relationships

Question 1

which gender place a particular importance on physical attractiveness

Answer 1

males

Question 2

why is physical attractiveness important to men

Answer 2

important cue to a womens health and hence her fertility

Question 3

in what way is physical attractiveness important for women

Answer 3

short term mating eg one night stands
long term mating other factors take precedence such as resources

Question 4

who created the matching hypothesis

Answer 4

walster and walster

Question 5

what does the matching hypothesis propose

Answer 5

when initiating romantic relationships individuals seek partners whose social desirability equals their own eg physical attractiveness, social standing and intelligence

Question 6

what has to happen for matching hypothesis

Answer 6

individuals assess their own value and then select the best available candidate who is most likely to be attracted to them

Question 7

what does opting for a partner with similar social desirability do

Answer 7

maximises the chance of a successful outcome

Question 8

what’s the matching hypothesis primarily associated with

Answer 8

attractiveness alone mating choices are “realistic” to increase chances affections will be reciprocated.
-Individual considers their own ideal choice with choice of other person and the avaliablitlty of alternatives

Question 9

evaluate physical attractiveness

Answer 9

-key study walster 4 accomplices rated each of them for physical attractiveness participants completed questionnaire to assess personality told matched w/ ideal partner but random 6 months later found more positive to someone more attractive other factors didn’t affect liking the dates
+research support meltzer husbands relationship satisfaction was positively related to objective ratings of their wives attractiveness TMB wives satisfaction wasn’t correlated with husbands attractiveness
-complex matching sprecher and hatfield a person may compensate for lack of physical attractiveness with other desirable qualities such as charming personality kindness status TMB people are able to attract partners more physically attractive than them because they offer other aspects

Question 10

what is sexual selection

Answer 10

explains the evolution of characteristics such as physical attractiveness, intelligence that confer a reproductive advantage as opposed to a survival advantage therefore the ability to leave descendants

Question 11

intrasexual selection

Answer 11

when males must outcompete other members of their sex in order to gain access to the other sex eg deer rutting
-vicotrs are able to mate so pass on their genes
-whatever characteristic lead to success eg greater strength, strong antlers becomes more widespread in gene pool and traits will be passed on by victor

Question 12

intersexual selection

Answer 12

members of one sex choosing partners with specific qualities.
-memebers of the opposite sex who possess these qualities eg attractiveness, status and resources will gain mating advantage

Question 13

example of intersexual selection

Answer 13

if all females chose tall males then the number of small males would decrease. The successful traits (gene to tallness) will be passed on

Question 14

long term mating

Answer 14

as both sexes invest heavily long term mating involves high levels of choosiness as the genetic quality of offspring is half of their mate
-men are attracted to fertile and attractive women to ensure reproductive success
-women are attracted to men with resources to ensure protection whilst they care for the child

Question 15

evaluate evolutionary explanations for partner preferences

Answer 15

+supporting evidence Buss actual marriages in 10,000 participants 37 cultures ranked 18 characteristics such as physical attractiveness and good financial support on a 4 point scale found that resources more important for women physical attractiveness more to men youth to men and intelligence both
-cultural differences kasha and Sharma found women valued potential mates access to resources far more in cultures where womens status and educational opportunities were sharply limited TMB suggests role of social/economic forces are as important as evolutionary in establishing mate preferences patterns
-lack of generaliability Buller found female mate preferences of most studies done on female undergraduate expect to show a preference for men with similar interests education and prospects of their own TMB evidence that universal mating preferences for high-status men is weak or non-existent

Question 16

definition of self disclosure

Answer 16

-the extent to which a person reveals personal information about themselves their intimate thoughts, feelings and experiences to another person

Question 17

why is self disclosure important

Answer 17

important process to development o romantic relationships greater disclosure leads to greater feelings of intimacy

Question 18

distinguish given and receiven self disclosure

Answer 18

given = disclosing ones own personal thoughts feelings and experiences
recieved = information disclosed by the other

Question 19

research on self disclosure

Answer 19

-recieved self disclosure is a batter predicator of liking and loving than the level of self disclosure given
-disclosure of more intimate info such as past sexual relationships has greater influence on relationship satisfaction than more neutral eg taste in music and food

Question 20

norms of self disclosure

Answer 20

-early stages of relationship only moderate level of self disclosure
-this should be neither so personal so disclosure appears indiscriminate in they trust nor so impersonal so the listener doesn’t get to know the disclosure better

Question 21

who developed filter theory

Answer 21

kerckhoff and davis

Question 21

evaluate self disclose

Answer 21

-ignore other factors such as physical attractiveness
+research support meta analysis by collins and miller people who engaged in intimate disclosure liked more liking was stronger if a recipient believed disclosure was only to them than shared indiscrmately TMB plays role in development and maintenance of somatic relationships
+key study sprecher

Question 22

definition of filter theory

Answer 22

we choose romantic partners by a series of filters that narrow down field of avaliables from what we make our choice different filters are prominent at different stages of partner selection

Question 23

different stages and filters

Answer 23

early stages =demographic details (class, region, where they live ).
development = similarity of attitudes determines in relationship continues
finally = compatibility eg do their traits complement the individuals traits

Question 24

social demography

Answer 24

variables such as age, social background and geographical location -determine likelihood of meeting someone -more likely to come into contact with people of our own ethic, social and educational background -feel at ease due to similarity

Question 25

similarity of attitude

Answer 25

such as attitude and value marriage kids debates determine if a relationship becomes stable

Question 26

complementary of needs

Answer 26

people have different needs eg the need to be cared for and the need of caring -provide each other with mutual satisfaction of opposing needs -eg poor women might look for wealthy man

Question 27

winch

Answer 27

social needs should be complementary than similar if marriages are to work

Question 27

evaluate filter theory

Answer 27

+supporting study eg kerckhoff and davis longitudinal study 94 dating couples in US questionnaire using index of consensus test similarity in attitudes and FIRO for complimentary needs found that STM (>18 months) similarity most important for LTM (<18 months) complimentary most important -contradictory study eg levinger 330 couples no evidence that either similarity in attitude or complementary in needs influenced permanence TMB not replicable and relied on self report +real value of filtering eg duck filtering important to avoid investing in relationships that wont work decide early before they become too deeply involved TMB stop people making wrong choices and. having to live with consequence.

Question 28

profit and loss social exchange theory

Answer 28

everyone tries to maximise the rewards(cared for and sex) they obtain from a relationship and minimise the costs we hope expect that rewards exceed costs (effort time wasted) -succesul relationships give and take in equal proportion

Question 29

equation for outcome

Answer 29

rewards - costs = outcome (profit or loss) and commitment to a relationship depends on its profitability

Question 30

definition of comparison levels

Answer 30

-a standard against which all our relationships are judged a product of experiences in other relationships and general view what we might expect from a relationship

Question 31

comparison level for alternatives

Answer 31

-individual will be committed to their current when the overall costs and benefits are percieved as being greater than what might be possible in a alternative relationship

Question 32

evaluate social exchange theory

Answer 32

+supporting study sprecher longitudinal study on 101showed that CLA was high commitment to and satisfaction with current relationship tended to be low TMB those who lack alternatives likely to remain committed to their relationship and those committed devalue alternatives +key study kurdek and schmitt 185 couples (44 straight marriage, 35 straight couples-habiting and 50 same sex male, 56 same sex female) found that in each type of relationship satisfaction was associated with benefits of current relationship and alternatives less attractive. TMB same factors for all relationships -ignores investment model

Question 33

equity theory

Answer 33

maximise rewards and minimise costs incorporating fairness and equity people are most comfortable when they perceive they are getting roughly what they deserve from a relationship

Question 34

what is an equitable relationship

Answer 34

one partners benefits minus the costs equals there partners benefits minus their costs

Question 35

inequitable relationships

Answer 35

-dissatisfaction being over benefited (receiving more than you give) leads to guilt and shame being under benefitted (receiving less than u give may result in anger and resentment

Question 36

stages of relationship and equity theory

Answer 36

early stages = more concerned with fairness, reward and equity deeply committed = couples become less focused on day-to-day rewards happily married couples tend not to keep a score of how much they are giving and getting

Question 37

evaluate equity theory

Answer 37

+supporting study Stafford and canary 200 married couples asked questions about satisfaction and maintenance strategies such as reassurance. satisfaction highest in equitable relationship and more likely to engage in behaviours that contributed to spouses happiness -indiviudal differences eh huseman identified 'benevolents' who are givers therefore more tolerant of under rewarded and 'entitleds' who prefer being over rewarded therefore entitled to receive benefits TMBdifferent sensitivity to inequality -gender differences eg demaris women more sensitive to injustices and perceive themselves as under benefited and more disturbed by this TMB women more likely to be vigilant and react negatively to being exploited

Question 38

who created the investment model of relationships

Answer 38

rusbult

Question 39

investment model

Answer 39

relationships persist because of bonds that tie them (their investments) and the absence of better alternatives

Question 40

what are the 3 concepts that influence commitment

Answer 40

satisfaction, quality of alternatives and investments

Question 41

satisfaction level

Answer 41

refers to the positive and negative emotions experienced in a relationship and the extent to which the other person fulfils the individuals most important needs

Question 42

quality of alternatives

Answer 42

the extent to which an individual most important needs might be met outside their current relationship -if perceived another relationship will produce better outcomes or not being in a relationship may be seen as preferable

Question 43

investment size

Answer 43

-influences stability of a relationship -a measure of resources such as children, time ,friendship and house and pets -investments create connections and can be a powerful inducement to remain in a relationship

Question 44

commitment

Answer 44

refers to the likelihood that a relationship will persist -commitment is high in a relationship with high satisfaction and quality of alternatives is low or investment is high

Question 45

evaluate invest model

Answer 45

+supporting study le and agnew meta analysis 52 studies 11000 pp’s 54% male 46% female found that correlation between satisfaction level and commitment 0.68 was found to be more significant than quality of alternatives -0.48 and investment size 0.46 and stay and leave behaviour at 0.47 TMB individuals showing higher level of commitment more likely to stay -problem in assessing the variables such as measuring commitment what factors leading to it eg resbult developed "investment model scale" TMB although found high in reliability and validity relies on self report techniques +real life application to explaining abusive relationships low satisfaction but may lack alternatives or have too many investments TMB resbult + martz found alternatives and investments predicted weather abused women remained committed or returned to partner

Question 46

who created a phase model of relationship breakdown

Answer 46

rollie and duck

Question 47

first stage of relationship breakdown

Answer 47

when one partner becomes dissatisfied and distressed maybe due to inequity

Question 48

intrapsychic process

Answer 48

within the mind where an individual may brood on the issues and consider weather they would be better off out of the relationship they won't say anything to partner at this stage

Question 49

dyadic process

Answer 49

two way discussion confronting their partner to discuss concerns -some couples have forces that bind them together such as children so their relationship can be saved if both parties are motivated to avoid break up

Question 50

social phase

Answer 50

involves beginning to share dissatisfaction with their network of friends and family others begin to take sides and share opinion which may speed breakdown process

Question 51

grave dressing

Answer 51

each party will try to present themselves as trustworthy and loyal and may reinterpret their view of their partner initially exciting but now irresponsible

Question 52

stages of relationship breakdown beginning to last

Answer 52

-initially dissatisfaction -intrapsychic phase -dyadic phase -social phase -grave dressing

Question 53

evaluate relationship breakdown

Answer 53

+benefits of relationship breakdown eg Tashiro and Frazier found individuals are able to feel better about ending a relationship when they focus on the situation and not their own personal flaws TMB play down break down to not threaten their psychological well being -ethical issues pp's in a vulnerable position distress from revisiting issues that led to breakdown and privacy intense personal nature individuals are attempting to cope with intense emotional distress TMB researchers need to consider if interests are worth exploring -fails to acknowledge possibility of personal growth eg Rollie and duck new resurrection phase 's a period of personal growth and self-reflection, aiming to turn past relationship experiences into a source of strength and wisdom. TMB not just distress

Question 54

what is a gate

Answer 54

a obstacle that could interfere with the development of a relationship

Question 55

self disclosure in virtual relationships

Answer 55

known as broadcasting involves presenting an edited version of the self to others high self disclosure links to anonymity and disapproval levels are decreased when disclosing online

Question 56

absence of gating

Answer 56

in face to face personal factors such as physical apprence , mannerisms determine development of relationship. in real life we use available features such as attractiveness, age or ethnicity to categories potential partners in virtual no gate so advantage shy less attractive or less socially skilled people

Question 57

how does anonymity affect virtial relationships

Answer 57

persons true self less active barriers to interaction are not initially evident so less likely to stop potentially relationships developing

Question 58

evaluate virtual relationships

Answer 58

+Evidence has been found for the importance of the internet for romantic relationships. Rosenfield and Thomas (2012) found, in a study of 4000 US adults, that 71.8% of those who had internet at home, had a spouse or romantic partner, compared to 35.9% of those without internet. This was even after controlling for age, gender, education etc. +Research suggests that Facebook/virtual relationships may indeed benefit certain types of people. Baker and Oswald (2010) found that, of 207 students, those high in shyness reported greater use of Facebook to be associated with higher perceptions of friendship quality. +Virtual relationships may have a positive impact on relationships in the offline world. Zhao et al (2008) found that virtual relationships can allow individuals to bypass gating obstacles and create a new type of identity that they can’t create in the offline world. This can enhance self-image and increase chances of connecting in the offline world.

Question 59

para definition

Answer 59

means one sided target individual is unaware of existence of person may be appealing as there are few demands and doesn't run risk of criticism or rejection

Question 60

why might par asocial relationships occur

Answer 60

such as a lack of real relationships, shyness, loneliness (introverted) which fill a void in the persons life. most likely to form with a person they seem as attractive and similar(commonality/identification) to them

Question 61

who developed levels of parasocial relationships

Answer 61

giles and maltby

Question 62

what are the levels of par asocial relationships

Answer 62

first -entertainment social (celebrity is source of gossip/interaction) second - intense-personal (intensive, compulsive feelings towards a celebrity) last - borderline pathological (uncontrollable behaviours and fantasies)

Question 63

who made absorption addiction model

Answer 63

McCutcheon

Question 64

what is the absorption addiction model

Answer 64

absorption = adolescents who are introverted and find socialising hard may become absorbed with lives focussing on them gives them a sense of a special relationship addiction = when absorption is high it might become addictive leading to extreme behaviours such as constantly checking social in order to feel satisfied or connected

Question 65

which attachment type is most likely to form a par asocial relationship

Answer 65

anxious resistant

Question 66

attachment theory

Answer 66

-promximity seeking stay informed to their celebrity eg trivia -secure base = little to no chance of rejection provided with a 'safe heaven' -protest at seperation for example protest when Jeremy Clarkson left top gear -these needs fulfilled their unrealistic and unmet needs

Question 67

evaluate parasocial relationships

Answer 67

-absorption links to mental health eg melty found using Eysenck personality questionnaire intense personal levels of PSR associated with nueroticism linked to depression TMB links explain why higher levels of PSR associated with poorer mental health +There is research support for factors involved in PSRs. Schiappa et al (2007) found that people were more likely to form a PSR with TV characters that they perceived as attractive and similar to themselves. -There is mixed evidence for the role of loneliness in PSRs. Greenwood and Long (2009) showed that people may develop PSRs as a way of dealing with loneliness or loss. However, Chory-Assad and Yanen (2005) found no relationship between intensity of loneliness and intensity of PSRs.