Relationships - Attraction and Romantic Relationships

Question 1

What is the main factor that affects attraction and give one piece of supporting research?

Answer 1

• Physical Attractiveness
• Cunningham (1985) asked male students to rate photos for attractiveness.

Found attractiveness correlated with a number of features e.g. large eyes, small noses etc

Question 2

What is the ‘matching hypothesis’ and what is the main study?

Answer 2

• People tend to go for
  someone who is of a similar attractiveness to them.
• Walster et al (Computer Dance)
  The matching hypothesis was not supported as those who were more attractive were asked out on more dates after 4-6 months.

Question 3

Explain what the filter theory is and the factors involved?

Answer 3

• Field of available’s
  These are the potential people you could have a relationship with.
• Field of desirables
  These are the people a
  relationship most likely will occur with based on similar values.
• Complementary filter
  Relationship will progress if both partners are fulfilling each other’s needs

Question 4

What is the key study regarding the filter theory and what was found?

Answer 4

• Kerchoff and Davies (1962)
  Questionnaire over 7 month period.

Was found that attitude similarity was the most important factor in keeping two people together up to 18 months.

Question 5

Give 3 evaluative points regarding the filter theory?

Answer 5

• Useful to think about the factors and when they are influential.
• Outdated as we live in an interconnected world with enabling technology.
• Ignores other factors such as physical attractiveness

Question 6

Explain what is meant by self disclosure?

Answer 6

• Personal information is shared with you’re partner and is usually verbally given

Question 7

What is the main study for self disclosure?

Answer 7

Sprecher et al

• Two strangers were asked to interact with one another and one PP was asked to give a piece of information.
• Asked to rate the person on 1 to 7 scale
• Found the likingness increased after somebody self disclosed.

Question 8

Who found females disclosed more than men and give one issue about it?

Answer 8

• Dindia and Allen

This study spanned a long period of time so self disclosure norms have changed drastically.