interpersonal relationships terms

Question 1

Pheramone
AND

Answer 1

Androstadienone [AND] is a human steroid that is present in male semen and sweat. It heightens sympathetic arousal, alters levels of cortisol, and promotes positive mood state in females. Androstadienone is also found to activate the hypothalamus in heterosexual females and homosexual males, but not in heterosexual males or homosexual females. Estratetraenol [EST] is the female equivalent of this steroid.

Question 2

Evolutionary Theory

Answer 2

Buss would be the first study of its kind which looked at several evolution-based hypotheses within a culturally diverse sample.
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Buss (1989) wanted to test three evolution-based assumptions about human mate selection in a large cross-cultural sample:
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evolutionary psychologists suggest that men and women use different sexual strategies related to differences in the amount of effort that each parent pits into raising the offspring (parental investment theory). Females are thus considered more selective than men and will choose a partner with better resources. Based on reproductive value, males value youth and physical appearance more than women; men who value this less will have fewer offspring. Paternity probability, where men invest paternity, aka sexual jealousy, is a way to ‘guard’ a mate. Environment of evolutionary adaptation suggests that men prefer chaste females which supposedly signifies greater reproductive success. These strategies have evolved over generations as they help increase the chance of transferring genes into the future. They should, therefore, have a genetic basis and there should be some universal patterns that could be detected in a cross-cultural study.

Question 3

Mere Exposure Theory

Answer 3

Social psychologists argue that our environment and culture play a key role in how we form relationships. This may explain why what is considered attractive is different around the world. In addition, our environment may act as a “filter bubble” for choosing a mate. Social class, the university you attend, the place you work – all of these factors may play a role in whom you meet and what you find attractive. Zajonc argues that it is “mere exposure” that leads us to relationships. Several researchers have found cultural differences in what people are looking for in a partner. One of the difficulties of the cultural arguments is that it is difficult to separate them from the other approaches.

Question 4

Right to Withdraw

Answer 4

Participants may begin feeling distressed or uncomfortable during an experiment, especially if it involves sensitive issues.
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Participants should be informed of their right to withdraw their participation and data at any time in the study (even at the end) without penalty.

Question 5

Informed Consent

Answer 5

When the participants consent to be in the study based on the information that the researcher has provided them. The researchers should give enough information so the participants can make an informed decision. For a study to be ethical the participant should have the right to leave the study unharmed at any point. Informed consent lets the participant become aware of the possible negative risks.

Question 6

Longitudinal observation

Answer 6

Longitudinal Study: this is any study that is conducted over a long period of time. Case studies and observations are typically the methods used during a longitudinal study. Manipulate: the researcher creates different conditions where the variable is different in each one. The DV stays the same.

Question 7

Experimental

Answer 7

(hormones and behaviour)
True experiments in biological psychology manipulate an independent variable that is hypothesized to affect behavior. All extraneous variables are controlled so the IV can be isolated as the single factor affecting the DV
If we know what factors affect biologically and how, we can explain how biological factors (hormones) affect behavior (because in order to explain behavior we have to give a reason for differences in behavior and the reason can be the factor that affects it, i.e. the IV in an experiment).

Question 8

Attribution Styles

Question 9

4 Horseman of the Apocalypse (Communication Styles)

Answer 9

1. Criticism: Attacking your partner’s character, usually to show that you are right.
2. Contempt: Attacking your partner’s character with insult or abuse. Seeing your partner as inferior.
3. Defensiveness: Arguing against the concerns of your partner; seeing yourself as the victim
4. Stonewalling: Withdrawing from the relationship to avoid conflict.

Question 10

Similarity Attraction Model

Answer 10

past research examining the topic of assortive mating suggests that people tend to be more romantically attracted to others who are similar to themselves. men and women alike have the propensity to desire romantic partners similar to themselves on traits such as for example extraversion, agreeableness, emotional stability, conscientiousness, and openness to experience.

studies have also found preferences for romantic partners who are similar with respect to certain demographic characteristics such as ethnicity, religious background, height, weight, socioeconomic status, values, political orientation, and physical qualities.

Question 11

Halo Effect

Answer 11

the tendency for an impression created in one area to influence opinion in another area (cognitive bias)
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In the case of relationships, this means that a person’s physical beauty influences our judgment with regard to their other qualities. In other words, beautiful people must be good people.

Question 12

Oxytocin (hormone)

Answer 12

oxytocin is a hormone released mainly from the pituitary gland (released during childbirth, breastfeeding, and orgasm) and claimed to be implicated in affiliative behavior as well as reduce the effects of stress (e.g. impact of cortisol).
since close social relationship play a key role in human well-being and longevity, it has been suggested that the release of oxytocin mediates the beneficial effect of relationships