Attraction and Relationships Notes

Flashcards on Attraction and Relationships

What is propinquity in the context of attraction?

The tendency to become friends with people we interact with frequently.

Why is initial contact necessary for establishing a relationship?

Because you cannot become friends with people you don't meet.

What is the correlation between geographic proximity and relationship formation?

Geographic proximity significantly increases the likelihood of forming relationships.

How do shared living spaces like college dorms promote bonding?

Shared living spaces promote frequent interaction and bonding.

How does visibility affect friendship formation, as demonstrated by the stairwell example?

Increased visibility and spontaneous encounters enhance friendship formation.

Why does proximity matter so much in relationship formation?

It's easy to get to know people nearby, and we are motivated to like people we will see often.

What is 'mere anticipation' in attraction?

The expectation of future contact can drive liking.

What is 'mere exposure' effect?

The more we are exposed to someone, the more we want to like them.

What is similarity-attraction effect?

We like people who are similar to us.

What is homophily?

Also called assortative mating, it means similarity in relationships is a well-documented phenomenon.

What is assortative mating?

The clustering of people who are similar to each other.

Name some variables that show partners tend to be similar on?

Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Socioeconomic Status, Height, Weight, Eye color

What biological similarities can be observed between partners?

Lung volume, Nose breadth, Earlobe length

What opinions and views do partners tend to share?

Opinions, Worldviews, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Trust

What is maximization strategies in relationship formation?

Everyone tries to get the best mate possible; because of competition, this means people end up being 'matched' in terms of their mate value.

What is egocentrism in partner selection?

We like ourselves, so we like people who are similar to us. In this case, we find similarly attractive people attractive.

How does compatibility affect relationship formation?

For many traits, similarity with partners may smooth interactions.

What is Social influence in relationship formation?

Partners may change to become more similar to them over time and converge on one another's interests/tastes.

What is structural constraints in relationship formation?

We tend to have social contact mostly with people who are similar to us, so if we are picking our partners from that set, we will tend to be similar to our partners.

Which traits match best with maximization strategies?

Traits for which there is a consensus on desirability, such as physical attractiveness.

Which traits match best with Egocentrism?

Visible traits, things that are more self-defining. We are more motivated to do that to traits that are more like ourselves.

Which traits match best with compatibility?

Traits associated with conflict, such as worldviews.

Which traits match best with Social influence?

Traits that can be changed over time.

Which traits match best with structural constraints?

Demographic constraints.

What was the only predictor of desire for a second date in randomly matched students?

Physical attractiveness, true for both men and women.

Name some Universals of physical attractiveness?

Clear complexion, Bilateral symmetry, Average features

Can weight be a cultural variable?

Yes, body size preferences vary across cultures.

What is reciprocity in attraction?

We are attracted to people who like us, especially if they uniquely like us.

How are benefits allocated in Communal Relationships?

Benefits are allocated based on individual needs.

How is equity expected in Communal Relationships?

Equity is expected, but immediate reciprocation isn't necessary.

How do Exchange Relationships function?

Benefits are provided with the expectation of reciprocation.

How are costs & benefits involved in relationships?

All relationships involve both costs and benefits, where individuals incur costs to provide benefits.

What is the role of liking and reciprocity in relationships?

Liking is influenced by how much others reward us; married individuals are liked more when they reciprocate, while unmarried individuals are liked more when they don't.

How does self-disclosure affect liking?

Self-disclosure can increase liking, provided it is appropriate and not too rapid; disclosing and receiving an empathic response enhances liking for the other person.

What does social penetration theory explain?

Cycles of self-disclosure and empathetic responses lead to intimacy.

Define close relationships based on Fiske's definition.

Characterized by interaction, mutual influence, intimacy, and strong feelings.

What are the components of interdependence in close relationships?

Behavioral, Cognitive, and Affective interdependence.

Explain relational turbulence theory.

Transition points in relationships can disrupt routines and evoke negative emotions.

What are positive illusions in relationships?

Overly positive initial impressions, bolstered to cope with threats to commitment caused by conflict.

Describe the Michelangelo effect.

Perceptions of partners influence behavior toward them; by perceiving a partner as more similar to their ideal self, we can facilitate their becoming that ideal self.