Relationships

• What does sexual selection explain in terms of characteristics passed on through heredity?

  It explains why certain seemingly disadvantageous characteristics are still passed on because they may be advantageous for sexual selection.

  
• What is the term used to describe the differences between male and female gametes?

  Anisogamy
• What are the two types of sexual selection described in the study material?

  Intra-sexual selection and inter-sexual selection
• Why do females prefer inter-sexual selection strategies?

  Because they invest more energy into the development of ova and experience more post-coital responsibility.
• What does Fisher’s ‘sexy sons hypothesis’ suggest?

  It suggests that a female choosing to mate with an attractive male will have attractive offspring who are likely to attract females themselves.
• What is the main strategy of intra-sexual selection favored by males?

  The strategy is to impregnate as many women as possible to ensure the survival of their genes.
• What are some examples of intra-sexual selection strategies used by males?

  Males behaving aggressively, being protective, being larger, and possessing certain facial and physical characteristics.
• What does dimorphism refer to in the context of mating strategies?

  It refers to the physical differences between the male and female sexes.
• What approach do Chang et al (2011) suggest regarding reproductive patterns?

  An interactionist approach that combines the influences of both culture and evolution.
• How have changing social and cultural norms affected women's partner selection?

  Women no longer place a large emphasis on resource-availability when looking for a new partner due to increased financial independence.

  
• What does Singh (1993) suggest about the hip to waist ratio?

  A hip to waist ratio of around 0.7 indicates fertility and the ability to carry children.
• What did Clark and Hatfield (1989) find regarding male and female willingness to sleep with a stranger?

  75% of college males would be willing to sleep with a stranger compared to 0% of females.
• What is self-disclosure in the context of romantic relationships?

  Self-disclosure refers to the information we choose to reveal about ourselves to increase intimacy, understanding, and empathy.
• What does Altman and Taylor's ‘social penetration’ theory suggest?

  It suggests that self-disclosure allows one person to penetrate deeper into the life of their partner, increasing intimacy and trust.
• What analogy do Altman and Taylor use to illustrate self-disclosure?

  They use an onion analogy, where layers represent deeper and more meaningful information being disclosed.
• What are the two elements of the social penetration theory proposed by Reis and Shaver (1988)?

  The two elements are depth and breadth of self-disclosure.
• What is the key to maintaining an intimate relationship according to the study material?

  A balance between depth and breadth of self-disclosure from both parties.
• What did Hass and Stafford (1998) find regarding self-disclosure in relationships?

  57% of couples with high levels of intimacy and commitment reported using self-disclosure to maintain their relationship.

  
• What is a key methodological issue with correlational studies in relationship research?

  Causal conclusions cannot be made from correlational studies.
• What did Laurenceau et al (2005) find regarding self-disclosure in married couples?

  High levels of intimacy and trust were strongly associated with high levels of self-disclosure.
• What physical traits are we predisposed to find attractive from an evolutionary perspective?

  Females with neotenous faces and facial symmetry.
• What does the halo effect suggest about attractive people?

  We associate attractive people with disproportionately positive characteristics, such as trustworthiness and success.
• What is the Matching Hypothesis in relation to attraction?

  The Matching Hypothesis suggests that we are more likely to have a mate of similar attractiveness to ourselves.
• What did McNully et al (2008) find regarding physical attractiveness in relationships?

  Physical attractiveness was still an important determinant of a successful relationship even after marriage.
• How does Towhey (1979) suggest physical attractiveness varies in its importance?

  It varies depending on the individual and their underlying beliefs about others.
• What did Cunningham et al (1995) find regarding cultural relativism and physical attractiveness?

  Physical attractiveness is relatively consistent across both individualist and collectivist cultures.
• What did Palmer and Peterson (2012) find regarding the halo effect in politics?

  Participants judged physically attractive people as more politically skilled and trustworthy, regardless of their actual knowledge.

  
• What is the first filter in Kerckhoff and Davis's filter theory of attraction?

  Social demography
• What factors are included in the social demography filter?

  Religion, sexuality, ethnicity, social class, educational attainment, and proximity.
• Why is proximity important in the social demography filter?

  Proximity provides accessibility, making communication and relationship formation easier.
• What is the second filter in the filter theory of attraction?

  Similarity in attitudes
• Why is similarity in attitudes important in short-term relationships?

  Large dissimilarities in attitudes may cause the relationship to end due to incompatibility.
• What is the third filter in the filter theory of attraction?

  Complementarity
• How does complementarity contribute to successful long-term relationships?

  It supports the idea that two people feel they complete each other to form a whole.
• What is the first filter in the filter theory of relationship formation?

  Proximity
• Why is proximity considered key in relationship formation?

  It provides accessibility, making communication and relationship formation easier.
• How does proximity affect dissimilarities in social demographic features?

  Close proximity may 'trump' dissimilarities in other social demographic features.
• What is the second filter in the filter theory?

  Similarity in attitudes
• What is the third filter in the filter theory?

  Complementarity
• How does complementarity contribute to successful long-term relationships?

  It allows individuals to feel that they 'complete' each other, forming a 'whole'.