'I know what boys want'

27 February 2015 - 02:41 By Poppy Louw
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FACTS OF LIFE: Heidi Bottcher's research into teen stereotyping has won her a top science award
FACTS OF LIFE: Heidi Bottcher's research into teen stereotyping has won her a top science award
Image: ESKOM EXPO

A grade 9 pupil from Fish Hoek High School, in Cape Town, has become South Africa's first young scientist to receive a top award at the Taiwan International Science Fair.

Heidi Bottcher, 14, was intrigued by the stereotyping of boys by teenage girls, most of whom believe that males are attracted by superficial qualities. She decided to challenge what she suspected were gross misconceptions.

Her findings debunked many of girls' stereotypes about boys, and revealed that boys were more attracted by personality than by a "nice" body and dating experience.

Bottcher found that 71.83% of boys at her school said they were attracted to an average-looking girl with an "awesome" personality, but 67.05% of girls thought boys would be most interested in girls with amazing looks and an average personality.

Nearly 79% of girls said boys were attracted to confident girls, and 78.51% said boys liked funny girls, but 75.80% of boys said confidence was important and 84.08% humour.

More than 30% of girls said that sexual activity, and being a great kisser (19%),would attract boys.

Girls rated politeness, smartness, beautiful hair and a good dress sense lower than boys.

A strong faith was attractive to 34.39% of boys, but only 19.01% of the girls had thought so.

"Pretty" girls who did not brush their teeth, took drugs and smelled bad turned off half of the boys, but less than a quarter of girls thought drugs would prevent boys from asking them out on a date.

Bottcher surveyed nearly 400 pupils in grades 8 to 12.

She wants to study psychiatry at university level.

She won a silver medal in the social and behavioural sciences category, and a cash prize in the Taiwan competition.

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