Question 1

Brenna tries to initiate sex with her boyfriend by telling him that "it would be safe if we both got tested for STDs and I started taking the pill." This type of sexual influence strategy falls under the category called:

Accepted Answer

Brenna's approach of suggesting both partners get tested for STDs and her starting on the pill as a condition for initiating sex is an example of using logical reasoning. She presents a rational argument based on health and safety to influence her boyfriend's decision.

Question 2

The authors of your textbook report research showing that, compared to heterosexual couples, lesbian couples are likely to have __________ sex.

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that, on average, lesbian couples tend to have less frequent sex compared to heterosexual couples. This finding is consistent across various studies that examine sexual frequency among different types of couples.

Question 3

Michael and Bernadette believe that sexual intercourse is a way of expressing love and affection as well as for developing greater relational intimacy. This implies that they have a _________ orientation toward sexuality.

Accepted Answer

Michael and Bernadette's view of sexual intercourse as a means of expressing love and affection and for developing greater relational intimacy aligns with a relational orientation toward sexuality. This orientation emphasizes emotional connection and intimacy within sexual relationships.

Question 4

According to your text which of the following accurately describes women's sexuality compared to men

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that women's sexuality tends to be more variable and influenced by social and relational factors than men's, women on average report lower levels of sexual desire, and they are often more selective in their sexual behaviors, reflecting a combination of biological, psychological, and social influences.

Question 5

Although sexual satisfaction is an important part of relational satisfaction, _________ is/are even more important.

Accepted Answer

All of the listed factors - commitment, love, and compatibility - play crucial roles in relational satisfaction and are considered even more important than sexual satisfaction in the context of a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

Question 6

In long-term sexual relationships:

Accepted Answer

The answer of In long-term sexual relationships:
...

Question 7

Sexual satisfaction is most important in __________ relationships.

Accepted Answer

Sexual satisfaction is often considered more important in short-term relationships, where physical attraction and sexual compatibility are primary factors.

Question 8

The courtship stage at which a dyad begins signaling to others that they are, at least temporarily, a "couple" and should be left alone is the ___________ stage.

Accepted Answer

The positioning stage in courtship is when the individuals involved start to signal to others that they are a couple, indicating that they wish to be recognized as such and often prefer to be left alone to further develop their relationship. This stage is characterized by behaviors and social cues that position them as a unit in the eyes of others.

Question 9

Marco and Kris have just met and have been talking with one another for about an hour. At one point in the conversation, Marco grabs Kris's hand, lightly caresses it, and tells Kris how nice her fingernails are. Such behaviors are characteristic of the __________ stage of courtship

Accepted Answer

Marco's behavior of grabbing Kris's hand, lightly caressing it, and complimenting her fingernails is indicative of the "invitations and sexual arousal" stage of courtship. This stage involves more direct expressions of interest and attraction, including physical touch and compliments that can be seen as flirtatious or indicative of sexual interest.

Question 10

Research reported in the textbook suggests that individuals who have had _________ sexual experiences in past committed relationships are most likely to expect future relationships to be monogamous and sexually satisfying.

Accepted Answer

Individuals who have had positive sexual experiences in past committed relationships are more likely to have optimistic expectations about future relationships, including their monogamy and sexual satisfaction. Positive past experiences can influence one's outlook and expectations in future relationships.

Question 11

Tactics such as repeatedly demanding sex, threatening to break off or de-escalate the relationship, and using drugs or alcohol as a means of inducing one's partner to have sex fall under the sexual initiation strategy called:

Accepted Answer

These tactics are coercive and manipulative, aiming to pressure or force someone into sexual activity, which aligns with the definition of the "pressure and manipulation" strategy.

Question 12

According to research cited in the text, what is the most effective strategy in promoting safer sex in relationships?

Accepted Answer

Discussing pregnancy prevention or expressing a desire to use a condom "just to be safe" has been found to be the most effective strategy in promoting safer sex in relationships. This approach directly addresses the use of condoms, which are a key component in safer sex practices, making it a more effective strategy than general discussions about AIDS, merely carrying a condom, or frequent HIV testing.

Question 13

In the first two stages of courtship, people's behavior is best described as:

Accepted Answer

In the initial stages of courtship, people often exhibit behavior that is timid and ambiguous. This is because individuals are typically cautious, trying to gauge the other person's interest and reactions without making their own feelings too obvious or putting themselves in a vulnerable position.

Question 14

According to research presented in class and in the textbook, approximately what percentage of couples in the U.S. fall into the rapid involvement group?

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that approximately 7% of couples in the U.S. fall into the rapid involvement group, which is characterized by a quick progression to sexual intimacy.

Question 15

Compared to heterosexual women, lesbians:

Accepted Answer

Lesbians often report higher levels of sexual satisfaction compared to heterosexual women, partly due to a greater emphasis on mutual pleasure. They may have less frequent sexual encounters, but the focus on quality over quantity contributes to their satisfaction. Additionally, because traditional gender roles do not apply, lesbians must navigate and renegotiate sexual initiation and roles within their relationships, leading to a more communicative and consensual sexual dynamic.

Question 16

One day, Cariann is approached by a male colleague who tells her that he thinks she is "really pretty" and that they "need" to go out soon. In response, she tells him, "I am not interested in you that way, and your behavior is inappropriate and unprofessional." According to the research discussed in the text, her response is best characterized as being:

Accepted Answer

Cariann's response is assertive because she clearly and directly communicates her feelings and boundaries without being aggressive or passive. She addresses the inappropriate behavior and states her lack of interest unequivocally.

Question 17

Which of the following helps people avoid sexually transmitted infections such as AIDS?

Accepted Answer

Condoms can physically block many sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS, making them an effective preventive measure. Communication between partners about STIs, their sexual history, and safe sex practices can also significantly reduce the risk of transmission. The pill, while effective for birth control, does not protect against STIs.

Question 18

Evidence that some women are fine without sex while others are highly sexual is compatible with the notion that the female sex drive is more __________ than the male sex drive.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is B) socially flexible, adaptable, and responsive. This choice suggests variability and adaptability in the female sex drive, aligning with the evidence that women's sexual desires can range widely from low to high. This variability contrasts with more stereotypical views of male sexuality as being more straightforward or consistent.

Question 19

One day, a friend tells you that he recently met someone to whom he is attracted. He tells you that the person he met seems to be hinting that the attraction could be reciprocated but that he isn't sure because the behaviors seem so indirect. Your friend wants to know why people would use indirect behaviors to express their attraction to someone instead of just coming right out and saying it. Knowing a thing or two about courtship and flirting, you would be most correct in saying that:

Accepted Answer

Indirect behaviors in flirting and courtship are often used because they allow individuals to express interest without the risk of outright rejection. This approach is safer and helps the person flirting to avoid embarrassment or losing face if the attraction is not reciprocated.

Question 20

According to research reported in the textbook, about _____ of men and _____ of women in college are virgins.

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that approximately 11% of men and 13% of women in college are virgins, as reported in the textbook.

Quiz 9: Communicating Sexually