Question 1

Dutton and Aron's (1974) suspension bridge study demonstrated that men may misinterpret _____ for _____.

Accepted Answer

Dutton and Aron's (1974) study found that men who were physically aroused on a high, swinging suspension bridge were more likely to misinterpret their physiological arousal as attraction to a female experimenter who approached them, rather than just attributing it to the exhilaration and fear caused by the bridge. This suggests that physiological arousal can be misinterpreted as romantic attraction.

Question 2

The first time Igor Stravinsky's innovative musical composition Rite of Spring was performed in 1913, the audience booed and nearly rioted. Almost 100 years later, this much-performed work has become a beloved staple of the classical repertoire. This change is most likely due to:

Accepted Answer

The mere exposure effect suggests that repeated exposure to a stimulus increases our liking of it. As Rite of Spring became more frequently performed over the years, audiences became more familiar with it and developed a greater appreciation for it, leading to its current status as a beloved classic.

Question 3

In one study, an attractive person approached opposite-sex strangers on a college campus and asked, "Would you go out with me tonight?" What was the outcome?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In one study, an attractive person approached...

Question 4

After a big win, college students overturned cars and set fires in the street. A few students were apprehended, and these students did not feel responsible for their behavior because many others also participated. The thought process of the students illustrates the phenomenon of:

Accepted Answer

The students' lack of feeling responsible for their actions because many others participated illustrates the diffusion of responsibility, where individuals in a group are less likely to take responsibility for their actions.

Question 5

Which action BEST illustrates altruism?

Accepted Answer

Altruism involves selflessly helping others without expecting anything in return. Making an anonymous donation to a charity best exemplifies this, as the donor does not receive recognition or a direct benefit.

Question 6

Behavior that benefits another with the expectation that those benefits will be returned in the future is called:

Accepted Answer

Reciprocal altruism refers to behavior that benefits another with the expectation that those benefits will be returned in the future. Normative influence refers to the influence of other people that leads us to conform to their expectations or norms. Social exchange refers to the process of exchanging goods, services, or benefits with others. Reverse altruism is not a commonly used term in social psychology.

Question 7

Which statement about the biological determinants of mate selectivity is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

The statement that there are considerable physical costs associated with conception for both sexes is false. While conception and pregnancy indeed impose significant physical demands and risks on females, the physical costs for males in the process of conception are relatively minimal.

Question 8

The bird who gives an "alarm call" upon seeing a predator and thereby puts itself at a greater risk of being eaten is engaging in:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The bird who gives an "alarm call"...

Question 9

In one study, an attractive person approached opposite-sex strangers on a college campus and asked, "Would you go to bed with me?" What was the outcome?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In one study, an attractive person approached...

Question 10

_____ is best described as cooperation extended over time.

Accepted Answer

Reciprocal altruism is based on the idea of individuals cooperating with each other over a prolonged period of time, where one individual provides assistance to another with the expectation that the favor will be returned at a later time. This concept is supported by evolutionary theory and is often observed in animals in the form of cooperative behaviors. Social cognition refers to the mental processes by which we perceive, remember, and interpret information about ourselves and others. Kin selection involves acts of altruism directed towards relatives in order to ensure the survival of shared genes. Obedience refers to the act of following the commands of an authority figure. None of these options fully describe cooperation extended over time.

Question 11

On September 11, 2001, people headed into the burning buildings to try to rescue people they did not know. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Altruism is the act of helping others without expectation of personal gain. In this scenario, people were risking their lives to help individuals they did not know, indicating that they were acting selflessly and without any personal benefit.

Question 12

Shannon is a shy, quiet college student. However, when she sits in the student section at university basketball games, she cheers and yells whenever her team scores. Shannon's behavior at the game illustrates the phenomenon of:

Accepted Answer

Deindividuation is the phenomenon where individuals lose their self-awareness and exhibit uninhibited and often irrational behaviors in a group setting. In this case, Shannon's behavior at the basketball game is an example of deindividuation, where the anonymity of the crowd and the excitement of the game may have contributed to Shannon's uninhibited cheering despite her typically shy demeanor.

Question 13

In choosing a long-term mate for a monogamous relationship:

Accepted Answer

The answer of In choosing a long-term mate for a...

Question 14

Behavior that benefits another without benefiting oneself is called:

Accepted Answer

Altruism is defined as behavior that benefits another without benefiting oneself, making it the correct choice. Companionate love is a feeling of attachment, not necessarily related to behavior, while reciprocal altruism and cooperation both involve mutual benefit.

Question 15

"You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" illustrates the principle of:

Accepted Answer

The answer of "You scratch my back and I'll scratch...

Question 16

Samantha is a first-year college student living on the ninth floor of a residence hall. By the end of the year, she is MOST likely to be friends with:

Accepted Answer

Proximity is one of the key factors in determining who we become friends with. Michelle, who lives in the room next to Samantha's, is in closest proximity to her and therefore the most likely person for Samantha to become friends with. Being an average student does not necessarily matter in this context. While being stunning-looking or outgoing and popular may attract attention, it does not necessarily mean that the individuals possess the qualities that make for a good friendship. Similarly, being captain of a sports team does not necessarily mean that Jenny and Samantha have common interests or will have the opportunity to spend time together.

Question 17

Anthony Philip's homeroom teacher seats her pupils in alphabetical order. By the end of the school year, Anthony's best friends had become Jake Parker and Aaron Porter. This is BEST explained by the phenomenon called:

Accepted Answer

The mere-exposure effect explains how people tend to develop a preference for things merely because they are familiar with them. In this scenario, Anthony likely became friends with Jake and Aaron because he was seated near them (due to alphabetical order), leading to increased familiarity and interaction.

Question 18

You are likely to work hardest to like the new neighbors who:

Accepted Answer

The neighbors who moved in next door to you are the ones who are closest to you and will have the most impact on your daily life. Therefore, you are likely to work hardest to like them and establish a good relationship with them. The other options (moving down the block, having an expensive house, giving parties) may be appealing or impressive in some way, but they don't necessarily affect your personal connection with the neighbors as much as living next door to them.

Question 19

As the ratio of mob members to victims _____, the level of atrocity directed at the victims _____.

Accepted Answer

As the ratio of mob members to victims increases, there are more people to participate in the violence, which leads to an increase in the level of atrocity directed at the victims. This is due to the mob mentality and the diffusion of responsibility within the group, which can lead individuals to behave in more aggressive and violent ways than they would if they were acting alone or in a smaller group.

Question 20

In choosing sexual and reproductive partners:

Accepted Answer

This statement reflects evolutionary theory, which suggests that women have historically been more selective in choosing sexual and reproductive partners due to the greater cost and risk associated with pregnancy and childrearing. Men, on the other hand, could potentially father many offspring with little cost or risk, making them less selective. However, it is important to note that these patterns may vary across cultures and individuals.

Quiz 13: Section 2: Social Psychology

Dutton and Aron's (1974) suspension bridge study demonstrated that men may misinterpret _ for _.