Question 1

Roshumba is conducting a study of married couples.She interviews a number of couples about how their relationships developed.It is likely that she will find that

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that there is considerable variability in how couples' relationships develop, with some couples skipping stages or going through them in a different order than others. Therefore, it is unlikely that all relationships follow a fixed sequence of stages or that couples generally go through a specific stage before another. Additionally, studies have consistently shown that relationship rewards and satisfaction are strongly related to feelings of being in love, so option D is also incorrect.

Question 2

The average,general outcome that an individual expects in a relationship is called the______________level.

Accepted Answer

The correct term is "comparison level." It refers to the standard by which an individual evaluates the desirability of becoming or remaining involved in a relationship, based on past experiences and societal norms.

Question 3

Bruce and Pam have just started dating.According to social exchange theory,their relationship is likely to last longer and be more satisfying if they each feel that

Accepted Answer

According to social exchange theory, individuals are more likely to remain in a relationship if the rewards gained from the relationship exceed the costs of maintaining it. If both Bruce and Pam feel that the benefits of the relationship outweigh the costs, they are more likely to remain together and be satisfied in the relationship. This is based on the assumption that individuals are motivated by self-interest and seek to maximize rewards while minimizing costs. Therefore, choice D is the best answer.

Question 4

When a man spends money on expensive cars,fancy restaurant dinners,and stylish clothes,it may be an evolved sexually selected mating signal known as

Accepted Answer

Conspicuous consumption refers to the act of spending money on luxury goods and services to display wealth and status, often as a way to attract mates or signal social status.

Question 5

Equity theory predicts that people are most satisfied in their relationships when the

Accepted Answer

Equity theory suggests that individuals are most satisfied in a relationship when the rewards and costs experienced by one partner are roughly equal to those experienced by the other partner. This theory emphasizes the importance of fairness and balance between partners in terms of what they contribute to and receive from the relationship.

Question 6

According to research by Ackerman and others (2011),the person most likely to say "I love you" first in a heterosexual relationship is

Accepted Answer

Research by Ackerman and others in 2011 found that in heterosexual relationships, men are more likely to say "I love you" first.

Question 7

Lindsay is a freshman at college,and has her first serious boyfriend there.Her parents can't stand him.According to the theory of psychological reactance,what should her parents do to discourage the relationship?

Accepted Answer

According to the theory of psychological reactance, when people feel that their freedom or choices are being threatened or restricted, they may react by wanting or desiring that option even more. Thus, if Lindsay's parents directly tell her not to date someone, it may actually increase her desire to pursue the relationship. Therefore, it would be best for Lindsay's parents to say very little about the boyfriend one way or the other to avoid triggering psychological reactance.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Social exchange theory posits that individuals enter and maintain relationships based on the maximization of profits and the minimization of costs. Profit is defined as the rewards gained from a particular relationship, while cost is defined as the negative aspects or drawbacks that may also come from a particular relationship. Therefore, individuals are motivated to seek relationships that will provide them with the most benefits while requiring the fewest costs.

Question 9

According to the evolutionary perspective,women prefer

Accepted Answer

The evolutionary perspective suggests that women prefer wealthy men because wealth is seen as an indicator of resources and stability, which can enhance reproductive success and the survival of offspring.

Question 10

East wick and Finkel (2008)examined men's and women's preferences during a speed dating event.They found significant gender differences in what men and women reported as important mate characteristics before the event began-differences that______________once they actually started interacting with the potential mates at the event.

Accepted Answer

Eastwick and Finkel (2008) found that the gender differences in reported mate preferences disappeared once participants began interacting with potential mates, indicating that actual interactions can alter initial stated preferences.

Question 11

According to social exchange theory,an outcome from a relationship will produce satisfaction if it falls above a person's

Accepted Answer

Social exchange theory states that individuals evaluate relationships based on the outcomes of the relationship, which include rewards (positive outcomes) and costs (negative outcomes). The comparison level is the standard that individuals use to evaluate the outcomes of their relationship. If the outcomes are above this standard, individuals will be satisfied, and if they are below the standard, individuals will be dissatisfied. Therefore, the outcome from a relationship will produce satisfaction if it falls above a person's comparison level.

Question 12

Drake and Angela have just gotten married and now that they are back from their honeymoon they are working together to figure out the responsibilities each will have as either "husband" or "wife." They are in Burstein's__________________________________________ stage.

Accepted Answer

In Burstein's theory, the "role" stage involves partners negotiating and understanding their responsibilities and roles within the relationship.

Question 13

Burstein's second stage,called the______________stage,involves attachment that is based on similarity of values and overall attitudes.

Accepted Answer

The second stage in Burstein's model is the "value" stage, where attachment is based on similarity of values and overall attitudes.

Question 14

Who is more likely to value physical attractiveness in a potential male partner?

Accepted Answer

Fantastically wealthy women may prioritize physical attractiveness more because financial security is not a concern, allowing them to focus on other traits.

Question 15

Consider Buss's (1989)study in which he examined what people from 37 different cultures around the world prefer______________in a romantic partner.Which statement about the results of this study is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Buss's study found that across many cultures, men placed a higher value on physical attractiveness, while women placed a higher value on good financial prospects in a romantic partner.

Question 16

Joshua is attracted to Daniel because of his warm eyes and great smile.Daniel is attracted to Joshua because of his muscular body.Joshua and Daniel are______________in Burstein's______________stage.

Accepted Answer

In Burstein's theory, the "stimulus" stage is where attraction is based on physical appearance and other surface-level characteristics, which is the case for both Joshua and Daniel.

Question 17

A "trust-insurance system" in a relationship is when

Accepted Answer

A "trust-insurance system" involves both partners keeping an unconscious tally of the relationship's costs and benefits to ensure that there is equity and fairness in the relationship.

Question 18

An argument against the evolutionary approach to mate selection from Buss's original cross-cultural study was that

Accepted Answer

Buss's original cross-cultural study on mate selection found significant differences in the characteristics men and women desire in a mate, which supports evolutionary theories. However, an argument against this approach is that men and women are actually quite similar in their desires, challenging the evolutionary perspective that emphasizes differences in mate selection criteria based on reproductive strategies.

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.Abdul has a(n)

Accepted Answer

Abdul's decision to stay with his girlfriend despite her infidelity suggests that he has a low comparison level for alternatives. This means that he doesn't believe that he could find someone better, and therefore chooses to stay in the relationship even though it's not ideal.

Question 20

Zachary is unhappy in his relationship and is trying to decide whether to break up with his girlfriend.Which factor might encourage him to stay?

Accepted Answer

If Zachary's investment in the relationship is high, he might be encouraged to stay because he has put significant time, effort, or resources into the relationship, making it harder to leave.

Quiz 9: Attraction and Close Relationships