Relationships Flashcards
define anisogamy
Anisogamy refers to a form of sexual reproduction involving the fusion of two gametes (reproductive cells) that are different in size and form
define intrasexual selection
Intrasexual selection is a form of sexual selection that occurs when individuals of the same sex compete with one another for access to mates.
define intersexual selection
Intersexual selection is a type of sexual selection that occurs when individuals of one sex (usually females) choose mates based on certain desirable traits in the opposite sex.
This process is often driven by preferences for traits that indicate good genes, health, or the ability to provide resources.
define self-disclosure
refers to the information we choose to reveal about ourselves within a romantic relationship.
define the social penetration theory
suggests that process of self-disclosure allows one person to penetrate deeper into the life of there partner thus increasing intimacy
what are the levels of self-disclosure
superficial
intimate
personal
core
what are breadth and depth of self-disclosure
breadth - number of topics discussed between individuals
depth - level of intimacy in the conversation between individuals
explain the matching hypothesis
we choose romantic partners who are roughly similar attractiveness to us
to do this we have to make a judgment about ourselves to then become matched with someone
what is the filter theory
states that people help themselves in their selection of romantic partners by applying 5 level of filters
what are the first two filters and describe them
1) field of available
2) field of desirables
people narrow down there selection of partners by putting them through a series of films.
for romantic relationships to form we must filter down the field of available to who we think is attractive
so we must then filter them down the field of desirables those who share certain factors such as attitudes values and interests
name the 3 main filters in the filter theory
social demography
similarity in attitudes
complementarity of needs
what is the social demography filter
we need to narrow down realistic partner by finding out there
geographical location
level of education
social class
ethnic group
by doing this is allows us to have memorable interactions who are near by
what is the similarity in attitudes filter
partners share important beliefs and values
if partners have little in common it means that there relationship will fizzle out
data shows this filter is really important but only for the first 18 months of the relationship
what is the complementarity of needs filter
the ability for partners to meet each others needs
two partners complement each other when they have the traits that the other lacks
complementarity is attractive because it gives two romantic partners the feelings that together they form a whole which adds depth to a relationship and makes it more likely to flourish
describe what rewards, costs and profits mean in the social exchange theory
we wish to maximise rewards from a relationship and minimise costs
rewards minus the costs equal the outcome
what is the comparison level in social exchange theory
In social exchange theory, the comparison level is a standard that individuals use to evaluate the quality of their relationships
what is the comparison level of alternatives in the social exchange theory
In social exchange theory, the comparison level of alternatives refers to the evaluation of potential alternatives to a current relationship.
It’s used to determine whether someone might leave their current relationship or situation in favour of something they perceive as better
name the 4 stages of relationship development
sampling stage
bargaining stage
commitment stage
institutionalisation stage
what is the sampling stage in relationship development
where people explore potential rewards and costs of relationships not just romantic ones either by direct experience or by observing others
what is the bargaining stage in relationship development
partners exchange rewards and costs, figure out the most profitable exchanges and negotiate the dynamics of the relationship
what is the commitment stage
when relationships become more stable and partners become more familiar with sources of rewards and costs and each others expectations so rewards increase and costs lessen
what is institutionalisation
this is when the relationship norms are developed which established the patterns of rewards and costs for each partner
what is the role of equity in the equity theory
equity plays a central role as it refers to the balance or fairness in exchanges within a relationship.
The theory suggests that individuals feel satisfied in a relationship when the ratio of their inputs to outcomes is proportional to that of their partner.
what is inequity in relation to the equity theory
inequity can cause distress, this occurs when one person gives a great deal but gets little in return.
