Question 1

Bruce and Pam have just started dating.According to social exchange theory,in which of the following cases is their relationship most likely to last longer and be more satisfying?

Accepted Answer

According to social exchange theory, individuals are motivated to maintain a relationship if the rewards gained from it outweigh the costs of maintaining it. Therefore, if Bruce and Pam both feel that they are gaining more rewards than what they are investing in the relationship, they are more likely to continue the relationship and find it satisfying.

Question 2

In an intimate relationship,the meaningful and enduring influence that each individual has on the other is an aspect of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Interdependence refers to the mutual impact that two individuals have on each other in a relationship. This includes the meaningful and enduring influence that each person has on the other's thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and well-being. Social penetration refers to the process of revealing one's inner self to another person, whereas primary appraisal refers to the initial evaluation of a situation in terms of its relevance and significance to one's goals and well-being. Comparison level refers to the standard by which individuals judge their relationship outcomes.

Question 3

According to social exchange theory,in which of the following cases will an outcome from a relationship produce satisfaction?

Accepted Answer

According to social exchange theory, satisfaction in a relationship is determined by a person's comparison level, which is the standard they use to evaluate the outcomes of the relationship. If the outcome falls above their comparison level, they will be satisfied. Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to the concept of comparison level.

Question 4

In which of the following cases does equity theory predict that people will be most satisfied in their relationships?

Accepted Answer

Equity theory suggests that individuals are most satisfied in their relationships when there is a balance or fairness in the distribution of rewards and costs between partners. This means that both partners perceive their contributions and benefits as roughly equal, leading to a sense of fairness and satisfaction.

Question 5

Marcie and Karl have been married for several years.Marcie is unhappy in her marriage and is trying to decide whether or not to leave Karl.Which of the following would encourage her the most to leave the marriage?

Accepted Answer

Marcie's willingness to leave the marriage would be encouraged by a high comparison level for alternatives, meaning that she sees attractive and feasible options outside of her current marriage. This would make the prospect of leaving more appealing and less risky. A low comparison level or comparison level for alternatives would suggest that Marcie does not see many viable alternatives, which could make staying in the marriage seem like the best option despite her unhappiness.

Question 6

Within the framework of social exchange theory,satisfaction in relationships is a function of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Social exchange theory asserts that satisfaction in relationships is the result of a comparison between the rewards individuals receive in the relationship and the costs they incur. Comparison levels (CL) represent individuals' expectations for the level of benefits they should receive from a relationship based on past experiences, while comparison level for alternatives (CLalt) represents the perceived value of alternatives to the current relationship. Therefore, D is the correct choice as satisfaction in relationships is a function of comparison levels, which plays an essential role in social exchange theory.

Question 7

Roshumba is conducting a study on married couples.She interviews 500 couples about how their relationships developed.Which of the following is she most likely to find?

Accepted Answer

It is likely that Roshumba will find considerable variability in how the couples' relationships developed because relationships are influenced by numerous factors such as personality, upbringing, cultural background, and life experiences. While some couples may follow a fixed sequence of stages, others may skip stages or experience them in a different order. It is unlikely that Roshumba will find that most couples went through the value stage before the role stage or that relationship rewards were unrelated to couples' feelings of being in love without further investigation or analysis.

Question 8

Joshua is attracted to Daniel because of his warm eyes and great smile.Daniel is attracted to Joshua because of his muscular body.Which of Murstein's stages are Joshua and Daniel in?

Accepted Answer

Joshua and Daniel are in the stimulus stage because they are attracted to each other based on physical qualities. They have not yet progressed to the value or role stages where they would need to evaluate each other's personality or compatibility for a potential relationship.

Question 9

Which of the following is considered to be a basic component of intimate relationships?

Accepted Answer

Interdependence, or the reliance and mutual support between partners, is considered to be a basic component of intimate relationships. While sexual attraction may be present, it does not necessarily define the level of intimacy in a relationship. Reproductive compatibility may only be relevant for some couples, and fulfillment of social needs may not be a defining factor in all intimate relationships.

Question 10

According to social exchange theory,what is an individual's primary motive in establishing and maintaining relationships?

Accepted Answer

According to social exchange theory, individuals are motivated to establish and maintain relationships to maximize rewards and minimize costs. Rewards can include things like companionship, emotional support, and physical intimacy, while costs may include time, effort, and emotional stress. Individuals seek to maintain a balance between the rewards they receive and the costs they incur in the relationship, in order to ensure that the relationship continues to be beneficial for them. Equitable balance of inputs and outputs is related to equity theory, not social exchange theory. Reciprocal levels of self-disclosure may be important for relationship development and maintenance, but are not the primary motive according to social exchange theory. The reproductive fitness of a potential partner is more relevant to evolutionary theories of attraction than social exchange theory.

Question 11

Which of the following most accurately represents differences in mating preferences?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following most accurately represents...

Question 12

Which of the following is best supported by research into the characteristics of intimate relationships?

Accepted Answer

Intimate relationships tend to vary greatly in emotional intensity.

Question 13

Which of the following would be most difficult to explain from an evolutionary perspective?

Accepted Answer

The evolutionary perspective often emphasizes reproductive strategies that maximize genetic dissemination and survival. Choices A, B, and D can be explained through evolutionary theories related to reproductive fitness, mate selection, and maximizing reproductive opportunities. However, C, the tendency for most men to enter monogamous relationships, is more difficult to explain purely from an evolutionary standpoint, as it could be seen to limit the number of potential offspring compared to polygamous strategies. This behavior is often explained through social, cultural, and economic factors in addition to evolutionary benefits of monogamy, such as increased offspring survival due to parental investment.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes partners in a relationship who receive more benefits than they deserve on the basis of their contributions?

Accepted Answer

Partners who receive more benefits than they deserve on the basis of their contributions are overbenefited.

Question 15

Murstein has identified three stages in relationship development.Although all stages may exert influence throughout the relationship,in which order does Murstein argue that the stages emerge?

Accepted Answer

Murstein's theory of relationship development posits that relationships progress through three stages: the stimulus stage (initial attraction), the value stage (comparing values and beliefs), and the role stage (performing social roles), in that order.

Question 16

Everyone doted on Ann when she was a child,and in high school all of the boys wanted to date her.Now,as an adult,Ann expects a lot of attention from her spouse.Which of the following best describes Ann's expectation?

Accepted Answer

Ann's expectation for a lot of attention from her spouse can be best described as a comparison level. This term refers to the standard by which she judges the quality of her relationship based on her past experiences. Since she received a lot of attention during her childhood and adolescence, her expectation for similar levels of attention in her adult relationships is high.

Question 17

Zachary is unhappy in his relationship and is trying to decide whether to break up with his girlfriend.Which of the following situations would most likely to encourage him to stay?

Accepted Answer

When Zachary has high investment in the relationship, such as shared living arrangements or mutual friendships, he may feel reluctance towards ending the relationship as it would require significant effort and adjustment to his lifestyle. This can create a feeling of commitment and attachment to his partner, which may discourage him from leaving.

Question 18

What do psychologists call the average,general outcome that an individual expects in a relationship?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists call the average, general outcome that an individual expects in a relationship the comparison level. This refers to a person's standard for what they believe they should be getting out of a relationship in terms of rewards and costs. It can include factors such as how much they expect their partner to love and support them, how much time they believe they should spend together, and what kind of communication they expect to have.

Question 19

Although she cheats on him,Abdul stays with his girlfriend because he doesn't think he would be able to find anyone better.What does this example say about Abdul?

Accepted Answer

Abdul's willingness to stay with his cheating girlfriend suggests that he does not believe he could find anyone better, indicating he has a low comparison level for alternatives.

Question 20

Benedict is very committed to his relationship with Beatrice.Which of the following is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Benedict's commitment to Beatrice suggests that he wants to maintain and strengthen their relationship. Behaviors that enhance Beatrice's trust in him are likely to contribute to this goal. Benedict may or may not have a high comparison level for alternatives, may or may not feel over-benefited, and may or may not keep investments in their relationship to a minimum. These factors depend on Benedict's personal values, beliefs, and experiences.

Quiz 9: Attraction and Close Relationships