Social Psychology: Affiliation & Attraction Flashcards
Leon Festinger
Created Social Comparison Theory
Social Comparison Theory
We are drawn to affiliate because of the tendency to evaluate ourselves in relationship to other people.
3 Principles of Social Comparison Theory
- People prefer to evaluate themselves by objective, nonsocial means.
- The less similarities of opinions and abilities between two people, the less the tendency to make these comparisons.
- When a discrepancy exists with respect to opinions and abilities, there is a tendency to change one’s position so as to move it in line with the group.
Stanley Schachter’s Research
Greater anxiety does lead to greater desire to affiliate. If affiliation provides a way of comparing one’s opinion and abilities, you might expect that the great the need to compare one’s abilities or opinions, the greater the desire to affiliate.
Reciprocity Hypothesis
We tend to like people who indicate that they like us and vice versus
Aronson & Linder
Created Gain-and-Loss Principle
Gain-and-Loss Principle
An evaluation that changes will have more of an impact than an evaluation that remains constant.
Social Exchange Theory
A person weighs the rewards and costs of interacting with another. The more the rewards outweigh the costs, the greater the attraction to the other person.
Equity Theory
We consider not only our own costs and rewards, but the costs and rewards of the other person.
Need Complimentarity
People choose relationships so that they mutually satisfy each other’s needs.
Physical Attractiveness
A determinant of attraction
Attractiveness Stereotypes
The tendency to attribute positive qualities and desirable characteristics to attractive people.
Spatial Proximity
People will generally develop a stronger liking for someone who lives within a few blocks than several neighborhoods away
Mere Exposure Hypothesis
Familiarity factor of attraction
Helping Behavior
Behaviors that benefit other individual or groups of people.
