Relationships Flashcards
Define human reproductive behaviour
Any behaviours which relate to opportunities to reproduce and thereby increase the survival of our genes. It includes the evolutionary mechanisms underlying our partner preference and our parental investment.
Define sexual selection
Any evolutionary explanation of partner preference. Attributes or behaviours that increase reproductive success are passed on to the next generation and may become exaggerated over succeeding generations of offspring.
Matching hypothesis A01
-People look for others whos physical attractiveness that matches their own
-When finding a partener individuals must first assess their own ‘value’ in the eyes of a potential romantic partner and then selected the best available candidates who will most likely be attracted to them
-By doing so they can maximise thier chance of a successful outcome and avoiding risking rejection
Evaluation of matching hypthesis essay plan
(+)Supporting evidence from Murstein
(-)Does not establish cause and effect/too simplistic
(-)Contradictory evidence
(-)Cultural bias
Matching hypothesis (A03)
(+)Supporting evidence from Murstein
Photographed both partners (separately) in established relationships. Each photo was then scored for physical attractiveness by independent judges using a five point scale. Ptps also had to rate their partners and both the partners and the judges had to rate a control group. Murstein found that real life couples received very similar ratings, and these were significantl mroe alike than the ‘random couples’ (control gorup). Futhermore, partners ratings of themselves was significantly more similar than self-ratings for random couples. Strength as Mursteins study supports the MH as it suggests people are more likely to form relationships with those who are equally attractive. therefore proving the MH with validity.
-also scored themselves more similarly
-Scores similar for real couples
-and rated themselves more similar
-supports Mh and provides validity
Matching hypothesis (A03)
(-)Does not establish cause and effect/too simplistic
Mursteins research demonstrates a clear positive correlation between the ratings of photographs for real couples. Study suggests that ppl form relationshsips with people who ae equally as attractive as themselves, but it cannot prove that this is the only reason that a relationshipis initiated. Limitation as ppl come into relationships offering many desirable characteristics and physical attractiveness (PA) is only 1 of them. A person may compensate for lack of PA with other desiravle characteristics such as charmng personality, money etc. This tendancy to compenstate has been termed ‘complex matching’. therefore, looking at the MH alone is too simplistic.
Matching hypothesis (A03)
(-)contradictory evidence
Taylor et al (2011) studied the activity logs of popular online dating sites. Researchers found online daters sought Rs with ppl more PA than themselves - contradicting MH. Researchers found no evidence that their decisions were driven by a similarity between their own and potential partners PA. Instead found overall preference for attractive partners. Limitation as it suggests that ppl do not take their own PA into account in the initial stages of attraction, but instead aim for someone who is more desirable than themselves. This evidence weakens the validity of MH. In addition, this was a real-world test of the MH and concerned real choices, not just fantacy choices.
Matching hypothesis (A03)
(-) Cultural bias
Matchng PA may be more important in individualistic cultures where couples form the R voluntarily and Rs can be temporary. In collectivist cultures where R’s may be arranged and viewed as permenant, greater importance is placed on economic considerations and family alliances. Limitation because the MH is better at explaining R formation in individualistic cultures rather than collectivist. therefore, MH might not be a valid theory of R formation in all cultures. It is not a universal theory.
Intersexual selection A01
Refers to the strategies that males use to select females or that F use to select M. Women are choosier than men and may seek indicators of socioeconomic status to ensure that he has the resources necessary for her survival and the survival of her offspring. Men prioritise physical appearance and have evolved to be responsive to F that are young and attractive.
Intersexual selection (Fisher, 1930 - sexy sons hypothesis)
The genes we see today are those than enhanced reproductive success. A F who mates with a M who has a certian characteristics then will have sons with this ‘sexy’ trait. Then her sons are also more likely to be selected by successive generations of F’s who will mate with her offspring. therefore, the preference for this ‘sexy’ trait is continued.
Intrasexual selection A01
is within each sex - such as the strategies amongst males to be selected. there is competition between males to be selected by F’s. The winner gets to reproduce and the characteristics that contributed to his victory are passed on. Intrasexual selection also has behavioural consequences that enable competition. Such as males being agressive. females may use strategies such as mate guarding
