QUIZ 3 Flashcards
What is the “Proximity Effect”? Why does it increase liking (include research from Fessinger, Schacter, and Back)
The concept is that those that we see and interact with the most are more likely to become your friends and lovers.
Festinger study: tracked MIT student apts. and found that 65% became friends with those living in the same apt. building. 41% of next-door neighbors said they were close friends.
What is the difference between physical and functional distance? Which 2 had a larger impact on liking?
Functional Distance: aspects of architectural design which determine who you cross paths with most often ( which neighbors door you pass most often)
Physical Distance: How far people are from you in a physical sense
FUNCTIONAL PLAYS BIGGEST ROLE
What is the “Mere Exposure Effect”? When is it strongest?
The more exposure we have to a stimulus = the more apt we are to like it (music, people, commercial products places, etc.); the reason why the proximity effect works.
Only works if we are neutral to the stimulus.
It is strongest when:
1. stimulus is presented briefly each time
2. long delay between when you’re exposed and when you assess it
3. stimulus presented with many other stimuli.
What research findings are there to support the Mere Exposure Effect?
Zajonc study: participants who read the same Turkish nonsense words more often rated it more favorably than those that saw it less often.
What is the relation between similarity and liking? What sorts of similarity have been studied (ex: personality similarity)?
Similarity is the match between interests, attitudes, values, backgrounds, and/or personalities.
The more we have in similar with someone the more we tend to like them (stronger friendships and relationships).
Similarity in personality and opinions also have the same effect. Similarity in interests/experiences, appearances, or genetics
What is “escalating reciprocal self-disclosure” and how is it related to liking?21
When you give intimate info about yourself to another person because they gave you info about themselves (with an equal level of intimate info).
This increases liking.
According to your textbook, what’s the difference between “Social Exchange” and “Equity” based relationships? What is compassionate vs passionate love?
How we feel about a relationship depends on our perception of its rewards and costs (weighs pros and cons)
The happiest relationships involve both parties experiencing equal rewards and costs.
C. Love is feelings of intimacy and affection without passion or physiological arousal (yay friendship).
P. Love is an intense longing for another including physiological arousal.
According to evolutionary psychology, what is the major goal in life? Describe offspring investment theory.
The main goal in life is to reproduce so we can pass on our genetics.
What are the attributes and physical characteristics considered attractive in males and in females? Why are these characteristics attractive?
Women:
- look for men that can supply the resources and support needed to raise a child
-symmetrical face, sharp pronounced jawline (Lupine ;) ) muscular, ((features that show maturity and power))
Men:
- youthful features (young=better chance of offspring)
- breasts (developed so they can reproduce)
- hourglass (wider birthing canal)
- symmetry (reflects genetic health)
What is the initial, stronger definition of altruism (i.e. pure altruism) discussed at the beginning of our lecture on the topic? Why is it so difficult to demonstrate?
Behavior intended to benefit another with no actual or expected benefit occurring to the altruist.
It is hard because it can’t be proven that an act is fully selfless.
How do the following explain altruistic behavior: Sociobiological Theory (ex: Kin Selection), Social Exchange Theory, and Distress Reduction Theory (aka distress relief theory)?
- Helping increases the odds that our genes will pass on; Kin Selection: we are more likely to help those that share out genes (not conscious)
- everything nice that’s done is to get something in return (ex: winning gods glory, fame, wealth, social power/status)
- being nice makes us feel good about ourselves or avoid guilt, shame, or low self-esteem
Describe Batson’s research findings and how they demonstrate empathy-based altruism.
If someone feels empathy towards another person, they will help them, regardless of what they can gain from it.
Car Accident Carol experiment
“Altruism Lite” - Feeling empathy for someone in need motivates us to help them. There could be rewards, but the main goal is to relieve the pain or suffering of the person they are helping.
Describe research findings on the effects of mood on prosocial behavior.
Prosocial Behavior: Acts performed with the goal of benefiting another person.
Good mood= more likely to help others to prolong our good mood.
Bad mood=Unlikely to help unless you feel guilty in the situation.(Help to reduce the feeling of guilt).
What are the decisions Darley and Latane claim a would-be altruist must make when deciding whether to help in an emergency? (describe the moonwalking bear video, smoke-filled room video, and subway study.)
What are the basic conclusions to be drawn from each of the videos/examples given?
- We must notice the event.
- We must interpret the event as an emergency.
- We must feel personally responsible for helping.
- We must know how to help effectively.
- We must view the costs of helping as manageable/ not too costly.
