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INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS - ATTRACTION - COMMUNICATION IN RELATIONSHIPS

Q: How were participants recruited for the study?

Participants recruited through: Announcements in classes Advertisements in the student newspaper Posters around campus 101 dating couples (202 individuals total).

Q: What is a correlational design and its limitation?

Cannot claim causality (e.g., we do not know if self-disclosure causes higher satisfaction or if satisfaction causes more self-disclosure).

26 important questions on INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS - ATTRACTION - COMMUNICATION IN RELATIONSHIPS

What is the Comtempt in Gottman's Four Destructive Communication Behaviours?

Contempt is an expression of superiority, such as sarcasm or cynicism. The antidote is to treat each other with respect and build a culture of appreciation within the relationship.

How were participants recruited for the study?

Participants recruited through:
- Announcements in classes
- Advertisements in the student newspaper
- Posters around campus
101 dating couples (202 individuals total).

How is defensiveness described and what is its antidote?

Defensiveness is essentially playing the victim. The antidote is to accept responsibility, even if only for part of a conflict.

What levels of self-disclosure did men and women have?

Men and women had similar levels of self-disclosure. Higher self-disclosure was associated with higher self-esteem and higher relationship satisfaction.

What research method was used in the study?

Longitudinal correlational study using self-report questionnaires.
Data collected at baseline and then annually for 4 years.

What is stonewalling (One of Gottman's 4 destructive communication behaviours) and how can it be addressed?

Stonewalling involves withdrawing from conversation without resolution. The antidote is to take a break for at least 20 minutes, calm down, then return to the conversation.

Did self-disclosure strongly predict whether couples stayed together or broke up?

Self-disclosure did NOT strongly predict whether couples stayed together or broke up. Most couples already disclosed a lot early in the relationship.

What was the independent variable in the study?

IV does not exist in correlational studies, so its called the predictor variable. Level of self-disclosure (measured, not manipulated).

Describe social exchange theory according to Kelley and Thibaut 1959.

Social exchange theory argues relationships are maintained through cost-benefit analysis. Costs must not outweigh benefits. Greater investment expects greater returns. Balance must be restored for survival.

What is a correlational design and its limitation?

Cannot claim causality (e.g., we do not know if self-disclosure causes higher satisfaction or if satisfaction causes more self-disclosure).

What is the aim of the Sprecher and Hendrick (2004) study?

The study aims to investigate how self-disclosure in romantic relationships relates to self-esteem, responsiveness, relationship satisfaction, and relationship stability over time.

How did self-disclosure levels change among couples who stayed together for four years?

Among couples who stayed together for the full 4 years, self-disclosure levels remained stable over time.

List the dependent variables in the study.

Measured using the questionnaire:

Self-esteem
Responsiveness
Relationship satisfaction
Relationship stability (stayed together vs. broke up).

What is the high attrition risk in studies?

Over 4 years, some couples may have dropped out, potentially biasing the final results if only the "happiest" couples stayed.

What sampling method was used in the Sprecher and Hendrick (2004) study?

The sampling method used was opportunity sampling combined with volunteer sampling.

What is a strength of using a longitudinal design in the study?

Allows tracking of changes over time and observation of relationship stability, which cross-sectional studies cannot do.

What were the control variables in the study?

Relationship duration (mean 18.7 months, range 1–55 months)
Gender (both men and women included)
Measurement tools (same questionnaires used each year).

What does Social Penetration Theory (Altman & Taylor, 1973) argue?

Argues that close relationships are formed by a process of gradual self-disclosure, sharing personal things about yourself with someone you trust.

Why is having both partners complete questionnaires a strength?

Reduces single-reporter bias by getting perspectives from both people in the relationship.

What is the benefit of using standardized questionnaires?

High reliability because the same tools were used consistently across all 4 years.

What are the stages of Social Penetration Theory (Altman & Taylor, 1973)?

Stage 1: The Orientation Stage: "Small talk," low risk.
Stage 2: The Exploratory Stage: Reveal more personal opinions.
Stage 3: The Affective Stage: Share private information.
Stage 4: The Stable Stage: Trust is developed.

What is the first destructive communication behavior in Gottman's "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse"?

Criticism: Attacks the character of recipient ("You're so selfish"), instead of focusing on specific behavior. Antidote is using "I" statements.

Why is studying real-world relationships considered a strength?

Good ecological validity because it studied actual dating couples, not strangers in a lab.

What is a limitation of using an opportunity + volunteer sample?

Unrepresentative sample with chance characteristics; results may reflect specific traits of volunteers rather than the effect of self-disclosure.

What is a limitation of the WEIRD sample?

Low external validity; cannot generalize to older, non-white, lower-income, or non-Western couples.

What is a limitation of self-report questionnaires?

Risk of social desirability bias; participants may over-report self-disclosure or satisfaction to look good.

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Psychology (2)

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