Question 1

What component of evolutionary theory suggests that women and men have different mate selection priorities because they have unequal roles and responsibilities in producing and caring for children?

Accepted Answer

Parental investment theory suggests that women and men have different mate selection priorities because they have unequal roles and responsibilities in producing and caring for children. Women have a greater investment in reproduction and are more selective in their choice of mates, seeking partners who can provide resources and support for themselves and their offspring. Men, on the other hand, have a lower level of investment in reproduction and are more focused on mating with multiple partners to increase their reproductive success. This theory helps to explain why men tend to be more focused on physical attractiveness and youthfulness in women as these traits are seen as indicators of fertility and reproductive potential, while women tend to prioritize traits like status, ambition, and financial stability in men as these traits are seen as indicators of resources and ability to provide for a family.

Question 2

Which of the following prompts the creation of a new life structure,according to Levinson's theory of adult development?

Accepted Answer

According to Levinson's theory of adult development, a new life structure is prompted by major life events such as marriage, divorce, having children, and career changes. Marrying is one such major life event that prompts the creation of a new life structure. Buying or selling a house and working at a part-time job may bring about changes in one's daily routine but they are not considered significant enough to prompt the creation of a new life structure.

Question 3

Which of the following terms describes the capacity to engage in a supportive,affectionate relationship without losing one's own sense of self?

Accepted Answer

Intimacy refers to the ability to form close, emotionally intimate relationships with others while still maintaining a strong sense of self and individual identity. Attachment refers specifically to the bond between an infant and caregiver, while identity infusion refers to the process of merging one's sense of self with another person or group. Generativity, meanwhile, refers to a concern for the welfare and development of future generations.

Question 4

Which of the following theories ascribes to the view that sex differences in relationships are adaptations to gender roles that result from external realities such as interactions with others?

Accepted Answer

Social role theory argues that sex differences in relationships are a result of external realities such as interactions with others, as opposed to inherent biological differences. This theory suggests that gender roles and expectations are shaped by societal norms and values, and that individuals tend to conform to these expectations in order to fit in and be accepted.

Question 5

Jeri's only child has married,signaling a change in Jeri's life structure.It will take Jeri a while to adjust to her new "empty nest." According to Levinson,which of the following terms applies to this adjustment period?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Jeri's only child has married,signaling a change...

Question 6

Which of the following best summarizes the distorted perception of marriage in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The distorted perception of marriage in the United States is that the institution of marriage is being threatened and that the divorce rate for all marriages is approximately 50%. This is based on a misunderstanding of statistics, as the divorce rate varies depending on factors such as age, education level, and income. Additionally, the idea that same-sex marriages are on the rise and threatening the traditional concept of marriage is a myth, as research has shown that allowing same-sex couples to marry does not harm heterosexual marriages.

Question 7

Which of the following terms does Jeffrey Arnett use to refer to the developmental period between 17 and 22 years of age?

Accepted Answer

Jeffrey Arnett uses the term "Emerging adulthood" to refer to the developmental period between 17 and 22 years of age. This term reflects the unique characteristics of this period, which is marked by increased autonomy, exploration, and instability as individuals transition from adolescence to adulthood. The term "Transition-to-adulthood" may also be used to describe this period, but it is not the term used by Arnett. The terms "Post-adolescence" and "Postformal adulthood" do not accurately capture the distinct features of this developmental stage.

Question 8

Which of the following is related to higher levels of marriage satisfaction and stability?

Accepted Answer

How a couple manages conflict has been consistently linked to higher levels of marriage satisfaction and stability. Effective communication and problem-solving skills, as well as a willingness to compromise and accommodate each other's needs, are key ingredients in successful conflict management.

Answer: A and B
 Insecure attachment to his or her family of origin and high degrees of neuroticism are both factors associated with lower levels of marriage satisfaction and stability. These individuals may struggle with trust, emotional regulation, and effective communication in their intimate relationships.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes neurological support for Arnett's theory?

Accepted Answer

Neuroimaging studies support Arnett's theory by showing that the prefrontal cortex - the region of the brain responsible for impulse control, decision making, and self-regulation - does not fully mature until the early to mid-twenties. Option A is incorrect as it includes the age of thirties, which is not consistent with Arnett's theory. Option B is incorrect as it mentions areas of the brain controlling sleep and wakefulness, which are not relevant to Arnett's theory. Option D is incorrect as it makes a broad and unsupported statement about behavior in late teens and early twenties.

Question 10

Which of the following statements is true regarding research into attachment and marriage?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that about 2/3 of engaged couples described attachment relationships with their parent(s) to be similar to the attachment relationship with the prospective spouse. This suggests that early attachment experiences can influence later attachment and relationship outcomes.

Question 11

Jack has settled into his new life as a retiree.He has friends and activities and feels a happy sense of stability in his new life.According to Levinson,in which phase is Jack?

Accepted Answer

According to Levinson, the culmination phase is when an individual has settled into a stable life structure, feeling a sense of fulfillment and stability, which aligns with Jack's situation as a retiree.

Question 12

Which of the following terms was used by Levinson to refer to the underlying pattern of an individual's life at a given time,including balances and conflicts among roles,relationships,and behavior patterns?

Accepted Answer

Levinson used the term "life structure" to refer to the underlying pattern of an individual's life at a given time, including balances and conflicts among roles, relationships, and behavior patterns.

Question 13

When marital relationships have negative effects on physical health,what is the physiological mechanism at work?

Accepted Answer

The physiological mechanism at work when marital relationships have negative effects on physical health is the production of the stress-related hormone cortisol. High levels of cortisol can lead to inflammation, weakened immune function, and other negative health outcomes.

Question 14

How much does the average formal wedding cost in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The average formal wedding cost in the United States is $26,000.

Question 15

Which of the following ethnic groups is most likely to place a proportionately higher emphasis on the importance of children as a contributor to a successful marriage?

Accepted Answer

Hispanic cultures place a high emphasis on family and children, and it is often seen as important for a successful marriage. Parenthood is often viewed as a fulfillment of a couple's commitment to each other and to their shared cultural values. Additionally, there is often a strong focus on the importance of extended family and community support in raising children, further reinforcing the idea that children are integral to a successful marriage.

Question 16

Which of the following personality characteristics is identified by your text as a major contributor to dissatisfaction and instability in a marriage relationship?

Accepted Answer

According to the text, a high degree of neuroticism is identified as a major contributor to dissatisfaction and instability in a marriage relationship. Neuroticism is characterized by negative emotions, such as anxiety, worry, and insecurity, which can lead to conflict, stress, and difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships. Depression, external locus of control, and low self-confidence may also impact a marriage, but the text specifically highlights neuroticism as having a significant influence.

Question 17

What do statistics say about the household composition of families in the United States?

Accepted Answer

According to recent statistics, coupled households are still more common among adults in the United States than those headed by singles. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are disproportionately headed by men. The percentage of single heads of households also remains relatively high, but it is not increasing or decreasing significantly. It is not true that the majority of households are made up of single persons living alone.

Question 18

According to Erikson,what is the central crisis of early adulthood?

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson, the central crisis of early adulthood is intimacy versus isolation. This stage occurs during the ages of 18-40 years, and the primary developmental task is to form close, meaningful relationships with others. Failure to do so may lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Autonomy versus dependence is the crisis of toddlerhood, identity versus role confusion is the crisis of adolescence, and generativity versus stagnation is the crisis of middle adulthood.

Question 19

Which of the following is an element of evolutionary theories of mate selection?

Accepted Answer

The concept of minimum parental investment being higher for women than for men is a key element of evolutionary theories of mate selection. This theory suggests that women have a greater investment in each offspring due to the physical and emotional toll of pregnancy and childbirth, whereas men have a relatively lower investment due to the ability to father multiple offspring with less physical effort. Therefore, women may be more selective in their mate choice to ensure a partner who is committed to providing resources and protection for their child.

Question 20

John is looking for a wife.He wants a partner who has a similar background in matters like education and religious upbringing.Which of the following mate selection strategies is John using?

Accepted Answer

John is using the strategy of homogamy, which involves selecting a mate with similar characteristics and backgrounds such as education and religion. Trait sorting is a strategy that involves selecting a mate based on specific traits or qualities, heterogeneity is a strategy that involves selecting a mate from a diverse background, and exchange theory is a strategy that involves selecting a mate based on the benefits they can offer in a relationship.

Quiz 14: Social and Personality Developmentin Early Adulthood