Abstract
The purpose of the research was to obtain first hand knowledge of the attitudes and behaviours between both male and female, third level college students in Ireland. The study aimed to explore if there was a difference between males and females, in relation to the frequency and motives of certain behaviours in romantic relationships, such as the use of lying (deception), snooping (intrusive behaviour) and cheating (infidelity).
The study was conducted in order to discuss three aspects in relation to gender differences. Firstly, how many participants admit to lying to their partner, either it be in relation to their everyday life, or emotions towards other people. Secondly, it examined both the frequency and motives of those whom are intrusive while in a romantic relationship. Finally, the study looked at cheating and how many participants admit to being unfaithful. It also examined both motives of the participant whom decided to be unfaithful. Due to the ethical and moral nature of these topic’s, it can be challenging to carry out research in these area’s, as when a person want’s to lie, snoop and cheat, they usually don’t want anyone to know about their actions, so they can be reluctant to revel their motives and frequently.
Quantitative research methods were used in a quasi-experimental design between participants. The independent variable of the study was gender and the dependent variables were lying (deception), cheating (infidelity) and snooping (intrusive behaviour). There was 247 people participated 45 item questionnaire, 141 were females and 106 were males.
The results of the study found the first hypothesis was supported, in general there were more male students then female student who tended to use deceptive behaviour in their romantic relationships. The second hypothesis was also supported, the results indicated more females then males stated they were involved in some form of intrusive behaviour, whether it be to their current and/or previous partner’s. Likewise, the third hypothesis was also supported; there were a significant number of more males then females, acting in an unfaithful manner while being in a relationship.
In conclusion with in this survey, over all, males seemed to act in a more unfavourable manner in comparison to their female counterparts, in either their current or past relationships, they were unfavourable in two of the three hypotheses. Author keywords: Gender differences, lying, deception, snooping, intrusive behaviour, cheating and
romantic relationships
