relationships Flashcards
anisogamy
refers to the difference between male and female sex cells. male gametes are small and generated in vast numbers, little energy required. female invest lots of energy into egg, limited by small amount of fertile years
intersexual selection
competition between individuals of the same sex for mates
sexual selection
evolutionary explanation for partner preference. attributes of behaviour that increase reproductive success are passed on and exaggerated through generations
the runaway process
if a certain characteristic is desirable then it will carry on through generations
sexy son hypothesis
females who mate with males that have certain characteristics will be passed onto sons who inherit these traits meaning he will be selected by future generations
gender difference BUSS 1989
questionnaire, 10000 m/f, 37 diff cultures. ppts asked about preferences for variables in a partner. women valued money and safety and men valued youth and reproduction
sexual strategy theory BUSS/SCHMITT 1993
diff strategies for choosing long and short term relationships. vary on social context and personal values etc.
short term sexual strategies
m) fertility, minimise cost/ risk
f) gene quality
long term sexual strategies
m) good parent, commitment
f) willing to invest, physical protection, loyal
sexual dimorphism
the idea all humans look different
+(pos) evolutionary relationships
BUSS
support between evolutionary selection and human behaviour > buss 1989 ppts asked abt partner preference. is due to anisogamy and partner preference. good as can be applied to many cultures
+(pos) evolutionary theory
female choosiness is a reality for heterosexual relationships > m/f students sent around campus > asked people if they would come to bed w them > no women said yes, 75% male did > supports evolutionary as shoes females are choosier then males.
-(neg) evolutionary theory
CHANG
partner preference influenced by changing norms > women’s greater role in the workplace > no longer depend on men to provide for them > do not make resource orientated preference > chang compared preferences in china and they changed over 25 years > preferences are not just down to evolutionary theory
self disclosure theory
revealing personal information about yourself. more about your true self comes out as your relationship develops. this strengthens romantic relationships
social penetration theory
more breadth then depth on the first date. gradually get deeper longer together > must be reciprocated. allowing eachother to penetrate personalities
depenetration
partners reduce their amount of disclosure as they lose interest interest in a relationship if deeper chats are not reciprocated
+ self disclosure theory - support from research
Sprecher/Hendrick 2004> straight couples and found correlations between relationship satisfaction and self disclosure > those who used sd were more satisfied w commitment in their relationship. it has also been proved sd improves intimacy > ^ validity
+ self disclosure theory - real life application
can help who want to improve relationships> use self disclosure to increase intimacy and strengthen bond> Hass/ Stafford found 57% of gay people said sd was their main way of maintaining a healthy relationship> if partners could learn sd it could bring benefits to relationships > valid as applies to gay and straight
-(neg) self disclosure theory - cultural bias
increasing breath and depth does not link to all cultures> tang found US disclosure more feelings about sexual practice then china> however both are important in each culture> depends on type of self disclosure > limited explanation of relationships
physical attractiveness
Shackelford/ Larson found people with symmetrical faces are rated more attractive as if shows a sign of genetic fitness.
neotenous faces
younger looking. large eyes, small nose. women like this as shows men are more caring. men like this as shows fertility
halo effect (thorndike 1920)
making assumptions about someone’s intelligence: competence based on their attractiveness
self fulfilling prophecy
if we believe some is attractive we act more positive towards them which leads them to change their behaviour.
this can happen in school, workplace etc
+ halo effect - evidence physical attractiveness is associated w halo effect
palmer/peterson found physically attractive people were rated more politically knowledgable. even when ppts knew they had no expertise they still voted them as more competent. implications on political process and people may vote for physically attractive politicians
