Lecture 10: Interpersonal Relations Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is Facial Symmetry?
The similarity of one side of the face to the other. Like a mirror image.
What is a finding of Perrett et al’s study?
Participants preferred symmetrical faces compared to non-symmetrical.
(Evolution Theory) Why are symmetrical faces more attractive?
Want to find partner with strong genes - good immune system produces offspring with good immune system. Facial symmetry signals gene strength - facial asymmetry occurs when we have developmental stress.
Symmetry suggests strong immune system - cope with developmental issues and likely to produce offspring the same.
What other facial features are attractive?
Females - smooth skin, high cheekbones (signals levels of oestrogen) Produce healthy offspring
Males - prominent brow and cheekbones, wide jaw (signals levels of testosterone). Produce health offspring.
Why do people prefer symmetrical bodies?
Male bodily symmetry related to sperm speed and number of sperm per ejaculate.
Female breast symmetry related to reproductive ability.
What bodily features are preferred?
Women with hourglass shape. WHR 0.70 - greater reproductive ability.
Men with broad shoulders and narrow waist - produce strong offspring.
How important is attractiveness on romantic attraction in males and females?
Males prefer attractive partners and females preferred good financial prospects. Similar results for attraction in gay men
What is the Lonely Hearts Advert?
Men described financial prospects and wanted attractive women
Women described attractiveness and wanted financial prospects.
What is Proximity?
How physically close you are to a person. It can predict psychological attraction. Increases likeliness of becoming friends.
What are the findings of Festinger’s study?
65% of friends lived in same building
Within building:
- 41% next door neighbours were friends
- 22% two doors apart were friends
- 10% at opposite ends of hall were friends
More likely to be friends if physically close
Why is proximity so influential?
Easier to get to know someone if they live close. More often you see someone more familiar they are to you. Familiarity leads to increased liking.
What is Psychological Familiarity?
How familiar someone is to you. How frequent you see someone.
What are the findings of Moreland and Beach’s study?
Frequency increased liking.
Preferred people they seen more often (familiar)
Preference in absence of any interaction.
What is Psychological Similarity?
How similar somebody is to you. Have the same interests.
What are the findings of Bryne’s study?
People liked others who were similar to themselves (more similarity, more liking)
What is Law of Attraction?
Attraction is positively associated with the similarity between two people
