Name 2 Theories associated with the Formation of Relationships?

Reward/Need Satisfaction Theory

&

Similarity Theory

Who proposed the Reward/Need Satisfaction Theory?

Byrne and Clore

Who proposed the Similarity Theory?

Byrne, Clore and Smeaton

Why does the Reward/Need Satisfaction Theory suggest

that attraction occurs?

Occurs when the 2 people meet each other's needs. Stimuli can be either rewarding or punishing and we seek to maximise our rewards (eg. financial stability, companionship, etc.)

What are 2 reasons as to why we are attracted to people?

(reward/need satisfaction theory)

Operant and Classical Conditioning

How does Operant Conditioning explain attraction?

We are attracted to those who provide us with positive reinforcement (rewards). These rewards produce positive feelings and so we become attracted

How does Classical Conditioning explain attraction?

We are attracted to those associated with a pleasant event. We meet the person whilst feeling positive and so associate those positive feelings with the person.

What are the names of 3 supporting Psychologists' for the Reward/Need Satisfaction theory?

(Initials = R&H, A, C)

Rabbie & Horowitz

Argyle

Cate et al.

Why do Rabbie and Horowitz support the 

Reward/Need Satisfaction theory?

Found that strangers express greater liking for each other when they are successful in a game-like task, rather than unsuccessful. This is an example of classical conditioning as we associate the person with the positive event.

Why does Argyle support the

Reward/Need Satisfaction theory?

Found that individuals who score higher on rewards (eg. friendly, co-operative) are more consistently liked than those who score lower.

Why does Cate et al. support the

Reward/Need Satisfaction theory?

Asked participants to assess their current relationship in terms of reward/need satisfaction levels. The results showed that reward level was superior to all other factors in determining the success of the relationship.

What are the names of 2 Psychologists who criticise the Reward/Need Satisfaction theory and also one IDA point?

(Initials = H, L, MR)

Hays

Lott

Mundane Realism

Why does Hays criticise the

Reward/Need Satisfaction theory?

Found that we gain satisfaction from giving as well as receiving, which the theory does not account for

Why does Lott criticise the

Reward/Need Satisfaction theory?

Criticised the theory as both Culturally biased and Gender biased. In many cultures, women are more focused on giving/providing for their partner's needs.

Why is Mundane Realism an issue with the 

Reward/Need Satisfaction theory?

Most studies into this theory are Lab based studies and so do not show how the theory applies to real life. Lacks ecological validity.

What are the 2 stages we pass through in the

Similarity Theory?

1. We filter out those too dissimilar from ourselves.

2. From those remaining, we choose someone with similar attitudes/personality.

Why does the Similarity theory suggest Personality affects relationship formation?

Similar personalities attract. Someone who is serious and hardworking will get along with someone who is also serious and hardworking, whereas they would contrast with someone more outgoing and lazy.

Why does the Similarity theory suggest Attitudes affect 

Formation of Relationships?

Differences in attitudes leads to dislike. A process of Attitude Alignment may occur.

What is Attitude Alignment?

In relationships where the two partners have conflicting attitudes - one or both of the partners may modify their attitudes in order to become more similar to the other.

What are the names of 2 Psychologists who support the Similarity Theory?

(Initials = CH, ST)

Caspi & Herbener

Singh & Tan

Why do Caspi & Herbener support the

Similarity Theory?

Found that Married Couples with similar personalities tend to be happier than those who are non-similar.

Why do Singh & Tan support the

Similarity Theory?

Established that individuals are first attracted because of similarity  but as they gradually discover more dissimilarities, they will become less attracted.

What are the names of 3 Psychologists who criticise the

Similarity Theory?

(Initials = R, Y, S)

Rosenbaum

Yoshida

Speakman et al.

Why does Rosenbaum criticise the 

Similarity Theory?

Suggested that dissimilarity rather than similarity is more important in determining relationship success.

Why does Yoshida criticise the 

Similarity Theory?

Argued that the theory only considers personality and attitudes but ignores other significant factors such as

self-concept and physical condition.

Why does Speakman et al. criticise the

Similarity Theory?

Supports Yoshida's criticism that there are other factors besides personality and attitudes - Found that individuals are more likely to choose someone with similar body fat to themselves.