Psychology Chapter on Interpersonal Attraction

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Questions and Answers

What is the characteristic feature of communal relationships?

They rely solely on shared interests.

They prioritize equitable exchanges between partners.

They involve a special responsibility for one another. (correct)

They are typically short-term and transactional.

Which of the following best summarizes the concept of reciprocity in relationships?

It primarily focuses on transactional exchanges for immediate gains.

It refers to the exchange of physical attractiveness for resources.

It involves mutual liking that reinforces attraction. (correct)

It is a one-sided sentiment that does not influence attraction.

According to evolutionary psychology, what do men typically prioritize in mate selection?

Resources and social status.

Youth and physical attractiveness. (correct)

Emotional stability and nurturing behavior.

Intellectual compatibility and shared interests.

Which factor is NOT typically considered influential in interpersonal attraction?

Financial status Signup and view all the answers

In which type of culture is equity in relationships more commonly emphasized?

Individualistic cultures Signup and view all the answers

What is the halo effect in the context of interpersonal attraction?

It results in the assumption that attractive people possess additional positive traits. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of avoidant attachment styles?

Discomfort with closeness and a tendency to remain distant. Signup and view all the answers

What does the self-fulfilling prophecy suggest about perceptions of attractiveness?

Beliefs about attractiveness can influence behavior Signup and view all the answers

What component is NOT part of social exchange theory?

Equity balance Signup and view all the answers

What does functional distance refer to in the context of relationships?

The geographical layout that influences interactions. Signup and view all the answers

How do attachment styles develop according to the theories presented?

From early interactions with caregivers. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is most likely to lead to staying in a relationship?

High satisfaction with high investment Signup and view all the answers

What type of relationship focuses on trade-based exchanges and is usually short-term?

Exchange relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of comparison levels in relationships?

They determine satisfaction by evaluating rewards against costs Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of individuals in collectivist cultures regarding relationships?

They often accept inequities in relationships Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to occur when one partner perceives another as unattractive?

They may behave less favorably, leading to a negative interaction Signup and view all the answers

What does prosocial behavior often combine?

Altruistic motives and self-interest Signup and view all the answers

What was the average amount donated anonymously in the 1975 donation experiment?

$0.055 Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is not one of the reasons people help others?

Financial gain Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes equal contributions in relationships?

Equity theory Signup and view all the answers

What does social exchange theory suggest about relationships?

Relationships are a balance of costs and benefits Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis indicates that people prefer partners of similar attractiveness?

Matching hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

Empathic concern is characterized by which of the following?

An intention to improve another person's welfare Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely outcome of a couple sharing responsibilities equally?

Mutual satisfaction and stability Signup and view all the answers

What factor increases commitment in relationships according to the Investment Model?

Greater shared experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which type of love is characterized by trust and shared interests, often found in friendships?

Companionate Love Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Investment Model, which aspect is NOT considered when determining commitment?

Duration of the relationship Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Compassionate Love?

Responding to another's needs Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to relationship satisfaction according to the Investment Model?

Social expectations Signup and view all the answers

What psychological concept may drive prosocial behavior in individuals?

Desire for approval from others Signup and view all the answers

Romantic Love is often described as being associated with what type of feelings?

Intense emotion and sexual desire Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an effect of high alternatives in a relationship?

Decreased commitment Signup and view all the answers

What influences an individual's decision to stay or leave a relationship?

Rewards and costs evaluation Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the costs of a relationship outweigh the rewards?

The individual may consider leaving Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT affect relationship satisfaction?

Personal financial status Signup and view all the answers

What is pluralistic ignorance in social situations?

A misconception about the need for help Signup and view all the answers

What role does empathy play according to the empathy-altruism hypothesis?

It produces altruistic motivations Signup and view all the answers

How can pluralistic ignorance be counteracted in emergency situations?

By clearly communicating the need for help Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a person’s mood on helping behavior?

Positive moods increase likelihood of helping Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the transactional nature of relationships?

Individuals assess benefits against costs in relationships Signup and view all the answers

What impact does a positive mood have on helping behavior?

It increases the likelihood of helping others. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does finding money have on an individual's mood and behavior?

It elevates mood and increases the likelihood to help others. Signup and view all the answers

According to the negative-state relief hypothesis, why might individuals engage in helping behavior?

To relieve negative emotions. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant finding from Nancy Steeplay's analysis of helping behavior in urban versus rural settings?

Strangers are more likely to be helped in rural communities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the urban overload hypothesis?

Overstimulation from an urban environment can reduce helping behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common behavioral response when individuals are reminded of their sins?

They often engage in more helping behavior to alleviate guilt. Signup and view all the answers

What factor is linked to the difference in altruistic behavior across urban and rural settings?

The size of the community and its level of rurality. Signup and view all the answers

What psychological effect does a positive mood have as suggested by the findings discussed in class?

It fosters an increased willingness to assist others. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Interpersonal Attraction

What causes attraction?
- MIT Westgate West Study showed proximity facilitates chance encounters leading to friendships.
- Functional distance (building layout) can enhance or hinder interactions.

Types of Relationships

Communal relationships: Involve special responsibility for one another, often long-term.
Exchange relationships: Trade-based, short-term, governed by equity and reciprocity.

Reciprocity

Mutual liking increases attraction likelihood.
Reciprocity involves shared interests and personal liking, creating a positive feedback loop.

Evolutionary Theory and Mate Selection

Men: Prioritize youth and physical attractiveness in mates.
Women: Prioritize resources and status in mates.
Evolutionary psychology suggests these preferences are due to reproductive roles.

Implicit Personality Theory (Halo Effect)

Attractive people are often assumed to have positive qualities beyond their appearance.
This effect varies across cultures.

Attachment Styles

Secure: Comfort with intimacy and dependence.
Avoidant: Discomfort with closeness and dependence.
Anxious-ambivalent: Fear of rejection and abandonment.
Disorganized: Helicopter parent, unpredictable responses.
Attachment styles based on early caregiver interactions.

Hard to Get

Playing hard to get can increase perceived value.
Selective application of this strategy can make someone more attractive.
Being unavailable to most, but making exceptions, can enhance desirability.

Contrast Effect

Perceived attractiveness is relative, influenced by surrounding individuals.
Seeing someone less attractive makes an average person seem more attractive.
Seeing someone more attractive makes others seem less attractive.

Cheerleader Effect

Being in a group enhances perceived attractiveness.
Assumptions about positive social traits like kindness and friendliness contribute.

The Color Red

Men rate women wearing red as more attractive.
This effect could be linked to evolutionary signals related to fertility and health.
Red clothing enhances perceived attractiveness due to associations with fertility.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

The self-fulfilling prophecy impacts interactions based on perceived attractiveness.
People exhibit behaviors based on their beliefs about the other person's attractiveness.

Equity Theory

Equity is achieved when both partners contribute roughly equally to a relationship.
Individualistic cultures prioritize equity, while collectivist cultures might accept hierarchy.

Relationships are evaluated based on rewards and costs.
Comparison level reflects expectations from a relationship, while comparison levels for alternatives considers other potential relationships.
Rewards and costs determine satisfaction.

Decision Making in Relationships

Comparisons of rewards and costs, available alternatives, satisfaction, commitment, and investment influence the decision to stay or leave.
High satisfaction, a greater investment and commitment increase the chances of staying.
Low satisfaction, low investment, and high alternatives to the relationship increase likelihood of leaving the relationship.

Investment Model

Satisfaction, quality of alternatives, and investments—time, effort, and shared experiences—determine commitment levels.

Types of Love

Companionate love: Trust, shared interests (friends/family).
Compassionate love: Focusing on responding to needs of a child/another person.
Romantic/Passionate love: Intense emotion and sexual desire.

Prosocial Behavior

Prosocial behavior can be motivated by a desire to look good to others, self-esteem, or to help another person in need.

Altruism

Altruism involves sacrificing for the welfare of others, a selfless act for another person's betterment.

Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis

Empathy for someone leads to an altruistic desire to help.
Compassion, sympathy, and tenderness are key components of empathy.

Feel Good, Do Good

Positive mood increases likelihood of helping others.
Money elicits a better mood and increases willingness to help others.

Feelings Bad, Do Good

Helping others can relieve negative emotions.
People may donate to alleviate guilt.

Urban Overload Hypothesis

Urban environments are overstimulating, impacting altruistic behavior more than rural settings.
This is due to higher population density, noise, pollution, traffic, crime, and other stressors.
Altruism is impacted by population, particularly pronounced for populations between 1,000 and 50,000.
Fewer opportunities to help exist.
Beyond 50,000 population increases have little impact on rates of helping.

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Description

Explore the dynamics of interpersonal attraction, including the influence of proximity, types of relationships, and the role of reciprocity. Understand evolutionary theories in mate selection and the implications of the halo effect in personality perception. This quiz will test your knowledge and comprehension of these essential psychological concepts.