Questions and Answers
What is interpersonal attraction?
A positive attitude held by one person toward another person
What does 'availables' refer to?
The pool of potential friends and lovers
What factors influence the pool of available people?
Institutional factors and personal characteristics
What influences who we make contact with in the pool of available people?
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How do routine activities affect relationships?
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How does proximity impact relationship development?
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What does familiarity do to attraction?
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What influences initial attraction to someone?
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What are social norms in the context of relationships?
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What are the three processes through which norms are enforced?
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What is the significance of physical attraction in relationships?
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What does the matching hypothesis propose?
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What are four explanations for why we are attracted to beauty?
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What is exchange theory in relationships?
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What is the comparison level in the context of relationships?
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What is the comparison level for alternatives?
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What are scripts in relationship development?
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What are three factors influencing the extent to which people will like each other?
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Why are we attracted to similarity?
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Study Notes
Interpersonal Attraction
- Interpersonal attraction is a positive attitude one person holds towards another.
Availability of Potential Partners
- "Availables" refer to the pool of potential friends and lovers.
- The pool's size is influenced by institutional factors, such as student enrollment numbers, and personal choices of individuals.
Factors Determining Contact
- Contact with potential partners is influenced by routine activities, proximity, and familiarity.
Routine Activities
- Routine activities dictate regular contact with certain individuals.
- Most relationships initiate through these activities or social networks, including online platforms.
Proximity
- Physical proximity increases the likelihood of relationship development.
- A study on classroom seating showed closer seating arrangements led to stronger relationships.
Familiarity
- Familiarity enhances liking; the mere exposure effect shows that repeated interactions with someone can lead to a positive attitude towards them.
Influences on Initial Attraction
- Attraction is shaped by social norms, physical attractiveness, interpersonal exchange processes, and social scripts.
Social Norms
- Cultural norms dictate acceptable relationship forms.
- The norm of homogamy suggests people should align in age, race, religion, and socioeconomic status to have compatible relationships.
Enforcement of Norms
- Enforced through self-monitoring behaviors, reciprocation failures, and third-party interventions.
Physical Attraction
- Physical attractiveness significantly influences the desirability of potential partners.
- Preference often leans towards more physically attractive individuals.
Matching Hypothesis
- Individuals tend to be attracted to those who are approximately equal in social desirability.
Reasons for Attraction to Beauty
- Attraction to beauty is enjoyable, socially constructed, and includes perceived advantages.
- Attractiveness stereotype assumes attractive individuals possess desirable traits.
- Evolutionary perspectives also rationalize beauty attraction.
Exchange Theory
- Relationships are evaluated based on the perceived rewards versus costs.
- Pursuit of relationships is more likely when anticipated rewards surpass perceived costs.
Comparison Level
- The comparison level is based on expected outcomes shaped by past relationship experiences.
- Higher anticipated outcomes increase relationship pursuit likelihood.
Comparison Level for Alternatives
- This concept reflects the minimal acceptable outcome when considering alternatives.
- Greater expected outcomes from a potential relationship enhance the likelihood of pursuit.
Influence of Social Scripts
- Social scripts guide relationship development by defining situations, identities, and permissible behaviors.
Liking Factors
- Three primary factors influencing mutual liking are similarity, shared activities, and reciprocal liking.
Similarity
- Attraction is stronger towards individuals who share similar values and characteristics.
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Description
Explore the concept of interpersonal attraction through these flashcards. Learn definitions, key terms, and the factors influencing attraction and relationship availability. Perfect for psychology students and anyone interested in social connections.
