Psychology Chapter: Proximity & Attraction

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Questions and Answers

What was identified as the major determining factor of date choice for both sexes in computer dating services?

Personality traits

Shared interests

Psychological characteristics

Physical attractiveness (correct)

Which of the following statements accurately reflects gender differences in attraction?

Women prioritize physical attractiveness over psychological characteristics.

Women tend to focus on psychological characteristics more than men. (correct)

Men prioritize psychological characteristics over physical attractiveness.

Both heterosexual men and women focus mainly on physical attributes.

According to Whipple's findings, what percentage of men would agree to sex when approached by an attractive woman?

70%

10%

90% (correct)

50%

What preference do men typically have regarding facial features in attraction?

Childlike profile with big eyes Signup and view all the answers

What do women generally prefer in terms of a man's physique?

Broad shoulders tapering into a small bottom Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cultural contexts was mentioned in relation to beauty standards?

Thonga of Mozambique find fat children beautiful. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is commonly shared among best friends according to Kandel's study?

Similarity in age, race, and academic grades Signup and view all the answers

What factor increases happiness in married couples according to Craddock's study?

Common egalitarian or religious beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What is the mere exposure effect?

A theory suggesting that familiarity with a stimulus increases its likability. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of people met their special partner in a familiar social setting according to McKnight (1994)?

83% Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is not mentioned as influencing interpersonal relationships?

Financial status Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Dutton & Aaron's study with men crossing a narrow rope bridge?

Men who crossed the bridge were more likely to ask the female experimenter for a date. Signup and view all the answers

Which trait did men rank higher than women in the context of desirable partner characteristics?

Physical appearance Signup and view all the answers

In the study by Mita et al. (1977), what was found regarding preferences for facial images?

70% of friends prefer a photo of their friend's normal face. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a reason why proximity may sometimes fail in forming relationships?

Personality differences and conflicts of interests. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does emotional arousal have on perceptions of attractiveness?

It makes others appear more attractive. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Proximity & Propinquity

McKnight (1994) found 83% of people met their partners in familiar social settings, highlighting the role of proximity.
Byrne discovered people often befriend those they're seated near alphabetically, indicating spatial closeness impacts social relationships.
The mere exposure effect, proposed by Zajonc, suggests repeated exposure to stimuli increases their appeal; people favor familiar faces and sounds.
Mita et al. (1977) found 70% preferred their mirror image, while 70% of friends preferred the normal photo, indicating differing perceptions of familiarity.
Reis (1997) emphasized that proximity doesn’t guarantee attraction; personality clashes and negative interactions can lead to dislike.

Emotional Arousal

Emotionally aroused individuals tend to rate others as more attractive.
White et al. (1981) found men emotionally aroused (running in place) rated women as more attractive.
Dutton & Aaron (1974) showed men on a precarious rope bridge were more likely to seek dates after interacting with a female experimenter, linking fear and attraction.

Physical Attractiveness

Physical attractiveness significantly influences relationship preferences, despite reluctance to admit its importance.
Wakil et al. (1973) ranked physical appearance as 12th for men and 22nd for women in desirable traits, yet other studies contradict this.
Green, Buchanan & Heuer (1984) noted physical attractiveness was a major factor in computer dating service choices.
Walster et al.'s study showed that greater observer-rated attractiveness led to higher likability during blind dates.
Men, regardless of sexual orientation, prioritize physical attractiveness; women tend to value psychological traits.
Whipple (2018) found 90% of men would agree to sex when approached by attractive women, inversely just 10% of women would agree with attractive men.

Benefits of Attractiveness

Attractive individuals face less aggression and are more likely to be employed.
Students perceived as attractive often receive better grades.
Ravin & Rubin (1983) analyzed decision-making in emergency situations; attractiveness can influence treatment decisions.

Preferences for Facial Features

Men prefer partners with childlike profiles, including big eyes and small features.
Women lean toward partners exhibiting dominance, preferring features like a square jaw and small eyes.

Preferences for Body Types

Men are drawn to women with medium busts and curves; women prefer men with broad shoulders tapering to a slim waist.

Preferences for Age and Height

Men typically prefer younger, shorter women, while women often look for older, taller men.

Cultural Effects on Beauty

Cultural standards for beauty vary significantly; Ingleby (1981) noted perceptions of beauty in different cultures, such as the Ainu in Japan.

Similarity

People are attracted to those with similar attitudes, values, and activities, facilitating stronger connections.
Kandel (1978) showed high school best friends often resemble each other in age, race, and academic performance.
Craddock (1990) found that couples sharing egalitarian or religious beliefs reported higher happiness levels.

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Description

Explore the fascinating concepts of proximity and emotional arousal in social relationships through this quiz. Delve into research findings that illuminate how proximity influences attraction, the mere exposure effect, and the role of emotional arousal in perceptions of beauty. Test your knowledge on key studies and theories related to human interaction.