PAPER 3 - RELATIONSHIPS - factors affecting attraction (matching hypothesis, self-disclosure and filter theory)

Question 1

what factors affect attraction in romantic relationships?

Answer 1

• physical attractiveness
• self-disclosure
• matching hypothesis

Question 2

What did Meltzer find about physical attractiveness affecting attraction in romantic relationships?

Answer 2

• Meltzer et al (2014) found objective ratings of wives’ attractiveness were positively related to levers of husbands satisfaction at the beginning of the manage and remained that way for at least the first 4 years of marriage
• objective ratings of husbands were not related to wives’ marital satisfaction Reiner initially or over time (supporting sex differences in importance of physical attractiveness)

Question 3

What is me matching hypothesis and how does it affect attraction in romantic relationships?

Answer 3

• Murstein (1972) argued that whilst we might desire the most physically attractive partner in theory in reality we know we are unlikely to get or keep them
• Murstein’s matching hypothesis proposes that instead of seeking the most physically attractive partner, we look for someone a similar career of attractiveness as ourselves.
• compromise is necessary to avoid rejection and the need to achieve balance between partners

Question 4

What did Brown (1986) suggest opposing Murstein?

Answer 4

• Argues the matching phenomenon results from well learned sense of what’s ‘fitting’ rather than fear of being rebuffed
• we lean to adjust on expectations of rewards in vine with what we believe we have to offer

Question 5

What was Walster (1966) “computer dance” study? (procedure)

Answer 5

• First 376 male and female volunteers selected ($1 each)
• 4 independent judges assessed each students physical attractiveness
• participants asked to fill in lengthy questionnaire providing data of similarity, p’s led to believe questionnaire was for computer pairing but pairing was random
• when paired, participants were asked about the dance and their date

Question 6

What was Walster (1966) “computer dance” study? (findings)

Answer 6

• more physically attractive students were liked more by their partners than less physically attractive students
• when Walster asked the students 6 months later it they had dated the partners since the dance they found parners were more likely to have dated if they had similar physical attractiveness

Question 7

What are the evaluation points for the Walster computer dance?

Answer 7

• No fear of rejection
• students selected so lacks population validity
• not representative of real relationships only represents student population (relationships less fixed)
• may catch tempura validity (online dating)

Question 8

What was the Walster & Walster study (1969)?

Answer 8

• Repeat of original computer dance study but students had met before (probably meant only had more time to think about qualities they were looking for in a partner)
• students expressed most liking for those who were the same ever of physical attractiveness as themselves

Question 9

What was the study by Taylor et al (2011)? (procedure)

Answer 9

• Researchers gained permission to use sites activity
• 60 men and 60 women (heterosexual) were randomly selected “initiators”
• researchers men identified the people contacted by initiators “targets”
• Independent laters were asked to rate photos on 7 point scare from -3 to +3

Question 10

What was the study by Taylor et al (2011)? (findings)

Answer 10

• Initial contacts, matching hypothesis was not supported with initiators contacting individuals across a range of attractiveness (including more more attractive then themselves - no face to face rejection)
• however, responses from the targets did seem to support me matching hypothesis

Question 11

What are the smelts of research done by Taylor?

Answer 11

• Recent version of personal column advertisement research
• dating profiles + messaging are naturally occurring so nigh ecological validity
• complies with ethical requirements (dating profiles in public arena and seen by many people)

Question 12

What is complex matching?

Answer 12

• Sprecher and Hatfield
• couples can achieve a match in other ways over then physical attractiveness
• mismatch results in strain placed on couple which may threaten long tem success of relationship

Question 13

What is self-disclosure?

Answer 13

• The extent to which a person reveals information about themselves
• greater disclosure leads to greater feelings of intimacy

Question 14

Why is self disclosure important to romantic relationships?

Answer 14

• Collins + miller (1944) found people who engage in intimate disclosures hind to be liked more than more who disclose at lower levels
• found that relationship between disclosure and liking was strange if recipient believed disclosure was only shared with them.

Question 15

What are the norms of self-disclosure?

Answer 15

• Turn taking
• not too personal
• Reciprocity

Question 16

What does research suggest regarding the nature of self-disclosure and interpersonal attraction?

Answer 16

• Tal-Or and Hershman shitrit (2015) shared relationship between gradual self- disclosure and attraction also applies to TV contestants - rapid self disclosure conflicts every day life
• although viewed liked characters who make early intimate disclosures, they still prefer disclosure to be gradual (norms) and become more intimate like real relationships.

Question 17

How does self disclosure differ between face-to-face and on one relationships, and what is me impact of mis difference?

Answer 17

• Mixed findings
• some evidence challenges assumption that people self-disclose more online than face to, when disclosing online mere’s no non verbal communication when disclosing (eye contact nodding etc.)
• other evidence suggests opposite, an the terms less fear of rejection and individual cont see response demotions so may be Easter to disclose information

Question 18

Why is it important to consider the role of gender and culture in self-disclosure?

Answer 18

• Cultures differ in which topics are considered appropriate for conversation
• westerners engage in more intimate self disclosure than non-western
• cultural norms shape how comfortable men and women are at self disclosing
• Researchers found women prefer lower levels of personal conversations than men in Japan, opposite in west
• attractiveness and self disclosure are moderated by influence of culture

Question 19

how does Collins & Millers 1994 meta-analysis support self-disclosure affecting attraction?

Answer 19

• found people who engage in intimate self-disclosure are liked more than those who disclose at lower levels
• real couples so high ecological validity
• supports positive correlations between SD and levels of attraction

Question 20

what was the study by Sprecher et al on reciprocal self-disclosure and liking? (procedure and findings)

Answer 20

• pairs of unacquainted undergraduate students were asked to participate in self-disclosure task on Skype
• reciprocal condition: pairs immediately took turns asking questions and disclosing
• non-reciprocal condition: one person asked questions while other person disclosed and then switched (extended disclosure)
• individuals in reciprocal condition reported more liking, closeness, perceived similarity and enjoyment of interaction than non-reciprocal condition

Question 21

how can Sprechers study be used to evaluate self-disclosure as an explanation for attraction?

Answer 21

• supports view that SD is positivly correlated to relationship stability - norm of reciprocity and turn taking
• lacks population validity
• lab study (artificial, c + e, can manipulate variables)
• lacks ecological validity

Question 22

what are the overall strengths of self disclosure as an explanation of attraction?

Answer 22

• evidence supports tole of self disclosure e.g. correlations between levels of SD and satisfaction
• compatibility with filter theory, SD enables assessment of similarity of attitudes and complementarity of needs
• evidence supports role of norms of SD and attraction (shows that too much too early can put off potential partner) - and depends on appropriateness of content

Question 23

what are the overall limitations of self-disclosure as an explanation of attraction?

Answer 23

• can contrast with relative importance of other factors e.g. physical attractiveness, equity, social exchange
• self-disclosure may be less appropriate for romantic relationships in cultures where partners are not allowed free choice - research often culture specific
• difficult to determine cause and effect i.e. whether SD leads to stronger relationship or stronger relationships lead to greater SD

Question 24

who proposed Filter Theory?

Answer 24

Kherckhoff and Davis (1962)

Question 25

what is the filter theory?

Answer 25

• relationships develop through 3 filters and that different factors are important at different times
• “field of availables” is possible people we could have a relationship with
• turns into “field of desirables” is who we consider as potential partners

Question 26

what are the 3 filters?

Answer 26

• social demography
• similarity in attitudes and values
• complementarity of needs

Question 27

what is social demography as a filter?

Answer 27

• refers to variables such as age, geographical location, ethnicity and social background
• filter occurs without us being aware of it as we are more likely to mix with people who are geographically close to us and come from similar background
• different social background are likely to be filtered out

Question 28

what is similarity in attitudes and values as a filter?

Answer 28

• happens once 2 people start going out
• if couple shares ideas and beliefs, communication should be easier and relationship may progress
• found to be central importance in early stages of a relationship
• people with different attitudes, values and interests are filtered out

Question 29

what is complementarity of needs as a filter?

Answer 29

• happens once the couple has lasted fairly long term
• refers to how well 2 people fit together as a couple and meet each others needs
• people are attracted to those whose needs are harmonious with their own rather than conflicting

Question 30

what was the study by Kerckhoff and Davis about filter theory (procedure and findings)?

Answer 30

• longitudinal study of 94 student couples
• asked to complete several questionnaires over 7 month period including questionnaires assessing degree to which attitudes and values are shared and need complementarity
• found that for short term couples, similarity pf attitudes and values was most significant
• found that for long term couples, complementarity of needs was predictive of how close each individual felt to their partner

Question 31

how does Kerckhoff and Davis’ study evaulate filter theory?

Answer 31

• supports filter theory - supports existence, shows they have different importance at different times
• supports role of filters of similarity of attitudes and needs in interpersonal attraction
• lacks population validity (students)
• self-report data - social desirability bias + overly positive
• failure to replicate findings - Levinger (1970)

Question 32

how did Byrne support “similarity of attitudes” in filter theory?

Answer 32

found that individuals were more likely to become attracted to someone that they share common attitudes with than someone that they share few with

Question 33

how did David and Rusbult not support “similatriy of attitudes” in filter theory?

Answer 33

• identified attitude alignment effect in long term relationships
• finding that ovet time, partners have a tendency to bring their attitudes into line with each other
• hard to establish whether similarity in attitudes cause long term relationships or happen as a result

Question 34

how does filter theory lack temporal validity?

Answer 34

• rise of online dating
• reduces importance of social demographic variables and makes it much easier to meet potential partners including those outside usual demographic limits
• more likely to meet individuals of different cultures & social classes