Chapter 9 - Terms & Definitions Flashcards
relationships that are important, interdependent, and long lasting
close relationships
postulates that interpersonal relationships are governed by perceptions of the rewards and costs exchanged in interactions
interdependence or social exchange theory
proposes that people of similar levels of physical attractiveness gravitate toward each other
matching hypothesis
an increase in positive feelings toward a novel stimulus (such as a person) based on frequent exposure to it
mere exposure effect
species’ mating patterns depend on what each sex has to invest – in the way of time, energy, and survival risk – to produce and nurture offspring
parental investment theory
refers to geographic, residential, and other forms of spatial closeness
proximity
refers to liking those who show that they like you
reciprocal liking
involves the actions and activities used to sustain the desired quality of a relationship
relationship maintenance
typical ways of interacting in close relationships
attachment styles
involves the decision and intent to maintain a relationship in spite of the difficulties and costs that may arise
commitment
one’s estimation of the available outcomes from alternative relationships
comparison level for alternatives
personal standard of what constitutes an acceptable balance of rewards and costs in a relationship
comparison level
the assumption that all individuals and relationships are heterosexual
heterosexism
refers to warmth, closeness, and sharing in a relationship
intimacy
things that people contribute to a relationship that they can’t get back if the relationship ends
investments
