Natalie likes her classmate, Wyatt, who always helps her with her assignments and projects. She likes him more than anyone in her class as she can rely on him on any given day to get her work done. Which of the following theories explains Natalie's liking in this scenario?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

In evaluating Natalie's liking for Wyatt, we look at the elements that drive attraction in each theory presented.
Option 1: the contact theory. This theory emphasizes the role of repeated exposure or familiarity in increasing attraction. While Wyatt being consistently around and available could involve exposure, the scenario specifically highlights the help he provides and reliability as the driver of Natalie’s liking, not just repeated contact. So this option only partially fits and does not capture the core reason described.
Option 2: the reward theory of attraction. This theory posits that people are attracted to others who provide desirable rewards or benefits, such as help, support, or resources. In the scenario, Wyatt regularly helps Natalie with assignments and projects and is dependable, which constitutes significant tangible and social rewards. This aligns well with the core mechanism of reward-based attraction.
Option 3: the equity theory. Equity theory focuses on fairness and balance in the give-and-take of a relationship; people feel comfortable when contributions and rewards are proportional. The scenario centers on Natalie’s liking due to Wyatt’s supportive behavior, not a perceived imbalance or fairness in ongoing exchanges between two partners. Therefore, this theory is not the best fit for explaining her liking here.
Option 4: the triangular theory of love. Sternberg’s theory describes love as consisting of components—intimacy, passion, and commitment. While reliability and support could contribute to intimacy, the scenario does not explicitly discuss emotional closeness, passion, or commitment as the defining driver of her liking. It seems more narrowly about support and reliability, which is better explained by the reward framework.
Overall, the option that best accounts for Natalie’s liking based on the description is the theory that attraction arises from the rewards Wyatt provides (help and dependability), rather than from mere exposure, fairness dynamics, or a broader triadic construct of love. The other options either overemphasize aspects not central to the scenario or describe mechanisms that don’t directly explain her response to Wyatt’s helpful behavior.

Natalie likes her classmate, Wyatt, who always helps her with her assignments and projects. She likes him more than anyone in her class as she can rely on him on any given day to get her work done. Which of the following theories explains Natalie's liking in this scenario?

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