Hello and Welcome

AS Psychology 2024

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What to expect:

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1. Assumptions of the approaches with exam technique 
2. Evaluation questions with exam technique 
3. Relationship formation questions with exam technique. 
4. Overall, of all content covered in the previous three sessions 

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For each approach you will need to complete one relationship formation section.

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You will need to link your assumptions to the formation of a relationship

Top tips!

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• These questions are usually ranged between 4-10marks.
• Having examples is very important in gaining marks.
• Ensuring you have link your points to the named assumptions is important
• Using appropriate terminology will also help you move up the mark scheme.

Relationship formation: Biological

1. Assumptions of evolutionary theory

• Evolutionary theory proposes that relationships form with individuals who possess certain traits.
• Traits that enhance successful reproduction are naturally selected.
• However, males and females experience different selective pressures.......

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How would you explain this using the evolutionary assumptions?

Selective pressure continued...

• Males do well to mate as frequently as they can and select women who are more fertile (young) and healthy – smooth skin, glossy hair, red lips and thin waist are all indicators of youthfulness and healthiness, and add up to what we see as ‘physical attractiveness’.
• Females also seek signs of fertility and healthiness in their partner, but are more concerned to find a partner who can provide the resources needed for off spring to survive (e.g. food, shelter).

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Trivers (1972) investment theory

• Further evolutionary processes can be seen in parental investment theory (Trivers, 1972) which offers an explanation about why certain relationships are formed, for example, between younger women and older men.
• According to parental investment theory, as female mammals invest more in their off spring (e.g. they carry the baby), they must be ‘choosier’ in finding a partner, hence will seek out the male that can provide the most resources.
• Whereas men can technically afford to ‘play the field’.

Example: Kin selection

• Evolutionary theory can also explain the close relationships often found between brothers and sisters.
• In addition to natural selection there is also kin selection – traits that enhance the survival of those who have similar genes are also selected to promote the survival of our group’s genes.
• Therefore, we have a natural incentive to look after our siblings, and to invest time, energy and other resources into ensuring they are protected and healthy.

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2. Neurotransmitters and relationships

• The chemicals in our brain have a powerful effect on our emotions, and in turn will influence our perceptions of others, including those who we may enter into relationships with.
• Dopamine, for example, has been associated with pleasure seeking and reward driven behaviour, so setting the goal of finding a partner, and being driven to achieve this, will give us a ‘hit’ of dopamine.
• This can explain why, as humans, we are driven to form relationships – they give us a natural ‘high’.

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Example: Romantic relationships

• Oxytocin is a hormone linked to human bonding and increasing trust and loyalty.
• High levels of oxytocin have been linked to romantic attachment, and it is thought that a lack of physical contact with one’s partner will reduce levels of oxytocin leading to feelings of longing to bond with one’s partner again (missing them).
• This could also offer another explanation for forming relationships, specifically romantic ones – we have a natural chemical drive to bond with others.

Extra Example: mother baby bond

• Oxytocin is released by both mother and baby immediately after birth.
• This hormonal reaction triggers the bond between mother and baby.
• It promotes a sense of closeness and wellbeing.
• It is also produced by the mother during breastfeeding.

A) Describe two ways in which relationships are formed according to the assumptions of the biological approach” [8]

For each approach you will need to complete one relationship formation section.

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You will need to link your assumptions to the formation of a relationship

Top tips!

​

• These questions are usually ranged between 4-10marks.
• Having examples is very important in gaining marks.
• Ensuring you have link your points to the named assumptions is important
• Using appropriate terminology will also help you move up the mark scheme.

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• Revision Tips
• Make a key word glossary of terms
• Create a mind map of information you do know and then go back and check your notes and add in the missing information in another colour.
• Use the PEEL structure to write up small paragraphs for each evaluation point.

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Next Session: 

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1. Assumptions of the approaches with exam technique 

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• Evaluation questions with exam technique 

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• Relationship formation questions with exam technique. 

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• Overall, of all content covered in the previous three sessions 

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