Article Title

Olfactory Recognition in Couples

Authors

Kristin R. DeMars, South Dakota State University
Joshua M. Seezs, South Dakota State University

Faculty Mentor

Debra Spear

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to examine if couples can recognize the body odor of their significant other in a t-shirt worn for two days. Nine couples were in the experimental group (couples who had been dating at least six months), while the control group consisted of eight women and seven men (strangers to each other at the beginning of the study). The hypothesis that previous experience improves correct olfactory identification was not supported. When compared to women in the control group, men in the control group were better at recognizing their own shirt. When compared to men in the control group, women in the control group were better at identifying the shirt of a specific male participant.

Recommended Citation

DeMars, Kristin R. and Seezs, Joshua M. (2004) "Olfactory Recognition in Couples," The Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2, Article 8.
Available at: https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/jur/vol2/iss1/8