Relationships

Question 1

Anisogamy

Answer 1

The difference between male and female sex cells

Question 2

Inter-Sexual Selection

Answer 2

Strategy of the female, quality over quantity. Fisher’s sexy sons hypothesis. A fit male ensures fit offspring.

Question 3

Intra-Sexual Selection

Answer 3

Strategy of the male, quantity over quality. Males try to impregnate as many women as possible in order to ensure they pass on genes and characteristics. Larger males have advantages, competition.

Question 4

Buss Anisogamy Study

Answer 4

Survey in 33 countries supported in what different sexes find appealing. Application to different countries.

Question 5

Clarke and Hatfield (Inter-Sexual Selection)

Answer 5

Choosiness of women (0%) and men (75%).

Question 6

Shacklefield and Larsen (Physical Attractiveness)

Answer 6

People with symmetrical faces are more attractive, as it is a signal of genetic fitness.

Question 7

McNulty (Physical Attractiveness)

Answer 7

Physical attractiveness is important in relationships

Question 8

Dion (The Halo Effect)

Answer 8

Attractiveness associated with successful and sociable attributes.

Question 9

The Matching Hypothesis

Answer 9

People select romantic partners who are similarly as attractive.

Question 10

Support for Halo Effect

Answer 10

Palmer and Peterson, found physically attractive people rates as more politically knowledgeable.

Question 11

Support for Matching Hypothesis

Answer 11

Partners rating each other the same in attractiveness.

Question 12

Social Penetration Theory

Answer 12

Altman and Taylor, the gradual process of revealing your deepest thoughts and feelings. Breadth and depth of disclosure refers to the quality of the self-disclosure as the relationship goes on.

Question 13

Reciprocity of Self-Disclosure

Answer 13

Reis and Shaver, for a relationship to develop there needs to be a balance.

Question 14

Support for Self-Disclosure (Sprecher and Hendrick)

Answer 14

Strong correlations with satisfaction and level of self disclosure, increases the validity of the theory.

Question 15

Real-Life Application for Self-Disclosure (Hass and Stafford)

Answer 15

57% of gay men and women, self-disclosure the main way they maintain their relationship.

Question 16

Cultural Differences in Self-Disclosure (Tang)

Answer 16

Men and Women n USA disclosure more than in China, therefore self-disclosure is a limited explanation.

Question 17

Filter Theory (Ketchoff and Davis)

Answer 17

Social demography- location, social class, level of education, ethnic group, religion etc.
Similarity in attitudes- similar beliefs and views, for short term relationships this promotes self-disclosure.
Complementarity- partners complement each other when one has traits the other lacks.

Question 18

Failure to Replicate Filter Theory (Lovinger)

Answer 18

Many studies have failed to replicate the findings, due to social changes over time.

Question 19

Evaluation of Filter Theory

Answer 19

Anderson- emotional convergence over time.

Davis and Rusbult- alignment effect.

Question 20

Parasocial Relationships, 3 Levels

Answer 20

McCutcheon, Entertainment, Intense and Borderline Pathological.

Question 21

Absorption-Addiction Model

Answer 21

Absorption- seeking fulfilment, Addiction- extreme behaviours and delusional thinking.

Question 22

The Attachment Theory Explanation for Parasocial Relationships

Answer 22

Bowlby- maternal deprivation, emotional troubles later in life.
Ainsworth- insecure-resistant.

Question 23

Support for Absorption-Addiction Model

Answer 23

Maltby investigated the idea of celebrity worship and found those who idolised women often experienced poor body confidence.

Question 24

Problems with Attachment with Regards to Parasocial Relationships

Answer 24

McCutcheon measured attachments of people with addictive parasocial relationships and found no significant results, low validity.

Question 25

Virtual Relationships- Self-Disclosure

Answer 25

Sproull and Kiesler reduced cues theory, de-individualisation and disinhibition.
Walther’s hyper personal model suggests there is greater self-disclosure but selective self-presentation.

Question 26

Absence of Gating in Parasocial Relationships

Answer 26

McKenna and Bargh found a lack of ‘gates’.

Question 27

Research Support for Walther’s Hyperpersonal Model

Answer 27

Whitty and Joinson, wealth of evidence for greater self-disclosure than face-to-face interaction.

Question 28

Outline Duck’s Phase Model of Relationship Breakdown

Answer 28

• Intra-psychic- cognitive processing of dissatisfaction.
• Dyadic- discussing dissatisfactions.
• Social phase- involving social networks.
• Grave-Dressing- spinning a more favourable story.

Question 29

Outline Rusbult’s Investment Model

Answer 29

• Satisfaction and comparison with alternatives.
• Investment size.
• Satisfaction versus commitment.
• Relationship maintenance mechanisms.

Question 30

How Rusbult’s Investment Model Explains Abusive Relationships

Answer 30

Lack of attractive alternatives.

Question 31

How Does Rusbult’s Investment Model Oversimplify Investment?

Answer 31

Goodfriend and Agnew, added future plans, suggesting a limited explanation.