19. Perceived similarity seems to be more important than actual similarity when predicting liking in established romantic relationships.

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The statement presented is a claim about the influence of perceived similarity versus actual similarity on predicting liking in established romantic relationships.
Option A: True. This option asserts that how similar partners appear to be (perceived similarity) can be more influential in predicting liking than their actual, objectively measured similarity. This aligns with research in social psychology and relationship science suggesting that individuals’ judgments and expectations based on perceived similarity often steer attraction and satisfaction more powerfully than veridical similarity, because perception shapes compatibility assessments, expectations, and ongoing interaction cues.
If someone believes their partner shares important values, hobbies, or goals—even if those similarities are not strong in actuality—this perception can boost affection, trust, and willingness to invest in the relationship. Perceived similarity can also reinforce positive social tuning, reduce cognitive dissonance, and strengthen relational bond through a self-fulfilling cycle.
On the other hand, actual similarity matters, but its impact can be mediated by perception. There are scenarios where misperceptions or undersampling of true similarities lead to weaker predictive power for liking, whereas accurate or salient perceived similarities can more directly forecast ongoing liking and commitment.
Therefore, the claim that perceived similarity tends to be more important than actual similarity in predicting liking in established relationships is a defensible summary of empirical patterns observed in romantic relationship research.
Note: In the absence of distractor options in this item, the evaluation focuses on the logic and empirical grounding of the statement as presented, highlighting why perception can overshadow objective similarity in shaping affective responses within long-term partnerships.

PSC 150V 001 WQ 2025 Exam 1

19. Perceived similarity seems to be more important than actual similarity when predicting liking in established romantic relationships.

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