University Test 3 Flashcards
Rory and Paris live in the same dorm and are constantly bumping into each other in the halls. As a result, they begin to develop a close friendship despite their earlier animosity.
Proximity and Attraction: People are more likely to form friendships or relationships with individuals who are physically close to them, due to frequent interactions.
In this case, Rory and Paris’s proximity to each other in the dorm leads to more interactions, which helps them overcome their initial differences and build a friendship. The more they see each other, the more familiar and comfortable they become, increasing the likelihood of developing a positive relationship. This is based on Westgate’s study, where people living near each other in an apartment building were more likely to become friends.
In the show Psych, Shawn has a habit of casually walking into the same diner every day. Over time, he becomes more fond of the food and the staff, even recommending the diner to others.
The Mere Exposure Effect: The more often a person is exposed to something, the more they tend to like it, even if they initially had no strong feelings toward it.
Shawn’s regular visits to the diner lead to repeated exposure to the food, atmosphere, and staff. Over time, this leads to a positive association, demonstrating how familiarity increases liking, even if the initial impression was neutral or unfamiliar. This phenomenon was studied by Zajonc, who found that repeated exposure can increase positive feelings toward previously neutral stimuli.
In Bones, Dr. Brennan prefers to work alone and is uncomfortable with emotional intimacy, which causes tension in her relationship with Booth. She often pushes him away when he tries to get closer.
Avoidant Attachment: Individuals with avoidant attachment styles tend to avoid emotional intimacy and may feel uncomfortable relying on others. They value independence and may have difficulty trusting others.
Dr. Brennan’s avoidant attachment style is evident in her reluctance to form a closer emotional bond with Booth. She resists intimacy, preferring to keep her distance, even though she cares about him. This reflects the avoidant attachment style where individuals fear dependency and intimacy, often pushing others away to maintain emotional distance.
In Gilmore Girls, Rory’s relationship with her mother, Lorelai, is characterized by a deep emotional bond, with both relying on each other for support and comfort in difficult times.
Communal Relationship: A relationship in which individuals feel a strong sense of responsibility for one another, with an emphasis on emotional support and mutual care.
Rory and Lorelai’s relationship exemplifies a communal relationship. They are deeply emotionally connected, often providing each other with support and sharing in one another’s lives. There is no expectation of immediate reciprocity in their exchanges; rather, they simply care for each other, which is characteristic of communal relationships.
In The Mentalist, Patrick Jane often uses charm to get people to open up to him, offering them help in exchange for useful information.
Exchange Relationship: A relationship based on the exchange of resources or favors, with an expectation of reciprocity.
Patrick Jane’s interactions with others in The Mentalist are a perfect example of an exchange relationship. He offers something of value—usually advice or assistance—in exchange for information or cooperation. These relationships are typically more transactional and less emotionally invested than communal ones.
In Community, the study group members each bring different skills to the table, and while they don’t always get along, they each feel a sense of obligation to help one another.
Social Exchange Theory: A theory suggesting that people evaluate relationships based on the rewards they provide, seeking to maximize satisfaction by favoring relationships where the benefits outweigh the costs.
The study group in Community operates based on social exchange theory. Each member brings something valuable to the group—be it knowledge, humor, or personal connections. They remain a group because the rewards (friendship, help with schoolwork, etc.) outweigh the costs of conflict and differing personalities.
In Burn Notice, Michael Weston relies on Fiona to help him out of tough situations, and despite their past conflicts, they continue to work together because they each contribute needed skills to the operation, which keeps things between them balanced.
Equity Theory: A theory stating that people strive to maintain fairness in relationships by ensuring that the ratio of rewards to costs is similar for both partners.
Michael and Fiona’s relationship reflects equity theory. Despite their differences, they continue to work together because they maintain a fair balance of contributions to their partnership. Michael relies on Fiona’s skills and knowledge, and Fiona values Michael’s tactical abilities. They both contribute to the relationship in ways that ensure fairness and balance, maintaining mutual satisfaction.
In Phineas and Ferb, the two brothers always come up with new and exciting plans, but they find that their sister, Candace, constantly tries to ruin their fun. Despite her attempts, Candace still craves their attention and approval.
Anxious-Ambivalent Attachment: Individuals with this attachment style desire closeness and intimacy but also fear that their partner may not love them or may leave them. This anxiety can sometimes drive them to act in ways that push others away.
Candace’s behavior toward her brothers in Phineas and Ferb demonstrates an anxious-ambivalent attachment style. She craves attention and approval from them but is simultaneously frustrated by their lack of recognition for her feelings. Her anxious attachment makes her both clingy and overly sensitive to the possibility of rejection, causing her to push for attention in negative ways.
In Bones, the team works closely together on cases, and Dr. Brennan’s past experiences with abandonment shape her ability to form intimate relationships in the present.
Attachment Theory (Bowlby): This theory suggests that early experiences with caregivers shape how individuals form relationships later in life. Secure attachments with caregivers lead to healthy, trusting relationships, while insecure attachments can result in difficulty with intimacy and trust.
Dr. Brennan’s attachment style reflects Bowlby’s attachment theory. Her past experiences with abandonment have led her to be more distant and independent in her adult relationships. Despite her professional success, her insecure attachment early in life makes it difficult for her to form intimate, trusting relationships with others.
Shawn and Gus from Psych meet a woman at a party who shares all of their interests, from obscure 80s movies to their favorite type of food. They find themselves increasingly attracted to her.
Similarity and Attraction: The tendency for individuals to be more attracted to others who share similar beliefs, values, interests, and even physical traits.
Explanation: When people share common interests and experiences, it leads to increased attraction because it creates a sense of validation and mutual understanding. Shawn and Gus are more likely to be attracted to someone who shares their quirky tastes because it reinforces their own identities and values.
In Gilmore Girls, Rory finds herself getting along with other students who share her passion for literature and academic ambition. They bond quickly over their similar goals and values.
Studies on Similarity: Research shows that people are more likely to form relationships with those who share similar beliefs, values, and backgrounds.
Explanation: Rory’s attraction to her classmates is based on shared interests and values, which is a powerful predictor of relationship satisfaction. Similarity increases connection by validating each person’s beliefs and goals, helping to form deeper and more lasting relationships.
In Bones, Dr. Brennan and Booth are similarly good-looking, which helps them to maintain mutual respect and attraction.
The Matching Hypothesis: The idea that individuals are more likely to form relationships with others who are similar in physical attractiveness.
Explanation: In Bones, Dr. Brennan and Booth’s professional relationship mirrors the matching hypothesis, as their compatibility and physical attractiveness are comparable. This similarity in appearance helps them connect on both professional and personal levels, maintaining a stable and long-lasting partnership.
Phineas and Ferb’s neighbor, Baljeet, often feels more connected to his friends because they share his academic and personal values, especially his commitment to learning and curiosity.
Why Similarity Matters: Similarity promotes attraction because it fosters a sense of validation and mutual understanding, which can lead to stronger connections.
Explanation: Baljeet’s attraction to his friends is partly due to shared academic values and interests. When people share values, it reinforces their beliefs and helps create a deeper connection, making it easier to form and maintain friendships or romantic relationships.
In The Mentalist, Patrick Jane and Teresa Lisbon often work together, building trust and attraction due to their shared approach to solving cases and their similar methods of analyzing human behavior.
Social Validation: The reinforcement of one’s beliefs and attitudes through interactions with others who share similar views.
Explanation: Patrick Jane and Teresa Lisbon’s connection grows because their shared approaches to work provide social validation. This mutual validation leads to stronger emotional bonds, which in turn enhances attraction between them.
In Community, Jeff and Britta frequently clash, but their frequent interactions lead them to form a deeper attraction, as they begin to recognize their shared personal struggles and values.
Proximity and Attraction: The tendency for individuals to form relationships with people who are geographically or socially close to them.
Explanation: Jeff and Britta’s increasing attraction is partly due to their frequent interactions. Their proximity at school leads to increased opportunities for bonding and familiarity, which enhances their attraction over time.
In Burn Notice, Michael and Fiona’s relationship deepens not just because of their similar goals in fighting injustice, but also due to the frequent exposure they have to each other in high-stress situations.
The Mere Exposure Effect: The phenomenon where repeated exposure to someone or something increases liking for it, even if there is no direct interaction.
Explanation: Michael and Fiona’s attraction grows as they spend more time together, especially in high-pressure environments. The mere exposure effect helps explain why people tend to develop feelings for those they see or interact with frequently, even if they initially feel neutral about them.
In Gilmore Girls, when Lorelai first meets Luke, their shared sarcastic sense of humor and fast-paced conversation styles make it easier for them to interact, which creates an immediate attraction.
Cognitive Fluency: The idea that people are more attracted to things that are easier for the brain to process, such as familiar patterns or clear communication.
Explanation: Lorelai and Luke’s attraction is partly due to their conversational ease, which stems from their shared communication style. Cognitive fluency suggests that people are drawn to interactions that are smooth and effortless to process, like their fast-paced and witty dialogue.
In Bones, the team often compares their past relationships and current dynamics with others, evaluating how they feel in their current work environment versus potential new opportunities.
Comparison Level for Alternatives (CLalt): The concept of evaluating one’s current relationship against potential alternative relationships.
Explanation: In Bones, the team’s decision to remain in their current dynamic is influenced by whether they perceive other relationships as offering more rewards or fewer costs. This evaluation shapes their satisfaction with their current bonds.
In Psych, Shawn and Juliet’s attraction grows over time, especially as they consistently help and support one another, even when the return is not immediate or direct.
Communal Relationships: Relationships where support and benefits are exchanged without the expectation of an immediate or direct return.
Explanation: Shawn and Juliet’s relationship is communal, as they provide each other with emotional and practical support without keeping track of specific contributions. This fosters long-term attraction because the exchange is based on mutual care rather than a transactional approach.
In Phineas and Ferb, Isabella and Phineas often help each other with their projects, but they never keep score of their contributions, just enjoying each other’s company and growing closer.
Exchange Relationships: Relationships based on explicit and reciprocal exchanges where both parties expect a direct return for their contributions.
Explanation: Phineas and Isabella’s relationship isn’t an exchange relationship because they don’t expect anything specific in return for their help. However, an exchange relationship would be more common in work settings, where mutual benefits are expected, such as coworkers collaborating on a project.
In Community, Annie and Jeff have a strong attraction to each other but find themselves frequently testing the boundaries of their relationship by evaluating how much they get out of it compared to past experiences.
Comparison Level for Alternatives (CLalt): The standards individuals use to evaluate whether staying in a relationship is better than pursuing alternatives.
Explanation: Annie and Jeff’s behavior reflects comparison level for alternatives because they’re assessing their current relationship against other possibilities. If they believe an alternative would provide greater satisfaction or benefits, they may consider leaving the relationship.
In Bones, Angela and Hodgins enjoy each other’s company and feel attracted to one another because they share many values, such as their love for the arts and appreciation for adventure.
Similarity and Attraction (Continued): Attraction increases when people share similar personality traits, values, and preferences, leading to stronger relational bonds.
Explanation: Angela and Hodgins’ relationship thrives because of their shared values and interests. The matching of these traits fosters greater empathy, understanding, and emotional connection, which increases their attraction.
In Burn Notice, Michael and Fiona’s relationship often faces external pressures, but they rely on shared experiences and memories to strengthen their emotional bond.
A: The Role of Context and Timing: Situational factors, such as shared challenges and external pressures, strengthen attraction by creating opportunities for collaboration, building trust, and fostering emotional intimacy through overcoming adversity together.
Explanation: Facing life-threatening missions and external threats forces Michael and Fiona to rely on each other, deepening their connection. These intense, shared experiences amplify their emotional bond and reinforce their attraction, showing how relationships can be shaped by context and timing.
In Psych, Shawn’s charm is enhanced by his good looks, but his witty personality and sarcastic humor elevate him in the eyes of others, proving that appearance alone doesn’t define his attractiveness.
Halo Effect: The cognitive bias where one positive characteristic (e.g., physical attractiveness) leads to the assumption of other positive qualities.
Explanation: Shawn’s physical attractiveness might initially capture attention, but his charming personality and sharp wit are what truly make him attractive to others. The halo effect explains how one trait (like attractiveness) can create a broader, positive perception of a person’s overall qualities.
In Bones, Brennan often praises the symmetry of skulls when analyzing remains, stating that those with more symmetrical features are often healthier and may have a better genetic makeup.
The Role of Symmetry: Symmetry is often associated with health and genetic fitness, which can make people appear more attractive.
Symmetrical features are linked to good health and genetic quality, which is why Brennan focuses on symmetry as an indicator of a well-functioning organism. This aligns with evolutionary theories that suggest symmetry signals genetic fitness, making symmetrical individuals more attractive.
In Gilmore Girls, Rory’s friends admire her because of her academic success, and they see her as capable and kind. Despite not knowing her personally, people in her class quickly start to treat her warmly based on this impression.
Halo Effect: The tendency for one positive characteristic to influence the perception of other characteristics.
Rory’s classmates assume that because she is academically successful, she must be a kind person too, and they treat her with warmth based on this impression. This is an example of the halo effect, where her academic success influences how people perceive other qualities about her.
In Community, Jeff Winger often uses his good looks and charming personality to get what he wants from others. Despite his often self-centered behavior, people find him approachable and agreeable because of his attractiveness.
Physical Attractiveness and Social Outcomes: Attractive people often experience better social outcomes, being perceived as more competent and sociable.
Jeff’s attractiveness causes people to view him as more sociable and friendly, which helps him achieve his goals, even though his behavior may not always align with those traits. This demonstrates how physical attractiveness can influence social outcomes and perceptions.
In Phineas and Ferb, the characters often encounter various adventures. Despite the varied contexts, some people, like Candace, are attracted to certain characters more due to their symmetrical features and youthful appearance, which seem to suggest health and vitality.
Symmetry and Attractiveness: Symmetry in faces and bodies is often linked to physical attractiveness, signaling good health and genetic fitness.
Candace’s attraction to symmetrical and youthful characters in the show highlights how people may be drawn to these features due to evolutionary reasons, as they are seen as signs of good health and reproductive fitness.
In Burn Notice, Michael’s physical fitness and appearance are crucial to how others perceive him in situations requiring physical prowess or trust. His strong jawline and athletic build signal strength and confidence, making him more appealing in high-stakes scenarios.
Sexual Dimorphism: Physical traits associated with masculinity, such as a strong jawline and athletic build, are often seen as attractive because they signal strength and reproductive fitness.
Explanation: Michael’s masculine features, like his defined jawline and physical strength, emphasize traits linked to sexual dimorphism. These traits are evolutionarily associated with protection and resource acquisition, making him appear more capable and appealing in situations that demand trust or physical ability.
In The Mentalist, Patrick Jane uses his charisma to influence others, but his attractiveness is a key factor in his success when dealing with suspects or witnesses, especially in high-stress situations.
Cultural Influences on Beauty: Beauty standards differ across cultures, but certain features like facial symmetry are often universally considered attractive.
Patrick Jane’s success in using his charm highlights how physical attractiveness can be influential in various cultures. His ability to connect with people may be enhanced by his adherence to certain universally attractive traits, such as symmetry.
In Psych, Shawn’s antics often lead to humorous situations, and despite his tendency to act goofy or make mistakes, people often perceive him as competent and intelligent because of his likeable, attractive personality.
Halo Effect: A cognitive bias where one positive trait (such as attractiveness) influences the perception of other traits (such as intelligence).
Shawn’s charm and likability lead people to perceive him as more competent and intelligent than he may actually be. This is a clear example of how the halo effect works in shaping people’s perceptions of him.
In Gilmore Girls, Lorelai often talks about how much she appreciates Luke’s hardworking nature and his facial features, which are not conventionally attractive but have grown on her over time.
Familiarity and Familiarity Bias: The mere exposure effect explains that familiarity with a person can increase attraction.
Lorelai’s growing affection for Luke, even though his features may not align with conventional attractiveness, illustrates the mere exposure effect. Over time, she becomes more attracted to him as she spends more time with him, highlighting how familiarity can increase attraction.
In Community, the group often meets new people at the school, and through mutual friends or classmates, they become more interested in each other, even if they wouldn’t have initially considered them as potential friends.
Social Networks and Attraction: Attraction is often facilitated by mutual connections in social networks.
The group’s interactions and growing relationships, influenced by mutual friends and acquaintances, demonstrate how social networks play a role in facilitating attraction. The presence of shared connections makes individuals more likely to be attracted to one another.
In Bones, the characters are often involved in solving cases that require collaboration with others. The team’s success is partly due to the trust they build over time through consistent work together.
The Role of Context and Timing: Attraction is influenced by the context in which individuals interact and the emotional state they are in.
The team’s cohesion and attraction to working together successfully highlight how the context of their work environment, as well as their shared experiences, can foster mutual attraction and trust over time.
In Burn Notice, Michael uses his connections with former spies to navigate dangerous situations. His connections often introduce him to new people, making him more likely to form romantic or business relationships.
Social Networks and Attraction: People often meet potential partners through mutual connections, which increases the likelihood of relationships forming.
Michael’s reliance on his network of contacts in the spy world highlights how social networks can provide opportunities for forming both personal and professional relationships, making it easier to form connections with others.
In Phineas and Ferb, characters often meet new people at summer camp or on vacations, where the setting is relaxed and promotes intimacy, increasing the chances of developing romantic attractions.
The Role of Context and Timing: Attraction can be influenced by the setting and emotional state, such as in environments promoting intimacy.
The relaxed and fun context of summer camp or vacation settings makes it easier for characters in Phineas and Ferb to form romantic attractions. These environments foster closeness, which can enhance attraction between individuals.
In Psych, Shawn and Gus frequently meet new people, and Shawn is more friendly and charming than usual; this persona allows him to build trust and win over suspects, creating opportunities for further interaction.
Self-Presentation: The process of managing one’s image and behavior to influence how others perceive them.
Explanation: Shawn’s charm and quick wit allow him to craft a likable, attractive persona that enhances his interactions with others. This self-presentation is key to forming connections and gaining trust, as he controls how others see him, similar to how people use various social cues to create positive impressions in real-life situations.
In Community, Annie finds herself attracted to Jeff despite his flaws, mainly because of the way he presents himself in the group.
Self-Presentation and Charisma: The way individuals present themselves can significantly influence attraction, regardless of flaws.
Explanation: Annie’s attraction to Jeff is influenced by how he presents himself in the group—his confidence, charm, and ability to command attention, even though he has personal flaws. This demonstrates that self-presentation plays a large role in attraction, as people are often drawn to how others project themselves, even when other traits might be less than perfect.
