The roommates problem is the least studied matching model in the literature. Researchers are focused
mostly on the stability problem of the model. Using computer simulations, this paper explores the effect
of correlation among preference lists on the satisfaction level of the participants. Our analysis showed that
higher correlation in the preference lists result in less satisfied individuals. High correlation in the
preference lists leads to competition for the few popular roommates. Therefore a few people will be very
happy for being matched with those most desired roommates but the majority will be matched with
roommates who are ranked much lower in their lists. Thus, overall satisfaction with correlated preferences
is lower than the one with random preferences. As the correlation among the preference lists increases,
the satisfaction and the happiness of the participants decreases. An estimation of a cubic equation is also
provided which helps to find out the satisfaction level of the roommates once the correlation level is
known. Correlation might be at different levels in different matching markets but this does not lessen the
importance of the correlation in the preference lists. Previous studies on the matching outcome with
correlated preferences mentioned in this study and this work also show the importance of the correlation.
Thus, it should be on the top of the check list of market designers.
. There is still a need for a better understanding on the
implications of a stable outcome in a one-sided market.Preferences are the core elements in matching
models and the assumption of random preferences is not very realistic.