Question 1

Which of the following characteristics do subjects consider the most desirable in a potential mate?

Accepted Answer

While all of these characteristics are important to varying degrees, studies consistently show that kindness and understanding are the most desirable traits in a potential mate. This is because these qualities contribute to a strong and healthy relationship based on mutual respect and support. Physical attractiveness and an exciting personality may be initially attractive, but they are not as important in the long-term success of a relationship. Intelligence can also be desirable, but it is often less important than emotional intelligence and empathy when it comes to building a lasting connection with someone.

Question 2

All of the following are components of Sternberg's triangular theory of love except:

Accepted Answer

Sternberg's triangular theory of love includes the components of intimacy, passion, and commitment. Compassion is not one of the components included in his theory.

Question 3

Dan and Katelyn,both 17 years old,are experiencing infatuated loved for each other.Would what brain scans reveal?

Accepted Answer

Infatuated love is characterized by high activation of the reward/pleasure centers in the brain, including the release of dopamine and other feel-good neurotransmitters. At the same time, areas of the brain involved in reason and judgment, such as the prefrontal cortex, show reduced activity. This can lead individuals to idealize their partners and overlook potential red flags in the relationship.

Question 4

Jocelyn and Jed recently got married,and their new marriage reflects committed love.Brain scans would reveal activation in:

Accepted Answer

Committed love involves strong emotional attachment and brain scans have shown activation in areas associated with emotion during experiences of love and attachment. Areas associated with pleasure may also show activation, but they may be more associated with the initial stages of romantic attraction rather than committed love. Areas associated with calmness or language are less likely to show significant activation during experiences of love and attachment.

Question 5

Rhonda goes to the beach,sees Hud the lifeguard for the first time,and says to her friend Catherine,"I think I'm in love with that hunk." Robert Sternberg would characterize Rhonda's feelings about Hud as ____ love.

Accepted Answer

Rhonda's statement suggests that her feelings are based on physical attraction and an initial impression, which are characteristics of infatuated love.

Question 6

Most people choose a partner for a long-term relationship by finding someone who:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Most people choose a partner for a...

Question 7

Tom and Cathy are college students who have begun thinking about marriage.In selecting his potential wife,Tom is likely to be more concerned about his future mate's ____ than Cathy is concerned about it in her potential future mate.

Accepted Answer

Research in evolutionary psychology suggests that men, on average, tend to place a higher value on physical attractiveness in a mate than women do. This is thought to be linked to cues of fertility and health.

Question 8

Georgia thinks her classmate Tony is a "real hunk" and hopes he asks her out on a date.According to Sternberg's theory of love,she is experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Sternberg's theory of love includes three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Georgia's feelings towards Tony, being focused on physical attraction and desire to be in a romantic relationship with him indicate a strong passion component of love.

Question 9

Karen and Pete want to live together.The most important reason they give is to "test the waters" and to see if they are compatible.Does the research support this as the most important reason for cohabitation?

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that the primary reason couples choose to live together is to spend more time with each other, rather than testing compatibility or for economic reasons.

Question 10

What do researchers believe is the main reason for the increase in the number of unmarried couples living together?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What do researchers believe is the main...

Question 11

Research has indicated that in marriages that fail,couples deal with marital conflict by:

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that couples in failed marriages often deal with conflict through the four negative communication patterns known as the "Four Horsemen": criticism (attacking the partner's character or personality), defensiveness (denying responsibility or blaming the partner), contempt (showing disrespect or contemptuous behavior), and stonewalling (withdrawing from the conversation and refusing to engage). These negative patterns can lead to further conflict and relationship distress.

Question 12

With regard to the areas of the brain activated,what is the difference between infatuated love and committed love?

Accepted Answer

Infatuated love is associated with activation of the brain's reward and pleasure center, which is similar to the response seen with drugs of abuse. Committed love, on the other hand, activates areas associated with emotions, empathy, and attachment, indicating a deeper and more lasting connection.

Question 13

Feeling close or connected to someone is characteristic of which component of Sternberg's theory of love?

Accepted Answer

Intimacy refers to the feeling of closeness, connection, and bonding between two individuals. It is one of the three components of Sternberg's theory of love, along with passion and commitment.

Question 14

The two variables that males and females place different weights on in their ideal-partner schema are:

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that males tend to place more weight on physical attractiveness and good earning capacity in their ideal-partner schema, while females tend to place more weight on education level and social skill.

Question 15

According to Robert Sternberg,Hollywood love results from a combination of:

Accepted Answer

Hollywood love, according to Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love, is characterized by passion and commitment without intimacy, which aligns with option A.

Question 16

Which of the following is the best example of Sternberg's "romantic love"?

Accepted Answer

Sternberg's theory of love includes three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Romantic love is characterized by passion and intimacy, without a strong commitment. A 10-week affair between students attending a summer seminar fits this description better than any of the other choices.

Question 17

Gladys still feels very much in love with Elmer after 30 years of marriage,even though they only have sexual intercourse on their anniversary day and Elmer's birthday.Her feelings toward Elmer are best characterized as ____ love.

Accepted Answer

Companionate love refers to a type of love based on a deep commitment, trust, and affection. It is often found in long-term relationships where sexual intimacy might no longer be a priority, but emotional connection and companionship remain. Gladys still feels in love with Elmer, but the lack of sexual intimacy suggests that their love has evolved into companionate love. Romantic love, on the other hand, is characterized by passion and strong emotional intensity, while Hollywood love is an unrealistic and superficial depiction of love often seen in movies. Intimate love refers to a close and deep emotional connection between partners, but it doesn't necessarily exclude sexual intimacy or physical attraction.

Question 18

Paul is surprised when Marie tells him that she and Gerry are getting engaged and will be married in January.Paul is surprised because he hadn't realized that the relationship had reached the ____ component of Sternberg's theory of love.

Accepted Answer

According to Sternberg's theory of love, there are three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Commitment refers to the decision to love and stay with the partner long-term. Paul's surprise indicates that he was not aware that Marie and Gerry had reached this level of commitment, making B the best choice.

Question 19

According to Robert Sternberg,the combination of intimacy and passion without any commitment is characteristic of ____ love.

Accepted Answer

According to Sternberg's triangular theory of love, romantic love is characterized by high levels of intimacy and passion, but low levels of commitment. This means that individuals in romantic love may feel deeply connected to their partner emotionally and physically, but may not necessarily be committed to a long-term relationship or partnership. Therefore, the combination of intimacy and passion without commitment is characteristic of romantic love, as opposed to companionate or infatuated love. Hollywood love is not a recognized category in Sternberg's theory of love.

Question 20

Rob and Janel have been happily married for 25 years.Based on scans of their brains,we would find that they have:

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that individuals in long-term happy relationships have more activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is associated with positive emotions and calmness, and less activity in the amygdala, which is associated with negative emotions such as anxiety. Therefore, Rob and Janel would have more calmness than anxiety about their love.

Quiz 18: Adolescence and Adulthood