Relationships Flashcards
(176 cards)
What is anisogamy
The differences between the male and female sex cells e.g sperm are small, mobile and continuously produced whereas ova are large, static and produced with a limited
What are he consequences of anisogamy
There are plenty of fertile males but fewer females and this gives rise to different mating strategies
What is inter-sexual selection
Selection of mates between sexes e.g females selecting males. This is the preferred strategy of the female - quality over quantity.
Why is it crucial that females are choosy in terms of a mates reproductive fitness
The female invests more time, commitment and other resources before during and after the birth of her offspring. They want to choose a male that will provide healthy offspring and support them with resources.
Example of the preference of females determining which attributes are passed on
If height is a genuine marker of fitness in males the females who choose the tallest mates will have greatest reproductive success. Innate preferences for tallness is psssed on to daughters who choose tall men and are more reproductively successful. Over time taller and taller men are selected. Known as a runaway process
What is intra-sexual selection
Involved males competing with others males for mates. Have to compete because females are limited and choosy. Men who compete successfully can pass on their genes and therefore traits that led to their success are continued. Quantity over quality
What certain patterns of human reproductive behaviour does intra-sexual selection lad to
Male aggression - those who act aggressively are more likely to win a competition with other males
Preference for youthful and fertile woman - better chance of reproductive success
Male desire to optimise mating chances by fertilising as many females as possible - ensures preference genes to the next generation
What is human reproductive behaviour
Any behaviour which related to opportunities to reproduce and thereby increase the survival changes of our geneS. Includes evolutionary mechanisms underlying our partner preferences
Strength for the relationship between intra-sexual selection and human reproductive behaviour
Research support. Buss surveyed 10,000 adults in 33 countries asking about partner preference. Females placed greater value on resource related characteristics than males did whereas males valued reproductive capacity. Supports sex differences due to anisogamy and the findings can be applied across many cultures
Strength of the relationship between inter-sexual selection and human reproductive behaviour
Research support. Clark and Hatfield sent students onto a campus to ask other students to have sex with them. No females agreed but 75% of males did. Supports the suggestion that female choosiness is a reality and mars have evolved to ensure their reproductive success
Limitation of the evolutionary idea of partner preferences
Partner preferences have changed too rapidly to be explained in evolutionary terms. Chang reported preferences have changed while others stayed the same over 25 years in china. Suggests that both evolutionary and cultural influences must be taken into account when explaining human reproductive behaviour
What are the theee factors affecting attraction
Self disclosure
Physical attractiveness
Filter theory
Four theories of romantic relationships
Social exchange theory
Equity theory
Rusbults investment model
Ducks phase model
What does self disclosure early in a relationship enable
Partners to better understand each other
Who decided the social penetration theory
Altman and Taylor
What does the social penetration theory suggest
When a partner reveals personal information they display trust. Development of the relationship require the other person to reveal sensitive informations. Increasing disclosure allows a partner to penertrate into the other persons life leading to increased understanding of other person
What does a recognition that a partner is willing to reveal sensitive information about themselves indicate
A relationship has reached a certain development stage
How does social penetration theory explain how self disclosure leads to development in relationships
As partners increasingly disclose more information then romantic partners penetrate more deeply into each other’s lives and gain greater understanding
What is the breadth and depth of self disclosure as the beginning of a relationship
Limited. A lot of information if revealed but the depth is narrow and the content superficial as we avoid offlimit subjects
As relationships develop what is likely to happen
We become more likely to reveal intimate information including painful memories and secrets
Who suggested there needs to be reciprocity in self disclosure for a relationship to develop
Reis and Shaver
Strength of social penetration theory
Support from research studies. Hendrick found strong correlations between several measures of satisfaction and self disclosure in heterosexual couples supporting the theory.
Strength of social penetration theory (applications)
Real life applications. Hass and Stafford found that 57% of gay people in their study said that open and honest self disclosure was a main way they maintained and deepened their relationship. Couples who use small talk can be encouraged to increase self disclosure to deepen their relationships. Supports people who are experiencing relationship problems
Limitation of social penetration theory
Do not apply to all cultures. Tang concluded that men and women in US self disclosure is significantly more sexual thoughts and feeling than men and women in China. Both have self disclosure but different types so it is a limited explanation of romantic relationships which are not necessarily generalisable