Relationships Flashcards
(EE) What is the difference between natural selection and sexual selection?
Natural selection driven by the environment. Sexual selection is driven by mate attractiveness and competition.
(EE) sexy sons hypothesis
Fisher (1930) proposed the sexy sons hypothesis which suggests the genes we see today are those enhances reproductive success.
(SD) What is meant by self disclosure?
The idea that relationship formation is built on trust with another person demonstrated by gradually revealing personal information. Allows the partner to reveal their true selves leading to greater intimacy and more satisfaction.
(SD) Social penetration theory
Altman and Taylor (1973) spt says that self disclosure is the gradual process of revealing your inner self to someone. Revealing too much straight away might be inappropriate. Feeling are given in a reciprocity way. Revealing info is displaying trust. They identified breadth and depth using onion analogy. At the start of the relationship, self disclosure is likely to cover a range of topics as you seek to explore key facts about your partner. As the onion gets deeper it goes from superficial level to intimate level to very intimate level.If the sharing happens too soon an incompatibility may be found before the other person has reached a suitable level of investment in the relationship.
(SD) reciprocity
Reis and Shaver (1988) say there must be a reciprocal element to disclosure. Once disclosed something that reveals your true self, hopefully your partner reveals a rewarding response as they understand you.
(SD) factors to consider with self disclosure
- appropriateness of disclosure
- attributions for the disclosure
- gender differences
- content of disclosure
(PF) Shackleford and Larson (1997) symmetrical and neotenous faces
- symmetrical faces more attractive as show genetic fitness
- neotenous faces trigger caring instinct
(PF) what is the matching hypothesis by Walster in 1966
claims ppl more likely to form committed relationship with someone equally attractive. Theory suggests ppl make realistic choices by selecting best partner available.
(PF) what is the halo effect
Type of cognitive bias whereby our perception of someone is positively influenced by our opinions of that persons other related traits. Can shape our perception of others intelligence and competence
(PF) Walster et al 1966 matching hypothesis study
Tested matching hypothesis. Advertised a dance for new students at uni in
Minnesota. 376 M and 376 F randomly selected. When they came to get their
ticket they were rated by 4 students on physical attractiveness. Ppts then did
questionnaire and the results would allocate their partners for the dance.
However pairing was random. Ppts then asked to do another questionnaire
about their dates
Did not support matching hypothesis. Responded more positively to physical
attractiveness and other factors like personality or intelligence did not affect the
liking of the dates.
(PF) what does Feingold (1988) show
Found supportive evidence for the matching hypothesis by carrying out meta analysis of 17 studies using real life couples. Established strong correlation between partners rating of attractiveness as predicted by matching hypothesis. (Could be used for Ao3)
(FT) difference between field of availables and field of desirables
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) argue when choosing a partner, people start by looking at the options that are available to us, this is known as the ‘field of availables’. There are three filters individuals apply to narrow down partner choice to field of desirables
(FT) 1st filter
Sociodemographic filter. Important factors where you will likely to be paying attention to meet someone. Eg level of education or physcal proximity
(FT) 2nd filter
Similarity of attitudes. More likely to form a relationship if you have the same core beliefs and values. Bryne (1977) notices this was important for under 18 month relationships
(FT) 3rd filter
Complementarity. Helping each other fulfil their needs like opposites
