Psychology Chapter: Interpersonal Distance and Social Hormones

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What is the purpose of the computerised version of the Comfortable Interpersonal Distance (CID) paradigm?

To measure the preferred interpersonal distance.

What is the independent variable in the experiment, and how is it administered to the participants?

The independent variable is oxytocin vs. placebo, and it is administered through three droplets of the solution self-administered into each nostril.

What is the purpose of the IRI (interpersonal reactivity index) in the experiment?

To assess the participants' empathy levels.

In Experiment 1, what is the role of the stick figure in the circular room, and how does it relate to the participant?

The stick figure indicates the participant, and it is used to measure the participant's preferred interpersonal distance when the protagonist approaches. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the experimental condition and the control condition in Experiment 2?

The experimental condition involves the distance and angle between chairs, while the control condition involves the distance and angle between the table and plant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key finding in the study regarding the effect of oxytocin on interpersonal distance?

Oxytocin reduces the preferred interpersonal distance in individuals with high empathy levels, but not in those with low empathy levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of oxytocin in terms of social bonding, and what conflicting effects has research shown it can lead to?

Oxytocin acts as a neurotransmitter, playing a role in social bonding, but research has also shown that it can lead to envy, risk aversion, and feelings of hostility in certain situations. Signup and view all the answers

According to Hall's (1966) classification, what are the four zones of interpersonal distance, and what relationships do they correspond to?

The four zones of interpersonal distance are intimate distance, personal distance, social distance, and public distance, which correspond to varying levels of familiarity and closeness with others. Signup and view all the answers

What is the social salience hypothesis, and how does it relate to oxytocin's effects on social behavior?

The social salience hypothesis predicts that oxytocin increases attention to social cues and affects how a person processes those cues, leading to differential responses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between cognitive and affective empathy, and how do they relate to understanding another person's experiences?

Cognitive empathy refers to understanding another person's thoughts, while affective empathy refers to understanding their feelings, and both are essential for fully comprehending another person's experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of Scheele's (2012) study, and what was the observed effect of oxytocin on preferred interpersonal distance in males?

Scheele's study aimed to investigate the effect of oxytocin on preferred interpersonal distance, and found that administering oxytocin to males in relationships increased their preferred distance from an attractive female in the presence of a female researcher. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of the laboratory experiment described, and what variables are being investigated in relation to oxytocin and empathy?

The experiment aims to investigate how oxytocin affects preferred interpersonal distance for individuals scoring high or low in empathy traits, examining the relationship between oxytocin, empathy, and interpersonal distance. Signup and view all the answers

Psychology Chapter: Interpersonal Distance and Social Hormones

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