Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Psychology - Paper 3 > Relationships > Flashcards

Relationships Flashcards

(92 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What is anisogamy?

A

The difference between male and female sex cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the differences between male and female sex cells?

A

Male = small, cheap, many
Female = large, expensive, few

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is intrasexual selection?

A

Mate competition. Endearing traits e.g. stronger, aggressive, large antlers passed on

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What characteristics are males attracted to in females?

A

Fertility
Young
Healthy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is intersexual selection?

A

Mate choice. Certain traits are shown off. A demonstration of good genes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What characteristics are females attracted to in males?

A

Signs of fertility
Ability to protect and support offspring

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Explain Buss’ study including sample, findings and limitations:

A

10,000+ adults in 37 cultures. Asked to rate traits of perfect partners
Found that in 36 cultures women more than men value earning potential
Found that in 34 cultures men more than women value physical attributes and in 37 cultures men prefer women younger than themselves
Both men and women value intelligence, kindness and dependability

However it is a preference rather than a choice

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What does Buss’ study support?

A

Intersexual selection

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Explain Clark and Hatfield’s study including sample, findings and limitations:

A

Went around uni campus and asked men and women series of questions:
50% of both genders agreed to a first date.
75% men said yes to sex
0% of women said yes to sex
Found men value quantity over quality whereas women are the opposite

However small sample (90ppl)
Not generalisable as on a uni campus
Not actual behaviour

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What does Clark and Hatfield’s study support?

A

Anisogamy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the issue and debate for evolutionary explanations for partner preferences?

A

Biological reductionism - Not all biological as individual differences play a huge part in mate selection e.g. homosexual relationships where there is no reproductive success and no evolutionary advantage

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is self disclosure?

A

The process of DELIBERATELY revealing SIGNIFICANT information about oneself that would NOT NORMALLY BE KNOWN by others.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the risks of self disclosure?

A

Can be shared onwards
Others gain power
Others can reject/disapprove

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the stages of social penetration theory?

A

Suggests layers need to be peeled back
1. Orientation - small talk
2. Exploratory affective exchange - increased breadth and depth of topics
3. Affective exchange - more personal, conflicts may begin
4. Stable exchange - deepest thoughts and feelings - romantic partner, family, close friends

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is breadth in relation to self disclosure?

A

Number of topics a person feels comfortable discussing in a relationship. Wide range = likely common ground = meet more people

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is depth in relation to self disclosure?

A

How personal or deep our communication with others is

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is reciprocity in relation to self disclosure?

A

Turn taking, one person discloses then the other person discloses

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the evaluation of self disclosure?

A

Research support - pps wrote diary entries about relationships. More self disclosure = more intimacy
Nomothetic and reductionist - too simplified and could benefit from ideographic approach
Cultural differences - Individualist Western culture may not apply to collectivist - more intimacy in US than China but satisfaction high in both

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the Halo Effect?

A

Physically attractive people are consistently rated kind, strong, sociable and successful. Preconceived ideas about personality traits of attractive people

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the matching hypothesis?

A

People choose partners who are of similar attractiveness to them. Best we can get. More likely to be happy than if mismatched

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is Walster’s computer dance study?

A

Hypothesis: We look for partners of similar attractiveness to ourselves.
Invited males and females to a dance. Rated on attractiveness . Completed a questionnaire about themselves and told they would be matched on this but were paired randomly

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What were Walster’s findings and conclusions demonstrated by the computer dance study?

A

Hypothesis not supported. Most liked were most attractive.
HOWEVER another study allowed selection on attractiveness and pps tended to choose people of similar attractiveness
Found we match partners on our own attractiveness rather than rearing rejection by going ‘out of our league’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the evaluation of physical attractiveness (Halo Effect)?

A

Research - Walster - stay in our league
Individual differences - each person has a preference
Nomothetic - may not be generalisable to everyone should do ideographic approach in order to study in more depth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is meant by field of availables?

A

Everyone who is available

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What is meant by field of desirables?
People you want to have a relationship with
26
What are the three levels of filter theory?
1. Social demography 2. Similarity in attitudes 3. Complementarity of needs
27
What does the first level of filter, social demography, mean?
Factors than influence the meeting in the first place e.g. ethnic group, social class, level of education, geographical location More likely to form relationships if someone is similar to us
28
What is the first level of the filter theory?
Social demography
29
What is the second level of the filter theory?
Similarity of attitudes
30
What is the third level of the filter theory?
Complementary of needs
31
What does the second level of filter, similarity in attitudes, mean?
Important for couples of less than 18 months as promote self disclosure Law of attraction - if initial similarity does not exist then relationship is likely to end
32
What does the third level of filter, complementary of needs, mean?
Ability of romantic partners to meet each others needs. More important for long term couples as at a later stage opposites attract. 'Form a whole' if complementary which adds depth to the relationship
33
What is the evaluation of Filter Theory?
Research support from Kerchkoff and Davies Lack of temporal validity Reductionist
34
What is Kerchoff and Davies research to support Filter Theory?
94 students. Compared relationships of under 18 months to over 18 months. Self report questionnaires used to look at shared values/attitudes and complementarity of needs. Found under 18 months = attitude similarity Over 18 months = Complimentary of needs
35
What does the Social Exchange Theory (SET) suggest about romantic relationships?
Maximise rewards and profit Minimise costs Uses comparison levels Has four stages of relationship development
36
What are examples of rewards that may be gained from a relationship?
Love Sex Companionship Support
37
What are examples of costs that may come from being in a relationship?
Time Effort Money spent Opportunities lost Risk involved
38
What is the comparison level?
Subjective individual perception of how much reward you deserve in a relationship.
39
What is comparison level based off?
Previous relationships Cultural influences e.g. media
40
What would make a relationship worth pursuing?
If it's equal to or better than previous relationship
41
What is the comparison level for alternates?
Weigh up increase in rewards from alternate partner compared to costs associated with losing current relationship
42
What are the four stages of relationship development as suggested by the SET?
Sampling stage Bargaining stage Commitment stage Institutionalisation
43
What is the sampling stage as suggested by the SET?
Explore costs and benefits either by experience or observation
44
What is the bargaining stage as suggested by the SET?
First romantic stage. Negotiate dynamics of relationship. Rewards vs costs
45
What is the commitment stage as suggested by the SET?
Stable relationship. Familiar with costs and rewards. Costs decrease and rewards increase
46
What is institutionalisation as suggested by the SET?
Relationship norms established. Pattern of rewards and costs understood
47
What is the evaluation of the SET?
Reductionist Argyle - cause and effect Vague concepts
48
How is the SET reductionist?
Doesn't explain why people stay in abusive relationships - lack of rewards and massive costs
49
How does Argyle contradict the SET?
Relationships rarely assessed before feeling unsatisfied Assessing rewards and costs only occurs after dissatisfaction is discovered, not before as the SET suggests
50
Why could the SET be accused of having vague concepts?
Rewards and costs are highly subjective Not clear how much the costs should outweigh the rewards before moving on
51
What does the equity theory contain?
Role of equity Equality Consequences of inequity
52
What does the equity theory suggest the role of equity is in relationships?
Concerned about fairness in relationships People get approximately what they deserve Level of profit is the same for everyone
53
What are the consequences of inequity?
Over-benefitting - guilt, shame, discomfort Under-benefitting - distress, anger, dissatisfaction
54
What is the evaluation for equity theory?
Research support - Hatfield Cultural limitations Individual differences
55
How does Hatfield's study support equity theory?
Looked at over/under-benefitting people Under = angry and deprived Over = guilty and uncomfortable
56
How is the equity theory suffering from a culture bias?
Equity more important in individualist Western cultures than collectivist cultures Collectivist - most satisfied when over-benefitting
57
Why may individual differences be a limitation to the equity theory?
Some less sensitive to inequity and are prepared to give more Some want to over-benefit - don't feel guilty
58
What is the investment model of relationships?
Relationship satisfaction Quality of alternatives Investment size CAN LEAD TO Commitment Relationship stability Relationship maintenance strategies
59
What is the main factor for staying in relationships according to the investment model of relationships?
Commitment - made an investment they don't want to lose, work hard in tough situations within their relationship Explains abusive relationships
60
Who created the investment model of relationships?
Rusbult
61
What are the different relationship maintenance strategies?
Accommodation - not tally costs and rewards Willingness to sacrifice - partners interests first Forgiveness Positive illusions - unrealistically positive about partners qualities Ridiculing alternatives
62
What is the evaluation of the investment model of relationships?
Research support - Le and Agnew Explains abusive relationships Reductionist - oversimplifies investment - Agnew
63
How does Le and Agnew's study show support for the investment model of relationships?
Meta-analysis of 52 studies - 11,000 pps Commitment defining feature Satisfaction, investment size and comparison of alternatives contribute to commitment Increase reliability of model
64
How does the investment model of relationships explain abusive relationships?
Don't want to lose investment though costs high and rewards low Applies to everyday scenarios
65
How is the investment model of relationships reductionist?
Plans for future a massive part as they want to see those plans realised Demonstrates investment is more complex than theory suggests
66
What are the stages of Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown?
Intra-psychic phase Dyadic phase Social phase Grave-dressing phase
67
In relation to Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown what is the intra-psychic stage?
Cognitive processes occurring within the individual Private Think about partners shortcomings Cost/benefit analysis and consider alternatives "I can't stand this anymore"`
68
In relation to Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown what is the dyadic phase?
Discussion between the partners Either: end relationship or desire to repair relationship Self-disclosure becomes deeper Can lead to increased intimacy "I'd be justified in withdrawing"
69
In relation to Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown what is the social phase?
Involve social network Normally point of no return "I mean it"
70
What are the different opinions the members of the social network can take when involved in a breakup during the social stage?
Some pick sides Some provide reinforcement (always said you were too good for them) Some act as mediators (try to fix)
71
In relation to Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown what is the grave-dressing stage?
Favourable story on the breakup for public knowledge - put themselves in a favourable light Reframing of memories
72
What is the evaluation for Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown?
Real life application - marriage guidance Descriptive not explanatory (how not why) Culture bias
73
How is Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown limited by explaining how not why relationships breakdown?
Doesn't say why it happens so we cannot stop from happening in the first place However Another study by Duck: Suggests caused by either Lack of skills Lack of stimulation Maintenance difficulties
74
How is Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown demonstrating a culture bias?
Based on individualist cultures where divorce is easy and ending relationships is voluntary Collectivist cultures: relationships may be arranged by families Therefore have a big family influence and breakups will be more complex Duck limited as not universal
75
What are the characteristics of virtual relationships in social media?
Comes without paralanguage Reduced cues Increased self disclosure early on Hyperpersonal model Absence of gating
76
What is paralanguage?
Form of non-verbal communication that allows people to add layers of meaning to their spoken utterances through the manipulation of the manner of speech or the way they say things
77
Why may virtual relationships have reduced cues?
Sproul - less honest and open due to less cues e.g. facial expression and tone of voice Reduction in communication leads to de-individuation and more aggression - less self disclosure
78
What is the hyperpersonal model?
Walther - suggests self disclosure occurs earlier in online relationships 'Boom and bust' as hard to maintain original intensity Also suggests online may feel more intimate as easier to self-disclose in a positive light Falsify angelic qualities
79
Why is there an absence of gating in virtual relationships?
Barriers e.g. appearance, mannerisms, age and ethnicity are removed, so shy and less attractive people can develop a relationship
80
What is a gate in a relationship?
A feature or obstacle that could interfere with development in a relationship
81
What is the evaluation for virtual relationships?
Support for absence of gating - Valkenburg Temporal validity Beta bias
82
What is Valkenburg's research into the absence of gating?
Leads to higher levels of perceived intimacy and understanding compared to face to face relationships
83
How does evidence into virtual relationships lack temporal validity?
Out of date very quickly Most research took place before 2000's New apps e.g. snapchat, tiktok may mean different ways of forming relationships occur
84
How do virtual relationships impose a beta bias?
Assume men and women's experiences on virtual relationships are the same but: Men prefer common disclosure face to face and prefer small talk finding online relationships less close Women rated their relationships formed online as more intimate, and valued self-disclosure
85
What are parasocial relationships?
One-sided attachments individuals develop with media figures, where they feel a strong sense of connection and intimacy even though the relationship isn't reciprocated
86
What are the three levels in forming celebrity based parasocial relationships?
Entertainment social - celebrity is source of gossip/entertainment Intense personal - intense feelings towards celebrity which may border on obsession Borderline pathological - uncontrollable behaviours/fantasies, linked to an addiction and may involve delusions
87
What is the absorption addiction model?
Suggest parasocial relationships may form due to loneliness and fear of rejection Linked to poor body image and poor mental health
88
What are the different attachment theory explanations?
Bowlby - lack of monotropy = seeking substitutes in adulthood Ainsworth - suggest insecure resistant individuals (clingy) more prone to developing parasocial relationships as have a fear of criticism and rejection Proximity seeking Secure base Distress when separated
89
What is the evaluation of parasocial relationships?
Research support - Kienlen Cross-cultural support - Schmid Methodological issues
90
How does Kienlen's research link to parasocial relationships?
Disturbed attachment in shildhood may lead to borderline-pathological level Investigated stalkers and found 63% experienced loss of a caregiver and 50% had experienced abuse
91
How does Schmid's research give cross-cultural support to parasocial relatioships?
Universally applicable Studied parasocial relationships with Harry Potter characters Similar levels of worship in Germany (individualist) and Mexico (collectivist) cultures
92
What are the methodological issues with research into parasocial relationships?
Rely on self-report methods e.g. interviews/questionnaires May lead to social desirability bias Lowers validity and make it less applicable to real life

Psychology - Paper 3 (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions