Interpersonal Attraction

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on interpersonal attraction.

Attractiveness

The quality of being pleasing or appealing to the senses or mind.

Parental Investment Theory

The theory that sex differences in attraction are determined by the time, energy, and risks associated with parenting versus mating.

Physical Attraction

An attraction based on objective features of the face and body, such as symmetry and specific facial or body traits.

Choice Overload

A phenomenon where individuals face difficulty in making decisions when presented with too many options.

Self-disclosure

The act of revealing personal information to another person, which is significant in building interpersonal relationships.

The Matching Hypothesis

The theory that individuals tend to pair with partners who are of similar attractiveness to themselves.

Investment Theory

A set of theories regarding the economic maintenance of relationships, focusing on satisfaction, investments, and commitment.

Satisfaction (in relationships)

A subjective evaluation of how happy someone is within a relationship, based on a comparison of rewards and costs.

Quality of Alternatives

The assessment of whether a better relationship option exists compared to the current one.

Relationship Commitment

The degree of dedication one has toward maintaining a relationship, influenced by satisfaction, investments, and availability of alternatives.

According to Parental Investment Theory, which sex is generally more selective in choosing a mate?

A) The sex that invests less, B) The sex that invests more in offspring, C) Neither sex, D) Only males. Answer: B

Which factor in Investment Theory involves comparing one's current relationship to another potential partner?

A) Satisfaction,

B) Quality of Alternatives,

C) Investments

D) Commitment.

Answer: B

What does the Matching Hypothesis predict about long-term romantic pairings?

A) One partner is usually more attractive

B) Partners will have similar levels of physical attractiveness

C) Attractiveness is irrelevant to pairing

D) High-status individuals always pair with low-status individuals.

Answer: B

Which phenomenon explains why having 100 options on a dating app can lead to more difficulty in deciding than having 5 options?

A) Physical Attraction

B) Investment Theory

C) Choice Overload

D) Self-disclosure.

Answer: C

In the Investment Model, what refers to the tangible or intangible resources that a person puts into a relationship which would be lost if the relationship ended?

A) Rewards

B) Costs

C) Alternatives

D) Investments.

Answer: D

In the context of interpersonal relationships, what is the term for the process of revealing personal and private information to another?

A) Choice Overload

B) Self-disclosure

C) Matching

D) Symmetry

Answer: B

How many main components contribute to relationship commitment according to the Investment Model?

A) 1

B) 2

C) 3
D) 4

Answer: C

Which of the following is an example of an objective feature often associated with physical attraction?

A) Economic status

B) Facial symmetry

C) Investment level

D) Quality of alternatives.

Answer: B

According to the Investment Model, what is the most likely outcome for a relationship when satisfaction is low, investments are high, and alternatives are low?

The individuals are likely to remain in the relationship due to high commitment, often described as a 'trapped' or 'stagnant' relationship.

How does the 'Reciprocity' rule apply to self-disclosure in the early stages of a relationship?

It suggests that for a relationship to develop, the level of personal information revealed by one person should be met with a similar level of disclosure from the other.

Why is facial symmetry often cited as a significant factor in physical attraction?

From an evolutionary perspective, it acts as a signal of genetic health and a strong immune system.

In the context of Choice Overload, why can having too many potential partners on a dating app be counterproductive?

It increases the cognitive burden of decision-making, leads to 'analysis paralysis,' and often results in lower satisfaction with the eventual choice.

Which of the following is an example of an 'Extrinsic' investment in a relationship? A) Shared memories, B) Emotional energy, C) A joint mortgage or shared house, D) Personal secrets.

Answer: C

According to the Matching Hypothesis, what is the primary motive for individuals seeking partners who are similar to them in social desirability?

To maximize the chances of a successful pairing while minimizing the risk of rejection from someone significantly more 'attractive.'

In Parental Investment Theory, what is the main reason females are hypothesized to be the more 'choosy' sex?

Due to the higher biological cost and longer time commitment required for gestation and offspring care compared to males.

Which factor in the Investment Model refers to the 'rewards minus costs' that an individual experiences?

A) Commitment, B) Satisfaction, C) Quality of Alternatives, D) Investments

Answer: B

True or False: In Investment Theory, 'Quality of Alternatives' only refers to other romantic partners.

False. It can also include the assessment of being alone or focusing on other aspects of life like a career or hobbies.

How many main variables directly predict 'Relationship Commitment' in Rusbult's Investment Model?

3 (Satisfaction, Quality of Alternatives, and Investment Size).