week 10 Close Relationships Flashcards
What outcomes have been found to be associated with attractiveness? Are you surprised by any?
Pieople who are attractive (and this is judged by being closest to average in appearance), are liked more, are marked better academically as children, are viewed more favourably by juries esp if young and female.
What characteristics are associated with the concept of ‘evolutionary fitness’? What cultural criticisms does this bear?
Evotionary fitness is an assumption that based on good looks (faacial symmetry) or fine physique, one can judge one to be fertile and therefore a suitable mate. Some cultutal differences exist, as gatherer societies prefer heavier women as an indicator of health, and western men prefer slim women as a sign of health.
What is the ‘averageness effect’? What evolutionary explanation has been offered?
this is where humans seem to have evolved to prefer facial symmetry and find an äverage”face more pleasing. It would seem that it is a demonstration of “the closer to the prototype”the more the acceptance.
Aside from physical attractive, what three ‘ideal partner’ dimensions are prevalent?
a) warmth/trustworthiness
b) vitality/attractiveness
c) status/resources
Explain how the following factors have been associated with interpersonal liking: a) Proximity; b) Familiarity; c) Similarity; and d) Social matching
All of those factors have been associated with increased attraction. To get here, had to first have an initial attraction, and then can progress if some or all (best for all) factors present.
What is the basic concept underpinning a reinforcement approach to understanding interpersonal attraction? Note Research Classic 10.4.
Reinforcement approach says we feel more attraction for people when we are having a positive experience (or vice versa). ie attraction reduces when hot or crowded etc.
How does the social exchange theory explain interpersonal relationships? Make sure you use ‘cost-ratio reward’ and ‘minimax strategy’ in your answer.
Social Exchange Theory of Interpersonal relationships describes relationships as a series of analyses of what do I get out of relationship and what does it cost me?
To decide if worthwhile, some calculation occurs within us which determines how costly it is compared to how rewarding it is (cost/reward ratio). The Minimax strategy suggests we are likely to seek interactions with others which cost us minimally yet reward us maximally.
Explain what is meant by ‘comparison levels’ in social exchange theory.
Also part of Social Exchange Theory. In this aspect, an individual analyses the profitability of the current relationship against all previous knowledge and experience, to determine if the current relationship is still worthwhile.
How is a ‘good relationship’ defined, in social exchange theory terms?
Where each party believes that both parties receive and contribute equally.
How has ‘equity theory’ informed relationship research?
Equity Theory is a form of Social Exchange Theory. This defines a relationship as equitable when the ratios of each parties inputs/outputs are equal. This theory covers two scenarios:
a) mutual sharing/exchange of resources eg marriage
or b) limited resources are distributed eg divorce settlement, injury compensation etc.
Findings;
a) the more inequitably people are treated, the more distressed they will feel. Continuing inequitable relationships are more likely to dissolve.
b) men prefer equitable relationships
c) women prefer equality relationships.
equity
those who contribute most, receive the most.
equality
all should receive equally.
distributive justice
the fairness of a decision. seems more important to individuals.
procedural justice
the fairness of the processes leading into a decision.Seems more important for groups.
Why did the study of attachment behaviour arise?
To further understand what happens with social deprivation, and how infants require to be attached to their care giver. Attachment behaviour=the tendency of an infant to stay close to primary caregiver. It is much deeper than affiliation or attraction. Some now argue though that attachment behaviour is not limited to infants but can occur multiple times throughout our lives.
