Psychology of human relationships

Discuss one or more social and/or cultural origins of attraction.

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.

The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review of one or more social/cultural explanations for the origin of attraction.

Social/cultural origins of attraction may include, but are not limited to:
• Proximity factor – proximity increases chances for interaction which in turn increases familiarity. Mere exposure effect is enough to increase liking (Zajonc, 1968)
• Cultural factors play a role in inducing attraction (for example, Buss et al., 1990) - values of chastity, youth, good financial prospects are differently rated in different parts of the world.
• Reciprocity - people tend to like others who reciprocate their liking
• Balance theory - emphasizes people’s desire to maintain a consistent state, also predicts the emergence of reciprocity, at least for people who are more like themselves
• Reward theory – we are often more inclined to spend time with people who make us feel good or offer some kind of social status or benefits.
• Social exchange theory – we unconsciously weigh the rewards and costs of being in a relationship. If a relationship is to last it should be profitable for both partners (Nye, 1979)
• Similarity (for example social class, cultural background, religion, ethnicity).

Discussion of social/cultural explanations of attraction may include, but is not limited to:
• methodological considerations
• gender considerations
• supporting or contradictory empirical evidence
• alternative explanations of attraction, such as biological and/or cognitive.

Candidates may address one or a small number of social/cultural origins of attraction in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may address a larger number of social/cultural origins of attraction in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.