Relationships Flashcards
The matching hypothesis-Formation.
We are attracted to people of similar social desirability.
Matching can be complex
There are obvious gender differences
Not all relationships are voluntary.
Reward/need satisfaction theory- Formation.
Some people reward us directly, others reward us indirectly (via reinforcement)
Giving and receiving rewards is important
Although some relationships may not be reinforcing.
Social exchange theory-maintenance.
Maximisation of rewards and minimisation of costs
There is a comparison level for alternative options
Equity theory
Lack of empirical support
Cultural bias
Gender differences
Investment theory-maintenance.
Commitment is strengthened by satisfaction
Quality of alternatives taken into consideration
Investment = stability
Research support-Le and Agnew 2003
May explain why people stay in bad relationships
Rollie and Duck 2006- breakdown.
Six stages: 1.breakdown, 2. Intrapsychic, 3.dyadic, 4.social, 5.grave-dressing, 6.resurrection
Research support
Heterosexual bias
Evolutionary psychology
Costs related to emotional investment,
Female rejectees experience higher costs
If people increase commitment they can avoid loss
Infidelity- evolved strategy to replace mate
Reputation damage
Research support- perilloux and buss 2008
What is intra sexual selection?
Males competing for females.
What is inter sexual selection?
Females choosing between men.
Evaluation of sexual selection
There are gender differences in the long and short term.
Research is based on preferences rather than real life choices
Evidence for evolutionary influences
Sperm competition reflects adaptive pressures
EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY doesn’t answer everything (nicolson 1999)
There are benefits to short term mating for women.
Parental investment
- An investment in one offspring at the expense of other offspring
- Maternal investment-females invest more because of internal fertilisation
- Males are in danger of cuckoldry and invest more in mating than parenting
