psychology beginner 10 sample questions

Interpersonal Attraction MCQ Practice Test

Factors in relationships and liking

Q1. Which theory of interpersonal attraction models relationships economically, proposing that people are drawn to and stay in relationships where rewards outweigh costs?

Explanation: Social exchange theory (Thibaut & Kelley; Homans) applies a cost-benefit framework to relationships. The matching hypothesis (Walster et al.) actually predicts pairing with similarly attractive partners - the opposite of the "complementary" wording in the original stem.

Q2. Which of the following theories of interpersonal attraction, proposed by Howard Leventhal, suggests that people are more likely to be attracted to others who possess qualities that are perceived as relevant to their own self-interest?

Explanation: The Relevance Appraisal Theory, proposed by Howard Leventhal, suggests that people are more likely to be attracted to others who possess qualities that are perceived as relevant to their own self-interest. This theory emphasizes the importance of perceived relevance in interpersonal attraction, and suggests that people are more likely to be attracted to others who can provide them with benefits or rewards that are relevant to their own needs and desires.

Q3. Research on the “Pygmalion effect” in romantic relationships suggests that when one partner is led to believe that their partner has a certain positive trait, they are more likely to exhibit that trait in their behavior, but this effect is only observed when the partner's self-perception “matches” the perceived trait. Which of the following statements accurately describes the concept of “matching” in this context?

Explanation: In this research context, 'matching' is the congruence between the perceiver's expectation and the target's self-concept: when the two align, the expectation reliably shapes the target's behaviour (a self-fulfilling prophecy). The original key restated the Pygmalion effect itself rather than the matching condition.

Q4. Research has shown that the "reciprocal altruism" effect, also known as the "exchange theory", increases interpersonal attraction when an individual perceives that their partner has made a costly sacrifice for them. However, which of the following studies is most closely associated with the discovery of this phenomenon?

Explanation: Cialdini et al. (1975) demonstrated that people are more likely to form close relationships with those who have made costly sacrifices for them, as this perception increases feelings of obligation and commitment. This finding is a key example of the reciprocal altruism effect in social psychology.

Q5. Which theory of interpersonal attraction proposes that people tend to be attracted to those similar to themselves in personality, values and interests?

Explanation: The similarity-attraction hypothesis holds that perceived similarity - in attitudes, values and personality - increases liking and attraction. It applies broadly, not only to short-term relationships.

Q6. Which of the following theories of interpersonal attraction suggests that people are more attracted to others who share similar levels of physical attractiveness?

Explanation: The Matching Hypothesis, proposed by Walster et al. (1966), suggests that people are more attracted to others who share similar levels of physical attractiveness. This theory posits that individuals tend to seek out romantic partners who match their own level of physical attractiveness, rather than seeking out partners who are significantly more or less attractive.

Q7. Which hypothesis of interpersonal attraction proposes that people tend to pair with partners of roughly their own level of attractiveness?

Explanation: The matching hypothesis (Walster et al., 1966): people seek partners of similar social desirability, especially physical attractiveness, fearing rejection by more desirable partners - supported by studies showing couples' attractiveness ratings are correlated. The original stem and explanation conflated similarity with complementarity.

Q8. Which of the following theories of interpersonal attraction suggests that people are attracted to others who are similar to themselves in terms of personality, values, and interests?

Explanation: The similarity-attraction hypothesis suggests that people are attracted to others who are similar to themselves in terms of personality, values, and interests. This theory proposes that similarity breeds attraction because it creates a sense of comfort and familiarity with the other person.

Q9. Which of the following theories of interpersonal attraction proposes that people are attracted to those who are similar to themselves in terms of personality, values, and interests, but only when those similarities are perceived as a result of the other person's efforts rather than a result of their own?

Explanation: The Similarity-Attraction Hypothesis with Effort suggests that people are more attracted to those who share similar characteristics when they perceive those similarities as a result of the other person's efforts, rather than a coincidence. This theory builds upon the original Similarity-Attraction Hypothesis, which proposes that people are attracted to those who share similar characteristics, but does not specify the role of perceived effort.

Q10. Which of the following is a key factor in the formation of an idealized mental image of a romantic partner, as described by the "what-if" scenario theory?

Explanation: The what-if scenario theory, also known as the ideal partner profile, suggests that people form an idealized mental image of a romantic partner by imagining a partner who possesses all desirable traits, but is unrealistic and unattainable. This theory highlights the role of cognitive processes in shaping our idealized expectations of a partner.

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Interpersonal Attraction MCQ Practice Test | Mind Hustle