Question 1

According to the concept of proximity (propinquity), why are people more likely to form friendships with those who are geographically close to them?

Accepted Answer

Because repeated exposure increases familiarity and liking, as shown in studies with police cadets and dorm assignments.

Question 2

The mere exposure effect, as described by Robert Zajonc, suggests which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Repeated exposure to a stimulus increases our liking for it, even if we are not consciously aware of the exposure.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the relationship between similarity and attraction, based on empirical research?

Accepted Answer

Attraction increases as the percentage of similar attitudes between two people increases.

Question 4

Which factor was found to be the best predictor of whether participants wanted to see their blind date again in the University of Minnesota study?

Accepted Answer

Physical attractiveness

Question 5

According to the matching hypothesis, which pairing is most likely to result in a stable relationship?

Accepted Answer

A pair where both partners have similar levels of physical attractiveness.

Question 6

The stereotype that 'what is beautiful is good' leads to which of the following real-world outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Physically attractive people receive lighter prison sentences and are seen as more successful.

Question 7

What is the contrast effect in perceptions of beauty, as demonstrated by the 'Charlie's Angels' study?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to highly attractive individuals makes average-looking people seem less attractive by comparison.

Question 8

According to Sternberg's triangular theory of love, which three components interact to produce different types of love?

Accepted Answer

Passion, intimacy, and commitment

Question 9

Which of Lee's six love styles is characterized by selflessness and giving without expecting anything in return?

Accepted Answer

Agape

Question 10

Factor analysis of love inventories revealed five essential love factors. Which of the following is NOT one of these factors?

Accepted Answer

Similarity

Question 11

According to Ed Diener, happiness is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

'Subjective well-being,' which includes high positive affect and low negative affect.

Question 12

Which of the following is a significant correlate of happiness across cultures?

Accepted Answer

Basic human rights and freedoms, social support, and religiosity

Question 13

Research on happiness and adaptation (e.g., Illinois lottery winners) suggests which of the following?

Accepted Answer

People quickly adapt to new circumstances, and their happiness returns to a baseline level.

Question 14

Which theory of humour suggests that we find jokes funny when they bring together incompatible ideas in a surprising way?

Accepted Answer

Incongruity Theory

Question 15

According to research, which of the following is TRUE about the role of humour in everyday life?

Accepted Answer

Humour can promote romance, defuse conflict, and strengthen the immune system.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the findings on happiness and culture from studies of US and Japanese undergraduates?

Accepted Answer

Positive emotions are correlated with social emotions in Japanese and personal emotions in Americans.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of the disparagement theory of humour?

Accepted Answer

Laughing at a joke that makes you feel superior to someone you dislike.

Question 18

Which of the following personality traits is most strongly correlated with happiness, according to research?

Accepted Answer

Agreeableness and stable extraversion

Question 19

According to the release theory of humour, why do people find certain jokes funny?

Accepted Answer

Because the jokes provide an outlet for anxiety or tension, especially related to sexual or aggressive themes.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why married (not cohabitating) couples tend to report higher happiness?

Accepted Answer

Marriage is linked to improved health and financial security for both men and women.

Social Psychology: Attraction, Love, Happiness, and Humour

Study Guide - Practice Questions