Relationships

• What is sexual selection?

  Sexual selection is the process by which certain traits become more common in a population because they increase an organism's chances of finding a mate and reproducing.
• What is anisogamy, and how does it relate to mating strategies?

  Anisogamy is the difference between male and female sex cells, leading to different mating strategies where males compete for access to females and females are more selective.
• Describe the two main types of sexual selection.

  • Intrasexual selection: Competition between members of the same sex for access to mates.
  • Intersexual selection: Members of one sex choose mates based on desirable traits.
• What characteristics do men typically find attractive in women, according to evolutionary psychology?

  Men are attracted to women who display signs of fertility, such as youthfulness and a healthy appearance.
• What characteristics do women typically find attractive in men, according to evolutionary psychology?

  Women are drawn to men who can provide resources and protection, indicated by traits like financial stability, ambition, and social status.
• What did Buss (1989) find in his cross-cultural study of mate preferences?

  Buss found that men value physical attractiveness and youth more than women do, while women value good financial prospects and ambition more than men do.
• How does the study by Clark and Hatfield (1989) support the concept of intersexual selection?

  Clark and Hatfield's study showed men were more likely to agree to casual encounters, supporting the idea that men may be less selective due to lower reproductive investment.
• What is a criticism of the evolutionary approach to explaining mate preferences?

  A criticism is that it is reductionist, simplifying human behaviors to biological roots and potentially overlooking social and cultural influences.
• What is self-disclosure?

  Self-disclosure is the act of intentionally revealing personal information about yourself to another person that they wouldn't typically know.
• How does social penetration theory explain the role of self-disclosure in relationship development?

  Social penetration theory suggests that relationships develop through a gradual process of reciprocal self-disclosure, leading to greater intimacy and understanding.
• What is the importance of reciprocity in self-disclosure?

  Reciprocity in self-disclosure means balanced sharing, which fosters intimacy by creating trust and vulnerability.
• What is the 'halo effect'?

  The halo effect is a cognitive bias where our overall impression of a person is influenced by a single, positive characteristic, like physical attractiveness.
• What is the matching hypothesis?

  The matching hypothesis proposes that people are more likely to form relationships with others who are similar to them in physical attractiveness.
• What evidence supports the matching hypothesis?

  Some studies support the hypothesis, though other research shows people often seek more attractive partners, especially online.
• What is filter theory?

  Filter theory suggests that we use filters to narrow down potential partners to those most compatible with us.
• Describe the three levels of filters proposed by filter theory.

  • Social demography: Factors like age, location, and education.
  • Similarity in attitudes: Similar values and beliefs.
  • Complementarity: Partners’ needs and personalities complement each other.
• What is a limitation of filter theory?

  Filter theory may oversimplify attraction and doesn’t fully capture relationship dynamics.
• What are the key principles of social exchange theory?

  Social exchange theory suggests that individuals aim to maximize rewards and minimize costs in their relationships.
• What is the comparison level in social exchange theory?

  The comparison level is a standard to evaluate rewards and costs, based on past experiences and expectations.
• What is the comparison level for alternatives in social exchange theory?

  The comparison level for alternatives refers to perceptions of rewards and costs in other relationships.
• Outline the four stages of relationship development according to social exchange theory.

  1. Sampling: Exploring rewards and costs.
  2. Bargaining: Exchanging rewards and costs.
  3. Commitment: Establishing relationship norms.
  4. Institutionalization: Patterns become stable.
• What are some criticisms of social exchange theory?

  Critics argue it focuses too much on economic exchanges and overlooks emotional aspects.
• What is the central concept of equity theory?

  Equity theory suggests people are most satisfied when contributions and benefits feel fair.
• How does equity theory differ from equality?

  Equity isn’t necessarily equality; it’s about perceived fairness, even if roles differ.
• What are the potential consequences of inequity in a relationship?

  Inequity may lead to feelings of distress, anger, and dissatisfaction.
• What evidence supports equity theory?

  Research shows a correlation between perceived inequity and relationship dissatisfaction.
• What are some limitations of equity theory?

  • Cultural variations: Equity may matter less in some cultures.
  • Individual differences: Sensitivity to inequity varies.
• What are the key components of Rusbult's investment model of relationships?

  Rusbult's model considers satisfaction, comparison of alternatives, and investment as key to commitment.
• What are intrinsic and extrinsic investments?

  Intrinsic investments are time, effort, and emotions, while extrinsic investments are shared memories, possessions, and connections.
• How does investment influence commitment?

  Commitment is stronger when satisfaction is high, alternatives are few, and investments are significant.
• What are relationship maintenance mechanisms?

  • Compromise
  • Forgiveness
  • Positive illusions
• How does the investment model explain why people might stay in abusive relationships?

  High investment and limited alternatives may explain why people stay in abusive relationships.
• What is a strength of the investment model?

  Meta-analyses support the investment model’s predictive power on commitment.
• What are some criticisms of the investment model?

  Critics point to oversimplification of investment, as intangible investments are hard to measure, and correlational research makes it difficult to establish causation.
• What are the two categories of causes identified by Duck?

  Predisposing and precipitating factors
• What are predisposing factors according to Duck?

  Internal factors like emotional instability
• What are precipitating factors according to Duck?

  External factors such as reduced proximity
• How do inequitable relationships affect satisfaction?

  They are more likely to cause dissatisfaction
• What does the breakdown model identify about relationship stages?

  • Stages partners go through during breakdown
  • Identifies thresholds or breaking points
• What is the first stage in the breakdown model?

  Intra-psychic processes