Relationships

Question 1

Evolutionary explanation for partner preference

Answer 1

Reproductive success is at the heart of the evolutionary process. Those who don’t mate fail to become ancestors and continue the family.

Question 2

process of sexual selection

Answer 2

Charles Darwin’s other theory of evolution, in this case their survival is not at stake rather their ability to leave more descendants

Question 3

Intrasexual selection

Answer 3

individuals of one sex must out compete other members of the same sex in order to gain access to members of the other sex. This means better genes and characteristics are passed down and losers genes are not

Question 4

intersexual selection

Answer 4

members of one sex have desirable preferences in mates, members of the opposite sex who have these qualities gain an advantage over over those who don’t

Question 5

Key Study: Buss (1989) - procedure

Answer 5

Explored what males and females looked for in a long term partner. Over 10,000 people from 37 cultures, PP’s were asked to rate on 18 characteristics from physical attractiveness and good financial prospects.

Question 6

Key study: Buss (1989) - Findings

Answer 6

Women more than men desired good financial prospects, physical attractiveness was more important for men, based on a woman’s health and hence her. Men wanted mates who were younger than them, an indication that men value increased fertility. Both sexes wanted mates who were intelligent and kind.

Question 7

Evolutionary explanations for partner preferences: evaluation

Answer 7

Buss study was culturally relevant and had a good amount of participants, Studies like buss may lack validity as they show what we outwardly express rather than what we actually feel or what happens in real life. Buller (2005) claims that women don’t want high status men as the studies have been mainly undergraduate students, it may be better explained by women wanted men with similar interests rather than the fact they are ‘high status’

Question 8

Physical attractiveness

Answer 8

Men in particular place great importance on physical attractiveness when choosing a mate, this is because physical attractiveness is a cue to a woman’s health and reproductive value. (Eastwick) Women rely on physical attractiveness for a one night stand whereas men don’t

Question 9

The ‘matching hypothesis’

Answer 9

Walster claims that when initiating romantic relationships, people seek partners who are ‘socially equal’, individuals must first assess their own ‘value’ in the eyes of others. Opting for people of a similar level maximises the chances of a successful outcome