Relationships Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is sexual selection
Sexual selection is an evolutionary explanation of partner preferences.
. Attributes or behaviours that increase reproductive success are passed on and may become exaggerated over succeeding generations of offspring.- THIS IS CALLED RUNAWAY PROCESS.
What is anisogamy
Anisogamy is the difference between female and male sex cells.
Quantity ( sperm)
Sperm is small and mobile.
Less physiologically cost
Sperm is produced in thousands everyday at a continuous basis.
. Therefore , males aim to mate with as many females as possible in hopes of passing their genes down to their offspring.
Quality ( egg cells )
. Female eggs are produced at intervals for a limited amount of time.
. More physiologically demanding.
. Stagnant
. Females have to choose the best male to pass on their genes.
What is inter sexual selection
It is the preferred stragery that females use to select males. ( between the sexes)
. Quality over quantity
Trivers ( 1972) ( Inter sexual selection )
Trivers stated that females make a greater investment in time , commitment and other resources and therefore the females optimum mating strategy is to select a genetically fit partner who can provide resources.
Fisher ( 1930) sexy sons hypothesis
A female mates with a male with a desirable characteristic and this sexy trait is inherited by her son. This ensures succession over generations .
What is intra sexual selection
It is male competition within the sexes.
Males compete with each other for a female and which characteristic that contributed to his victory is passed down to his offspring.
THIS LEADS TO SEXUAL DIMORPHISM: differences in appearance between males and females.
Intra sexual selection ( behavioural consequences )
Intra sexual selection can lead to behavioural consequences. The characteristics that are passed on are those that allow a male to outcompete his rivals. E.g aggresiveness
Evaluation : research support for inter sexual selection
P= One strength of the evolutionary explanation of partner preference is that there is clear research support for inter sexual selection.
E= For example , Clark and Hatfield ( 1989) sent university students across campus and approached other students asking if they would go to bed with me tonight? Not a single female accepted the request , whereas 75% males did immediately.
E= This suggests that females are more choosy in the selection of their partners as no females accepted any requests. This corroborates the inter sexual selection explanation as it states that females emphasise on careful consideration towards the selection of their partners to ensure desired traits are inherited by their offspring. This will be passed down to successive generations. Furthermore Trivers stated that females invest more time and effort within relationships hence it is important for them to be
choosy.
L= This is a strength because it supports the view that females are more choosier than males when it comes to selecting sexual partners and males have evolved a different strategy to ensure reproductive success .
Research support for intra sexual selection
P= one strength of evolutionary explanation for partner preferences is that there is clear research support for intra sexual selection.
E= For example, Buss carried out a survey of over 10,000 adults in 33 countries. He found that females place d greater value on resource related characteristics than males.
E= This suggests that males select physical attractiveness and females chose financial stability. Males will compete with each other to get the best female with their characteristics.
L= This is a strength because there is research support for intra sexual selection.
Social and cultural issues
P= one limitation is that evolutionary theories overlook the influences of social and cultural factors on partner preference.
E= for example partner preferences over the past century have undoubtedly been influenced by rapidly changing social norms of behaviour. Women’s greater role on the workplace means they are no longer dependent on men to provide for them.
E=This suggests that evolutionary partner preferences may not apply to this society and this generation.Tamas Bereczkeir et al argue that this social change has consequences for women’s male preferences , which may no longer be resource orientated.
L= This is a limitation because partner preferences today are likely to be the outcome of a combination of evolutionary and cultural influences.Any theory that fails to account for both is a limited explanation. This study has low temporal validity because over time this study can be generalised to this society this is because in this society both genders are treated equally.
What is self disclosure
Self disclosure is revealing personal information about yourself. This increases as romantic relationships develop and strengthens a bond when used appropriately. This is a key factor in attraction.
Altman and Taylor ( social penetration theory )
. The process of self disclosure allows individuals to penetrate deeper into the life of their partner increasing Intimacy and trust.
. Gradual release
Requires reciprocal exchange between partners.
Breadth
Breadth refers to the extent of range of topics covered within a particular area of study.
At the beginning of the relationship partners reveal low risk information about theirselves however as the relationship develops individuals will share more intimate and personal information.
Depth
Depth is the detailed exploration of a specific topic or concept.
Finding the balance between breadth and depth
High levels of breadth result in low levels of depth due to many topics being off limits. Reduces emotional impact and opportunities to show empathy.
The key to maintaining a developing and intimate relationship is a balance between depth nd breadth through reciprocal self disclosure of information from both parties.
Depenetration
Depenetration describes how dissatisfied partners self disclose less as they gradually disengage from the relationships.
Reis and shaver ( reciprocity)
For relationships to develop as well as increase in breadth and depth there need to be a reciprocal element to self disclosure.
Partners are expected to respond with empathy and also share sensitive and intimate information.
