Hatfield et al. (1979) Study on Relationship Equity

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the relationship between feelings of equity in a relationship and the likelihood of extramarital affairs?

A lack of equity, as felt by over-benefited or under-benefited partners, increases the likelihood of extramarital affairs.

How does the perception of being equally benefited affect long-term relationship survival?

Those who feel equally benefited are more likely to believe their relationship will survive long-term.

What conclusion can be drawn about the necessity of equity in maintaining a long-term relationship?

Equity is necessary for lasting relationships; imbalance must be addressed promptly to prevent relationship breakdown.

What impact does the duration of a relationship have on the occurrence of extramarital affairs?

<p>Shorter duration relationships are associated with a higher occurrence of extramarital affairs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are two potential outcomes for relationships where one partner feels over-benefited or under-benefited?

<p>Such perceptions can lead to doubts about the relationship's future and increased risk of infidelity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main aim of the study conducted by Hatfield et al. (1979)?

<p>To investigate the validity of the assumption that extramarital affairs are a result of an imbalance in the equity of a relationship.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of research design was used in Hatfield et al.'s study?

<p>A correlational study using a questionnaire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many responses were gathered in Hatfield et al.'s study?

<p>2000 responses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential bias was identified in the sample of participants?

<p>The sample was biased as it consisted only of US couples, which may not reflect the whole population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the traits that the questionnaire asked about regarding partners?

<p>Desirability, appearance, character, and financial status.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of the data collected through the questionnaire?

<p>The data was self-reported and retrospective, risking memory distortion and demand characteristics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key findings related to imbalance in relationships from the study?

<p>Bidirectional ambiguity exists; it's unclear whether imbalance leads to extramarital affairs or vice versa.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What methodology was used to gather information from participants in the study?

<p>A magazine questionnaire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Relationship Equity

A state where both partners perceive a balanced exchange in a relationship, where they feel they receive as much as they give.

Relationship Imbalance

When one partner feels they are receiving more benefits than they contribute, or vice versa, creating an imbalance in the relationship.

Over-Benefit Perception & Extramarital Affairs

Individuals who feel their partner is benefiting more than they are tend to engage in extramarital affairs earlier and with more partners.

Relationship Equity & Longevity

Partners who perceive an equal balance in the relationship are more likely to believe their relationship will last long-term.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Restoring Relationship Equilibrium

Restoring balance in a relationship after an imbalance occurs is crucial for long-term stability.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Correlational study

A type of research that explores the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating any of them. It aims to understand how variables co-occur and predict one another.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Repeated measures design

A study design where participants are measured on the same variable multiple times, often under different conditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Bidirectional ambiguity

A situation in correlational research where it's unclear which variable is causing the other. For example, does low relationship equity lead to affairs, or does having an affair lead to feeling under-benefited in the relationship?

Signup and view all the flashcards

Biased sample

A potential weakness in research where the sample does not accurately represent the wider population. This can lead to biased findings.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Retrospective data

A potential source of error where participants provide information about past events, which can be distorted by memory, mood, or the desire to present oneself in a favorable light.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Demand characteristics

A potential source of bias in self-reported data where participants feel pressured to give socially desirable answers, even if they are not entirely truthful.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Equity theory

The assumption that extramarital affairs are a result of an imbalance in the perceived fairness of a relationship.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Validity study

A study that investigates the validity of a claim, theory, or assumption.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Hatfield et al. (1979) Study

  • Aim: To investigate if extramarital affairs result from relationship inequity.
  • Research Type: Correlational study using a questionnaire.
  • Sample: 2000 responses from US couples (married or cohabiting). The sample was not representative of the whole population as participants were recruited through magazine questionnaires, making the sample biased.
  • Procedure: Questionnaire assessed partner characteristics, relationship equity (over/under-benefited), and extramarital affairs.
  • Results:
    • Participants who felt under-benefited in their relationships reported extramarital affairs sooner and with more partners compared to those who felt equally or over-benefited.
    • Those feeling equally benefited were more likely to believe their relationships would endure.
  • Conclusion: Relationship success depends on equity; imbalance can lead to infidelity.
  • Evaluation:
    • Large sample size made the study more representative, but the sample only came from the US, limiting generalizability.
    • The data was self-reported and retrospective, making it vulnerable to memory distortion and demand characteristics.
    • It was unclear whether inequity caused extramarital affairs or if extramarital affairs created feelings of inequity.
    • Possible researcher bias in interpreting the data.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Hatfield et al. (1979) PDF - Correlational Study on Extramarital Affairs

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser