Soc 340 (Attraction and Interpersonal Relationships) Flashcards
What is the propinquity effect?
The finding that the more we see and interact with people, the more likely they are to become our friends. Physical proximity increases the chances of friendship formation.
What is functional distance?
Architectural design aspects that make it more likely for certain people to come into contact with each other more often than with others.
What is the mere exposure effect and how does it relate to attraction?
The finding that the more exposure we have to a stimulus, the more we are to like it. This explains why proximity/propinquity leads to attraction.
Do ‘birds of a feather flock together’ or do ‘opposites attract’?
Research overwhelmingly supports similarity rather than complementarity. People are attracted to others who share similar demographics, attitudes, values, interests, and physical appearance.
How does similarity function differently in committed relationships versus casual flings?
In committed relationships, people tend to choose similar partners, and perceived similarity is more important than actual similarity. For flings/one-night stands, people may choose dissimilar partners.
What is reciprocal liking and how powerful is it in attraction?
We like people who like us. For initial attraction, reciprocal liking can overcome dissimilarity in attitudes and can affect attentional biases to attractive faces.
How do men and women differ in the importance of physical attractiveness?
Men are more likely than women to report that attraction is important (in self-reports/attitudes), but both genders show similar behaviors in actual mate selection.
What features are associated with attractive faces across genders?
Both genders: large eyes, prominent cheekbones, big smile. Female: small nose, small chin, high eyebrows, large pupils. Male: large chin.
Are standards of facial attractiveness consistent across cultures?
Facial attractiveness is perceived similarly across cultures. Symmetry is universally preferred, and average/composite faces are generally rated as more attractive.
What is the halo effect as it relates to physical attractiveness?
A cognitive bias by which we tend to assume that an individual with one positive characteristic (like beauty) also possesses other positive characteristics (even unrelated ones).
What is the ‘what is beautiful is good’ stereotype?
The belief that beautiful people are more sociable, extraverted, popular, sexual, happy, and assertive. This varies somewhat across cultures.
How does physical attractiveness lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy?
Attractive people receive more social attention, which helps them develop good social skills, leading to more satisfying interactions, confirming stereotypes about them being more socially skilled.
How does evolutionary psychology explain mate selection differences?
Men and women are attracted to different characteristics that maximize reproductive success. Women tend to value resources/status in men (to help raise offspring), while men tend to value physical attractiveness in women (signaling fertility).
What is the difference between companionate and passionate love?
Companionate love is the intimacy and affection we feel when we care deeply for someone without experiencing passion or arousal. Passionate love is intense longing accompanied by physiological arousal, leading to ecstasy when reciprocated or sadness when not.
What is Social Exchange Theory in relationships?
The theory that people’s feelings about a relationship depend on perceptions of rewards and costs, the kind of relationship they deserve, and their chances for having a better relationship with someone else.
What is a comparison level in Social Exchange Theory?
People’s expectations about the level of rewards and punishments they are likely to receive in a particular relationship, which affects satisfaction with the current relationship.
What is the comparison level for alternatives in relationships?
People’s expectations about the level of rewards and punishments they would receive in an alternative relationship, which influences commitment to the current relationship.
What factors determine commitment according to the Investment Model?
Commitment depends on satisfaction with the relationship, investments made in the relationship (what would be lost by leaving), and quality of alternatives.
What is Equity Theory in relationships?
People are happiest with relationships in which the rewards and costs experienced by both parties are roughly equal. Inequitable relationships lead to distress, particularly for the underbenefited partner.
What is the difference between exchange and communal relationships?
Exchange relationships are governed by the need for equity (equal ratio of rewards and costs). Communal relationships are primarily concerned with being responsive to the other person’s needs rather than immediate reciprocity.
What are the four stages in the process of breaking up?
1) Intrapersonal: Thinking about dissatisfaction
2) Dyadic: Discussing breakup with partner
3) Social: Announcing breakup to others
4) Intrapersonal again: Recovering by thinking about why/how it happened.
What are the benefits and pitfalls of online dating?
Benefits: Large number of profiles, opportunity for communication, algorithmic matching. Pitfalls: Hard to predict compatibility, algorithms can’t measure communication or sexual chemistry, and profiles are often inaccurate.
