Option 1 common mistakes

Common mistakes

• Confusing physical attractiveness with self‑disclosure as the primary driver of attraction

  Students often state that physical attractiveness alone determines attraction, ignoring the role of self‑disclosure and other factors.

  Fix itClarify that while physical attractiveness is an initial filter, self‑disclosure and similarity also play crucial roles in deepening attraction.

• Confusing Social Exchange Theory with Equity Theory

  Students often mix up the concepts of rewards and costs with the idea of fairness.

  Fix itRemember that social exchange theory focuses on the balance of rewards and costs, while equity theory emphasizes fairness and equality in contributions.

• Confusing Duck’s phases with other models

  Students often mix up Duck’s phases with the stages of the Gottman model or the stages of attachment theory.

  Fix itRemember that Duck’s model is specifically a linear sequence of honeymoon, conflict, decline, and dissolution, distinct from other models that may use different terminology or focus on different aspects of relationships.

• Over‑generalising the benefits of self‑disclosure

  Assuming that all self‑disclosure automatically leads to stronger relationships.

  Fix itExplain that while self‑disclosure can increase intimacy, it must be appropriate to the context and the level of trust already established.

• Confusing parasocial relationships with real relationships

  Students often describe parasocial relationships as if they involve mutual interaction or reciprocity.

  Fix itClarify that parasocial bonds are one‑way and that the media figure is unaware of the individual’s existence.

• Confusing Chromosomes with Hormones

  Students often state that hormones alone determine biological sex, overlooking the foundational role of chromosomal patterns.

  Fix itClarify that chromosomes provide the genetic framework, while hormones modulate the expression of sex-specific traits.

• Confusing Klinefelter's Syndrome with Turner Syndrome

  Students often mix up the characteristics of Klinefelter's Syndrome and Turner Syndrome.

  Fix itRemember that Klinefelter's Syndrome affects males with an extra X chromosome (47,XXY), while Turner Syndrome affects females with a missing X chromosome (45,X).

• Confusing gender identity with biological sex

  Students often state that gender identity is the same as biological sex, implying that gender is purely biological.

  Fix itClarify that gender identity is a personal, internal sense of gender that can be independent of biological sex, and that biological sex refers to physical characteristics such as chromosomes, hormones and reproductive organs.

• Misinterpreting BSRI scores as gender identity

  Assuming that a high masculine score indicates a male gender identity.

  Fix itThe BSRI measures gender role endorsement, not biological sex or gender identity; individuals of any sex can score high on either scale.

• Confusing Chromosomes and Hormones

  Students often mix up the roles of chromosomes and hormones in gender development.

  Fix itRemember that chromosomes determine biological sex, while hormones influence the development of secondary sexual characteristics and behaviors.