. In women, features like large eyes, high cheekbones, and a lower waist-to-hip ratio play a part, while men are often judged for height, broad shoulders, and narrow waist. Social traits also factor into attractiveness, with differing traits being valued in female and male partners. In addition, the matching hypothesis states that individuals often seek partners who they perceive as equal in attractiveness and social desirability, further suggesting that we gravitate towards an average that aligns with our own self-perception.