what is sexual selection
explains the evolution of characteristics which enable reproductive success rather than survival success
anisogamy
the differences between male and female sex cells
never a shortage of fertile males but a fertile female is a resource
intrasexual selection
the first stage of sexual selection
when members of one sex compete with each other for access to members of the other sex
dimorphism
the obvious difference between males and females. physical competition between males favor men being taller and stronger which is passed on
intersexual selection
the second form of sexual selection
strategies to use to select the opposite gender
females are quality over quantity because they need to invest before, during and after birth.
males are quantity over quality since they have alot of sperm to produce
strength of evolutionary explanation for partner preference
research supports the notion of intersexual selection.
research shows male and female students and if they would go to bed with them. not a single female agreed but 75% men did.
limits to evolutionary explanations for partner preference
theory is outdated
women now have a greater role within the workplace
fails to account to account for cultural and evolutionary influences.
self disclosure
the extent to which a person reveals intimate personal info about themselves to another person.
has the general effect of increasing attractiveness and closeness;
encourages reciprocal disclosure
what is social penetration theory
gradual process of revealing your inner most core self to someone else by gradually penetrating into each other lives.
when one partner reveals info it shows trust and encourages the other person to also reveal sensitive information.
breadth and depth
breadth is narrow as a lot of topics are off limits and too much self disclosure may threaten the relationship
depth is low risk information that can be shared, as the rls develops details will be disclosed
reciprocity
when a person discloses highly personal information, it is in hopes that their partner will respond with understanding but also with their own intimate thoughts and feelings.
this balances self disclosure between romantic partners and increases their intimacy and deepens the rls
strength of self disclosure theory
research supports this theory
Ps were asked to keep daily diary entries reporting on their self disclosure and the degree of intimacy they felt.
found that self disclosure was higher when there is higher levels of intimacy
also
real life applications; theory can be used to improve social skills and strengthens romantic relationships
weakness of self disclosure theory
only based on western cultures so this lacks population validity
e.g americans self disclose more than japanese and chinese people.
why is physical appearance important to men
because its an important cue to a womans health and fertility
what are males more attracted to
women with baby faces.
due to evolution, males are attracted to characteristics that suggest youthfulness in females as it means reproductive success is more likely
what is the importance of face symmetry
it means greater attractiveness as it os am honest signal of genetic fitness.
anything less of symmetry indicate some kind of dysfunction.
what is the matching hypothesis
people tend to look for romantic partners who are roughly of similar physical attractiveness to themselves.
they select someone who is most likely to reciprocate their affection.
strength of physical attractiveness AO3
walster set up dates between students and did a questionnaire on how their date went - its shown that regardless of their own attractiveness, they responded more positively if they were attractive
shows that physical appearance affects attractiveness
weakness of physical attractiveness
reductionist - this theory explains behavior on a genetic level and is biologically reductionist.
it ignores other factors at higher levels such as behaviors resulting from social interaction.
someone may compensate for lack of physical attractiveness with other desirable qualities.
what is the filter theory
it suggests that people develop relationships by applying a series of filters.
when u choose a partner, you look for
1. social demographic characteristics (physical proximity, religion, social class ect.)
- similarity of attitudes. (views on career, importance of family ect.)
- complementarity, the partner should have features the other lacks and helping each other fulfill their needs
strength of filter theory
reserch found that similarity of interests, attitudes and personality traits were important for couples in the beginning of a rls
and complementarity of needs had more impact on long term relationships
strength of filter theory (2)
research supporting this
a longitudinal study of couples aged 21 and found those who were similar in education level and age at the start of a rls were more likely to stay together.
this demonstrates the importance of sociodemographic factors and supports the filter theory
weakness of filter theory
cultural bias
only uses participants from western cultures
filter theory may not apply to those in other cultures where marriage is arranged
cannot be applied to everyone
weakness of filter theory (2)
used participants from individualist western cultures. individualist value their free choice in rls.
however this may not be the case for other cultures where romantic rls are arranged.
the filter theory suffers from culture bias, so is not generalisable.
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memory (1)62
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research methods (yr1)80
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biopsychology (yr1)30
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approaches50
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psychopathology50
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attachment42
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social influence. :/17
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approaches part TWO!!44
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memory (1)27
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comparing approaches32
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comparing approaches (2)6
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research methods (yr2)40
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biopsychology (yr2)85
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function and role of sensory and motor neuron27
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stress117
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rls74
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aggression52
