In our busy, stress-filled modern times, how do people meet their life partner? In Britain, over 50% of single adults think that online dating provides the answer. Internet dating sites have become the most popular way to meet people. But is the Internet the ideal way to find their true love? The dating agencies think so. They are using science in an attempt to match people more closely with suitable partners. In the past, dating agencies just used a simple personality profile, and a hobbies and interests questionnaire to put people together. Now, however, more and more of them are using psychometric tests. These detailed psychological questionnaires were developed by scientists at the beginning of the twentieth century to recruit good spies for the First World War. Later they were used in business to find the right people for the right jobs. And now online dating agencies are using the same techniques. If you logged on to a dating agency today, you might have to answer over 200 questions about yourself and the kind of person you would like to meet. It would take a very long time.

But does it work? Yes, says Dr Tan Fellowes, a senior research scientist at one of the most popular agencies. It allows us to match people far more closely with compatible partners, so that there is a greater chance of success. So how does it work in real life? Here are two people's stories. Cathy is an attractive fitness instructor. "I was working long hours and wasn't meeting man that I was interested in, so I joined a dating agency," says Cathy. "I was matched with several men and one of them was David. When I first met him I wasn't impressed. But as we started talking, I discovered that we had a huge amount in common. I liked his attitude to life and the way he talked, and I realized that I really liked him. So, as a fitness instructor, I told him he had to get in shape!" Seven months later, Cathy and David got married. "And now I think he is the most gorgeous man in the world!" she says. Simon's experience was different. "I wanted a serious relationship and a friend suggested online dating. I had some very pleasant dates with some nice women and had a good time. All of them shared my interested film and travel, some were compatible, but there just wasn't that sparked of attraction. It was strange."

Dr Sarah Kenton agrees. She is the author of How to meet your Soulmate. She says, "Psychometric od testing is useful, but can't take account of attraction for someone because they have something you haven't got." As the old saying goes, "Opposites attract." So, perhaps science can help you find your perfect partner, but sometimes it's just down to chemistry.

(Adapted from Solutions by Paul Davies)