Question 1

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, people often do the opposite of what they are told when they feel their freedom is threatened. By saying very little, Lindsay's parents avoid triggering her reactance and may discourage the relationship without direct opposition.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Social exchange theory posits that individuals seek to maximize benefits and minimize costs in their relationships, essentially seeking a profit in social interactions.

Question 3

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 4

Which of the following statements is true of jealousy in the context of evolutionary theory?

Accepted Answer

According to evolutionary theory, men are more upset by sexual infidelity because it raises doubts about paternity. Women, on the other hand, are more concerned with emotional infidelity, as it could mean a diversion of resources and protection away from them and their offspring.

Question 5

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 belief that he wouldn't be able to find anyone better suggests he perceives few or no better alternatives to his current relationship, indicating a low comparison level for alternatives. This concept is part of social exchange theory, which posits that people evaluate relationships based on perceived benefits, costs, and comparison levels for alternatives.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

C is correct because if Zachary has invested a lot in the relationship (time, effort, shared experiences, etc.), he might be more inclined to stay in the relationship despite being unhappy. High investments can make the idea of leaving more difficult due to the perceived loss of these investments.

Question 7

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 Murstein's ____ stage.

Accepted Answer

Murstein's stimulus stage focuses on the external attributes such as physical appearance and social status, which is why Joshua and Daniel's attraction based on physical traits fits this stage.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

A "trust-insurance system" in a relationship refers to the concept where both partners keep an unconscious tally of the relationship's costs and benefits, ensuring that the relationship remains equitable and trustworthy over time.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Buss's study found that across cultures, men generally prioritized physical attractiveness more than women, while women placed a higher importance on good financial prospects in a partner.

Question 10

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 11

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 publicly display economic power. This behavior can be a form of sexually selected signaling, where individuals demonstrate their resources or status to attract mates.

Question 12

According to Murstein, physical appearance sparkles attraction during the _____ stage.

Accepted Answer

According to Murstein's Stimulus-Value-Role (SVR) theory, physical appearance is a key factor in the initial attraction phase, which is the stimulus stage. This stage focuses on the external attributes such as looks, which spark initial interest or attraction between individuals.

Question 13

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 posits that the satisfaction a person derives from a relationship is based on their comparison level, which is a standard including expectations of what one thinks one deserves or expects to receive in a relationship. This comparison influences their perception of the relationship's rewards and costs.

Question 14

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

Social exchange theory suggests that relationships are more likely to be satisfying and last longer when the rewards gained from the relationship outweigh the costs of maintaining it. This principle emphasizes the importance of a positive balance between what individuals invest in the relationship and what they gain from it.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that individuals with higher socioeconomic status, including those who are fantastically wealthy, may place a greater emphasis on physical attractiveness in a partner. This is because they often have more resources and thus can prioritize attributes like attractiveness, which are not directly related to survival or economic support.

Question 16

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 17

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

There is considerable variability in how relationships develop among couples, as individual differences, cultural backgrounds, and personal experiences all influence relationship progression. This variability is a common finding in studies of relationship development, making option B the correct choice.

Question 18

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 Murstein's ____ stage.

Accepted Answer

Murstein's role stage refers to the phase in a relationship where couples negotiate and define their roles and responsibilities within the marriage, which is what Drake and Angela are doing.

Question 19

The evolutionary perspective holds that women prefer

Accepted Answer

The evolutionary perspective suggests that women are more likely to prefer older men because they are perceived to have more resources and stability, which could benefit offspring survival and well-being. This perspective emphasizes the importance of resource acquisition for reproductive success.

Question 20

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.

Quiz 9: Attraction and Close Relationships