class 3 : Social Exchange Theory

Question 1

Social Exchange Theory

Answer 1

by Thibaut and
Kelley(1959)

Question 2

Social Exchange Theory

Answer 2

The central focus is
motivation - to
maximize profit and
minimize loss

Question 3

Theoretical
Assumptions

Answer 3

• Understanding comes from
  understanding an individual’s
  motivations (values)
• Individuals are motivated by
  self interest/selfish
• Individuals are rational: we are able to balance the pros and cons

children: are able to be rational,arent able to explain child behaviour

Question 4

Basic Concepts

Answer 4

• rewards
• costs(punishment,reward forgon)
• profit(rewards/costs) - outcomes-ratio

Question 5

Basic Principles of
Exchange Theory

Answer 5

Relationships with increasing rewards anddecreasing costs will be more satisfying and will endure longer.

Question 6

Rewards in Relationships

Answer 6

Happy couples act in more rewarding
ways

Unhappy couples use more negative
emotional and task-oriented behavior

Question 7

Egocentric bias

Answer 7

people tend to overestimate their contribution to a relationship, therefore they feel they are giving more rewards

Question 8

Theoretical Propositions(how exchange theory works)

Answer 8

1. Individuals choose alternatives from which they expect the most profit.
2. Costs being equal, they choose alternatives from which they anticipate the greatest rewards.
3. Rewards being equal, they choose alternatives from which they anticipate fewest costs.
4. Immediate outcomes being equal, they choose alternatives that promise better long-term outcomes.
5. Long-term outcomes being equal, they choose alternatives that provide better immediate outcomes

Question 9

Additional Concepts

Answer 9

1. Comparison Level (CL)
2. Comparison Level of Alternatives (CLalt)

Question 10

1. Comparison Level (CL)

Our expectations [satisfaction]

Answer 10

CL is a standard by which the
person evaluates the rewards and
costs of a given relationship in terms
of what he feels he deserves

Question 11

2.Comparison Level of Alternatives
(CLalt)

What we can get [dependence]

Answer 11

Clalt = the lowest level of outcomes a [person] will accept in the light of alternative opportunities

ex: if u belive just one person will date you u will hang on to them but if there is multiple people that u belive are willing to date you u will be less dependence in that person

is about options