Essay on Social Comparison Orientation & Group Membership: Effects on Similarity-Attraction

Social Comparison Orientation Moderates the Effects of Group Membership on the Similarity-Attraction Relationship

Michinov and Nicholus wrote the journal of social psychology, and it was published in 2011. The study aimed to analyze how the similarity-attraction relationship is affected by a combination of the tendency to compare oneself to other people (Social Comparison Orientation, SCO) and group membership (Michinov and Nicholus 1). The overall goal of the study is to determine how attraction both at the individual level and groups is categorized.

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The study utilizes group membership information to analyze the similarities between distinct similarities and personal attractions. Unlike other studies that focused on individuals only, Michinov and Nicholus built their research on analyzing groups phenomenon (1). The researchers used participants and experimental design and interpersonal attraction index to carry out the study. Manipulation of data was also utilized to achieve the desired outcomes.

The outcomes of the study were that the group's activities and interaction play a significant role in individual attraction. People who were categorized in the same target group experienced similarities in their attractions after the end of the study. Individuals also exhibited a similar reaction to the group's composition. Participants preferred to interact with the in-group rather than out-group (Michinov Nicholus 2).

The main limitation of the study is that the researchers utilized the manipulation of data methods to test their hypothesis. The resulting outcomes may not have been accurate. The study also encompasses individuals at a different age group; in most cases, age differences play a major role in determining individual interactions. The study is, however, significant in analyzing individual and group's attraction among the different groups in society.

The similarity-attraction relationship revisited: divergence between the affective and behavioral facets of attraction

Michinov and Monteil wrote the journal, and it was published in2002. The main objective of the study was to analyze the impact of personal attitude to the individual attraction. The researchers aimed at proving that personal attitude has a significant impact on how individuals interact and their attractions preferences. The present study aimed to develop a new method for examining interpersonal attraction based on both affective and behavioral attraction responses and to demonstrate the divergence between the different facets of attraction (Michinov and Monteil 486).

The researchers' utilized participants and experimental design were the focus target were young boys and girls. The issue of questionnaires in data collection was also undertaken to ensure that unbiased results were obtained. The study attempted to measure the behavioral attractions using measures of behavioral and affective attraction (Michinov and Monteil 2).

The researchers' ascertained that" only a proportion of attitudes relevant to the interaction goals in that specific context would affect the interpersonal distance between the participant and the five targets, and (b) the proportion of similar attitudes would affect the affective attraction response, regardless of attitude relevance" (Michinov and Monteil 490).

The main limitation of the study is that the method that the researchers used in identifying the target group is uncertain. The sample size is also small, which makes it difficult to ascertain whether personal attitudes affect individual attraction conclusively. The extent to which attractions are affected is also unclear in the study. However, similarity attraction has been critically analyzed to show the impact on interpersonal relationships.

Perceived, not actual, similarity predicts initial attraction in a live romantic context: Evidence from the speed-dating paradigm.

Tidwell, Paul, and Eli wrote the journal, and it was published in 2013. The objectives of the study were to analyze similarities between one's partners' activities and those of an individual. The aim was to ascertain whether romantic dating among individuals can be attributed objectively to similarities between the pairs. The research also aimed at complementing the previous studies which analyzed the romantic attraction among individuals as a factor of their prevailing attitude.

The researchers utilized speed dating as a method of measuring the similarities and romantic attraction. The research incorporated individuals from diversified continents in the world to ensure that the outcomes were not biased. The 187 participants had to fill in questionnaires to enable capturing of their traits before the speed dating based on 14 characteristics. The participants had to report on their partner's traits, whether they are similar or different, and if they experienced romantic liking.

The outcomes of the study indicated that the majority of the participants with similar traits exhibited romantic liking. The research indicated that when similarities between general individual traits are measured, the likelihood of romantic liking can be ascertained. However, the research indicated that "actual similarity did not predict romantic attraction" (Tidwell, Paul, and Eli 209). Traits that can be measured accurately can, however, predict romantic liking during short, interactive sessions such as speed dates.

The limitations of the study are that it failed to include other factors that determine romantic liking apart from similarities. The data was also collected in one group of the community and cannot objectively reflect the whole population. The outcomes of the study indicate that similarities in traits and other factors play a major role in determining romantic liking.

When Opposites Attract: A Multi-Sample Demonstration of Complementary Person Team Fit on Extraversion

Kristof-Brown, Barrick, and Stevens conducted the study, and it was published in 2005. The purpose of the study is to analyze extraversion and teams. Individual attraction and interactions in the teams are crucial for the success of any organization as groups often undertake significant tasks.

The data utilized in the study was based on previously collected data in similar studies. The researchers utilized data from an individual's traits and goals in projects to ascertain the relationship between extraversion and individuals team performance. The study involved 324 MBA students who were divided into groups to carry given projects. Each student complemented a measure of extraversion to ascertain its relevance in the group's interactions.

The results obtained from the study indicated that individual extraversion levels contributed to their group's attractions. Participants with high extraversion levels interacted better with their teammates, who had low extraversion levels. The outcomes of the study proved that extraversion among individuals plays a significant role in determining an individual's group's interactions.

The limitations of the study are that it failed to take into consideration other factors apart from extraversion that determines the group's interaction. Assuming extraversion is the primary determinant in the interaction was wrong. The data obtained by controlling different variables in the study was biased. However, based on the findings of the research, extraversion proves to be a significant determinant in the team's interaction and success.

Relational Factors in Understanding Satisfaction in the Lasting Relationships of Same-Sex and Heterosexual Couples

Mackey, Diemer, and Brien wrote the article, and it was published in 2004. The goal of the paper was to develop an understanding of the factors that contributed to satisfaction within lasting relationships (Mackey Diemer and Brien p.1). The article seeks to explain the theory between heterosexual relationships and same-sex relationships and factors that contribute to satisfaction in such relationships. The research also aims at explaining the importance of satisfaction in a relationship and the mental health of an individual.

The researchers utilized interviews to carry out the study of factors that are considered in satisfying relationships. The researchers interviewed individuals in their homes based on their relationship affiliation. The study incorporated people from different races to ensure that the outcomes were objective. The researchers also analyzed the lifestyles of the respondents and the surrounding environment to understand their satisfaction better.

The outcomes of the study showed that individuals who are in a happy relationship have better mental health conditions than their counterparts who are in unsatisfactory relationships. The results also indicated that there was no difference between heterosexual men and females and gay and lesbians in satisfaction. However, African Americans were less satisfied than their white's counterparts.

The limitation of the study is that the data obtained from the couples may be biased due to the secretive nature of many couples. The factors that contributed to relationship satisfaction were also not fully considered; hence making a conclusive inference was impossible. However, the research indicates that heterosexual and same-sex relationships in the United States of America depend on factors that lead to satisfaction for their success.

The Influence of Attraction to Partner on Heterosexual Women's Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction in Long-Term Relationships

Kristen P. Mark and Debby Herbenick wrote the article, and it was published in September 2011. The study was carried out to examine the predictive value of self-reported attraction to partner and change in interaction to partner on sexual relationship satisfaction (Mark and Derby 1). The research objective was to check whether sexual satisfaction or partner attraction was the primary cause of a successful relationship.

The researchers utilized an online survey methodology with 176 participants to conduct the study. The data obtained were then tested using statistical tools. The research indicated that women were equally satisfied and dissatisfied sexually and that attraction to partner was a major significant determinant of the relationship rather than sexual satisfaction (Mark and Derby 22). The data obtained was the analyzed using statistical measures to test its significance.

The limitations of the study are that the sample size was relatively small, and therefore the results obtained could not objectively represent the whole population. The research also concentrated on only two factors in the study. However, the researchers ascertained that a partner's attraction in a relationship is a significant determinant in the success of their marriage or relationship.

Romantic ideals, romantic obtainment, and relationship experiences: The complementarily of interpersonal traits among romantic partners

Patrick Markey and Charlotte Markey published the article in May 2007. The main objective of the study was to examine the impact of personality traits in a romantic relationship (Markey and Markey 2). The researchers utilized models of examining interpersonal traits and the similarities between partners.

The researchers proved that different individuals preferred partners with the same personality traits with them. Relationships and marriages are built by people who have an understanding and whose characters rhyme. The researchers also ascertained that in any successful relationship, behavior similarity is a crucial success factor.

The main limitation of the study is that it considered individual...