Romantic relationships- JK Flashcards
What is the matching hypothesis (Murstein et al 2014)?
Rather than seeking the most attractive partner, we look for someone of a similar level of attractiveness to ourselves
Why does Murstein propose the matching hypothesis as necessary?
Compromise is necessary due to fear of rejection & need to achieve balance between partners
What study is evidence for the matching hypothesis?
1) Walster et al 1966 computer dance
2) Walster & Walster follow up 1969
3) Taylor et al- internet dating site
What was Walster et al’s procedure for their computer dance study (1966)?
Advertised a “computer dance” for students- first 376 male & 376 female were allowed in for $1.
Each student rated by 4 independent judges on physical attractiveness and completed lengthy questionnaire for similarity data
Random pairing (no man was with a taller woman)
Questionnaire during study
What were Walster et al’s finding from their original computer dance study 1966?
The more physically attractive students were liked more than less attractive students
6 months later, the partners who had dated were the ones who were of similar attractiveness rather than dissimilar
What was the procedure of Walster & Walster’s follow up study (1969)?
Repeat of original study, but students had met beforehand
What were the findings of Walster & Walster’s follow up study (1969)?
Students expressed more liking for those who were the same level of physical attractiveness
What was Taylor et al’s procedure for his research into the matching hypothesis?
Used internet dating site Hotornot, 60 mean & 60 women selected at random (the “initiators”)
Then identified people the initiators had contacted (the “targets”)
Photos of the initiators & targets were rated by independent raters from -3 to 3 (raters were unaware who contacted who)
What were Taylor et al’s findings from his internet dating site research (2011)?
Initial contacts- matching hypothesis wasn’t supported as they contacted a large range of attractiveness including more attractive
Responses from targets supported matching hypothesis (similar rating=respond & chatting, more attractive didn’t respond)
What does the evolutionary theory suggest about romantic relationships?
We form them as they provide a survival & reproductive advantage, so the formation of them can be seen as adaptive
What does the evolutionary theory suggest 1) male & 2) female relationship preferences are?
1) Male’s prefer short-term relationships, to increase chances of his genes to survive, and are less picky but will choose healthy younger females who are faithful (avoid being a cuck)
2) Females produce fewer offspring so are more selective & prefers long-term relationships and males who will provide for her offspring
What are 2 main differences in male and female preferences in a relationship?
1) Long vs short term
2) Selectivity levels
What does Singh’s research suggest?
Across all cultures men prefer women with a waist hip ratio of 0.7 (hour glass shape) as it is a sin of fertility
What does Singh’s research support?
Evolutionary theory- same across all cultures, unlikely to be pregnant (not a cuck)
What is self-disclosure?
Voluntary sharing/revealing of personal info about the self to another person, which can be superficial, low risk or high risk
Why is self-disclosure important in romantic relationships?
Increases interpersonal attraction & closeness, encouraging reciprocal disclosure
What are the norms of self-disclosure?
Moderately personal level in early stages
What are 2 research supports for self-diclosure?
Collins & Miller
Sprecher et al
1) How does Collins & Miller support self disclosure and 2) what is a strength of their research?
1) Support importance of SD in interpersonal attraction- positively related
2) Meta-analysis (real world)
How does Sprecher’s research support self disclosure?
Supports view that SD is positively related to relationship quality and norm being followed is important (turn-taking)
What is a strength of Sprecher’s research as support for self disclosure?
Lab experiment= control and manipulate variables & replication possible
What is a limitation of Sprecher’s research as support for self disclosure?
Lab experiment= Artificial
Lack of population validity as only undergraduate students involved
What are two other evaluation points for self disclosure?
1) Gender differences- Dindia & Allen
2) Cultural differences- Chen
What did Dindida & Allen do/find to do with gender differences in self disclosure?
Meta analysis of 205 studies-women disclosed more than men, supporting view that women disclose more than men
How can cultural differences be used to evaluate self disclosure?
Western disclose a lot more than non-western (China)
Research lacks cultural validity
Who proposed filter theory?
Kerckhoff & Davis (1962)
What is filter theory?
Argues relationships develop through 3 filters, where different factors are important at different times and a field of available is narrowed down to a field of desirables
What are the 3 fields Kerckhoff & Davis outlined in their filter theory?
1) Social demography
2) Similarity of attitudes and values
3) Complementarity of needs
What is involved in social demography as the first filter of filter theory?
Refers to variables such as age, geographical location, ethnicity etc
Occurs without us being aware it does
What is involved in similarity of attitudes and values as the second filter of Kerckhoff & Davis’ filter theory?
Similar/shared attitudes, beliefs and ideas increases communication & helps to progress relationship
People with differing attitudes, values & interests are filtered out here
What is involved in complementarity of needs as the third filter of Kerckhoff & Davis’ filter theory?
Emotional needs become important- referring to how well two people fit together and meet each others needs
What are 2 strengths/ support for filter theory?
1) Kerckhoff & Davis (1962) longitudinal student study
2) Byrne (1970)- common attitudes= increased attraction
Explain Kerckhoff & Davis research as support for their filter theory
Longitudinal study of 94 student couples-several questionnaires over 7 months, assessing shared attitudes and values, degree of complementarily & closeness to partner
FOUND: “Short term” couples= similarity most significant to how close they felt
“Long-term” couples= psychological compatibility most sig. supporting filter model
How does Byrne (1970) support the filter theory?
Found that individuals are more likely to become attracted if they share many common attitudes vs if they only share some if any