Relationships
RelationshipsOverview of SpecificationIntroduction to Theories
of Relationship Formation
What ideas do we have about relationships? How long do they
last? Who are they with? How do we find a partner? Should we have
one? What is the best way to get one? What misconceptions are there
about relationships? Any assumptions? Where might we find culture
or gender bias here? 3
Why do we have relationships?Increases self esteemStronger sense
of identityGreater feeling of control over ones lifeEmotional
stability
Parasocial RelationshipsFake relationships with a
celebrityIncreases self esteemCelebrity crush reflects our ideal
self
Ideal self and celebrity essay: appealing b/c no risk of
rejection, few demandsHow do relationships start? - discuss5
Why him/her?
Mere Exposure Effect
We like things more as they become more familiar to us
More often you see someone, the more youll like them
Online dating?
Relationship Formation 1. Matching Hypothesis
2. Filter Model
3. The Reward/Need Satisfaction Model
Physical AttractionWhat is our type?
Murstein (1972) matching hypothesis
We may desire the most physically attractive partnerIn reality,
we know we wont keep themWe look longer term for someone of equal
attractiveness as ourselves.
Randomly distribute couples Can also be applied to freinds8
Matching Hypothesis
Matching HypothesisHypothesis #1 :The more socially desirable a
person is (in terms of physical attraction/social
standing/intelligence etc.) the more desirable they would expect a
partner to be
Hypothesis #2 :Couples who are matched (i.e. equally socially
desirable) are more likely to have happy, enduring
relationships
Matching HypothesisWhen looking for someone were influenced
by
The desirability of the potential match The probability theyll
say yes
Realistic Choice
What makes someone Socially Desirable?
Initial Attraction depends on Physical Attractiveness
Architectural Factors (e.g. facial features/body shape)Dynamic
Factors (e.g. How someone dresses)
Physical AttractionFemales:Large, widely separated eyesA small
chinDefined, narrow cheek bonesMalesSquare JawSmaller
eyesTriangular Upper Body
ScoreScoreMatch?Barack ObamaMichelle ObamaEllen DeGeneresPortia
de RossiJustin TherouxJennifer AnnistonKate MiddletonPrince
WilliamMichelle KeagenMark WrightVanessa LaineKobe Bryant
Evaluation of The Matching Hypothesis Supported by evidence
Murstein (1972) Randomly presented photographs of engaged
individuals. Observers judged the attractiveness of these
couplesResults: independent judges rated each couple as matching
each other
Evaluation of The Matching Hypothesis
Meta-Analysis by Feingold (1988)
Found a correlation of attractiveness to be +0.49
Must be other factors involved in relationship formation
Evaluation of Matching Hyp. Page 58 EP
Read through Walster et al (1966)Summarise their study
*How can the matching hypothesis be applied to online
dating?*
Evaluation of the Matching Hyp. Social Desirability may not just
be Physical Attractiveness
Desirable characteristics include:PersonalityStatusMoney
Evaluation of the Matching Hyp.
Individuals can compensate for their lack of attractiveness by
offering other desirable traits
Complex Matching
Evaluation of Matching Hypothesis Gender Bias
Physical Attractiveness of women is valued more heavily by
men
Physical Attractiveness of men is valued less by women and so
has less of an impact on the perception of mens social
desirability
One criticism of the Matching Hypothesis is that it appears to
be more applicable to males than to females. The theory emphasises
physical attractiveness, however this is usually more important to
males than females. Research suggests that males can make up for
being less attractive with other desirable qualities such as social
status and therefore this demonstrates a gender bias.
To finish off:Which of these names or concepts are relevant to
matching hypothesis?Operant conditioningClassical
conditioningattractivenessMatching hypothesissatisfactionLiking
through associationPositive reinforcementEqually desirableMurstein
(1972)Argyle (1992)Byrne and Clore (1970)Walster et al
Click to remove incorrect answers29
Relationship Formation 1. Matching Hypothesis
2. Filter Model
3. The Reward/Need Satisfaction Model
Filter ModelCreated by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962)
Relationships develop through 3 filters
The model states that we filter out potential partners over
time.
We narrow our field of availables
Filter Model Read through the 3 filters on page 85-86
Summarise each filter level
*Evaluate this model*
A02 Filter Model Kerckoff & Davis (1962)
Longitudinal study with couplesQuestionnaire on attitude
similarity and personality traits
A02 Filter Model Kerckoff & Davis (1962)
Found attitude similarity to be the most important factor up to
18 months
After 18 months, Psychological Compatibility and ability to meet
each others emotional needs was most important.
Evaluation of Filter Model Unrealistic
Doesnt reflect flow and fluidity of real-life relationships
Too Traditional?Proximal factors not as important any more
(online dating)
Over to you In groups:
Test the matching hypothesis
Develop a presentation of individual (non)celebrity couples and
ask people to rate their attractiveness do they match?
Try and opt for more obscure celebs Write up your results
(approx. 300 words)
