1. Discuss evolutionary explanations for partner preferences. (Total 16 marks)
INCLUDE :
- Investment theory
- Anisogamy (sex cells and how that relates to the investment theory)
- Symmetrical faces
- Body shapes
- Discuss Buss’ theory and study and evaluate it
- University study (explain and evaluate)
Sexual selection is based on the human reproductive system. The paternal investment theory was
developed to highlight how women are more selective than men when choosing an ideal partner.
This is due to anisogamy (the differences between male and female sex cells). Males produce
sperm, which is produced at high quantities for a number of years and it doesn’t require a lot of
energy to create. However females produce an egg which is made in intervals of fertile years and
requires a lot of energy. What this means is that women have a more limited amount of time to
produce their sex cells compared to men which is why they are more judgemental when selecting a
partner as their options are lower.
This is supported by the university study. In this research project, students had to go to random
university students of the opposite gender to themselves and ask that person “You are extremely
attractive, would you like to sleep with me tonight?”. Results showed that no women accepted this
question and 75% of males did accept. This supports the investment theory as it illustrates how men
are less selective with their partner compared to women. Although one weakness of this study was
that it was based on heterosexual relationships making it less advertised to those who are in a same
sex relationship. This overall makes it less generalisable as it is biassed based on sexuality and has
limited information on that type of relationship.
Furthermore, physical attractiveness also plays a role in selecting a partner. Body shapes for
example have remained the same based on Singh’s longitudinal study on porn. Ideal ratios for a
man is to have broad shoulders of 1.3 and a waist of 1. And for females their waist is supposed to be
0.7 of the hips and 0.8 of the chest. For females it creates this hourglass figure which is seen as
healthy and fertile as your in ‘good shape’. Men having broad shoulders was desirable as it
highlighted strength and protection. Furthermore Shackelford and Larson discovered that having a
symmetrical face was seen as more attractive as it showed genetic fitness along with having soft
baby-like features e.g large eyes, small nose and a delicate chin as it gave the idea of a caring
instinct.
Buss’ research moreover supports evolutionary theory on partner preferences. All cultures had
similar opinions which made it an extremely reliable source to be generalised to a wider population.
For example age differences were very consistent within genders, e.g men preferred a younger
woman as it showed fertility and women preferred an older man as it suggested they had greater
resources and more strength for protection. Furthermore women were seen to seek men with better
financial prospects as they were seen as the provider. However one weakness of this study is
cultural and social changes. Now in modern society, women have more options as they are earning
, more money and aren’t seen as just child bearers. Therefore women’s attitudes towards partner
preferences may have changed as that is what they no longer seek anymore. Although one strength
of Buss’ study is that he had a large sample size of 33 countries which gave a high mundane realism
and future application. Therefore we can use this research as a ground basis of understanding
Discuss self-disclosure and the absence of gating in virtual relationships.(16)
Virtual relationships :
- Self disclosure
+ SIDE model
+ RCT
+ MRT
+ Hyperpersonal model
- Gating
+ True self
+ Actual self
Self disclosure is said to be enhanced online. The SIDE model demonstrates that when we
are in a group online we are context specific with what we self disclose, e.g if we joined an
online gym group you would talk about your fitness instead of whether you should install
solar panels on your roof. Self disclosure is also to do with RCT (reduced cues theory) this
highlights that when you are disclosing personal information about yourself, the person you
are talking to will give cues via facial expressions or body language which may either
encourage or discourage you from disclosing information. This is easier to see when you
are disclosing information face to face as the interaction is more physical compared to
online communication. Lastly MRT is another way of self disclosure and it suggests that self
disclosure is greater face to face as you are connecting on a cognitive and emotional level
compared to face timing online.
One weakness of this research is that reduced cues do still exist online, this can be shown
through length of time for someone to reply, emojis or acronyms including LOL and OMG.
all of these are great cues which can influence the other person to keep talking to them or
not. Additionally another weakness is that self disclosure online can be more beneficial to
some people compared to others e.g online interactions may help those who are more
introverted or shy to form relationships with people online and it may actually allow them to
disclose more information about themselves compared to physically talking to someone
face to face as they find that sort of setting more overwhelming. Therefore self disclosure
depends on the individual.
Their hyperpersonal model is also to do with self disclosure. The sender puts more thought
into what they are about to disclose and therefore creates this positive self representation
of themselves and they could be either hyper honest (honest) about their identity or the
exact opposite (hyper dishonest) and make things up. On the other end is the receiver and
they will enhance the sender's self representation by answering back positively, liking one
of their posts etc. Either way, talking online makes you think more about what you are going
to say as you have time to gather your thoughts. Moreover anonymity is another factor for
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