Research indicates that traditional values regarding the family are learned early in life and tend to change slowly, if at all. Therefore, it is probable that values and preferences expressed in mate selection would vary little from one generation to the next. A replication of a study first conducted in 1939 which concentrated on male attitudes and values in mate selection was updated using 737 single college males from 29 universities located in 22 states and 6 different geographical regions. Each student completed a questionnaire in which he rated 18 personal characteristics considered to be desirable in a prospective mate. Mean ratings were computed for each characteristic and rank ordered for comparison with previous studies. The hypothesis that present-day males' preferences in mate selection are significantly different from previous generations was not fully supported by the results. For the first time, the characteristics of mutual attraction became the most important consideration. The traits labeled "desire for home and children" and "good cook and housekeepers" declined more in importance than any of the other traits. While regional differences were significant, there were few differences between ethnic groups and no significant differences between divorced males and males who had never been married. (Author)