Equity Theory

Question 1

Equity Theory

Answer 1

Partners are concerned about fairness - getting what they feel they deserve

Question 2

Formula for Success

Answer 2

P1’s B-C = P2’s B-C

Question 3

Dissatisfaction

Answer 3

Unfair = dissatisfaction regardless of >b or <b

Question 4

> b

Answer 4

Feel guilt and shame - lack of equity over time leads to breakup

Question 5

<b

Answer 5

Feel anger and resentment - lack of equity over time leads to breakup

Question 6

Change over time - dissatisfaction

Answer 6

initial <b normal, but unsustainable long term - dissatisfaction

Question 7

Change over time - restoration

Answer 7

initial unfairness accepted, or <b’er works harder to restore

Question 8

Supporting Research Utne

Answer 8

Utne et al self-report scales to measure equity and satisfaction in recently married couples. 118 participants aged 16-45, 2y+ before marriage. higher eq rating=higher satisfaction

Question 9

Supporting Research Stafford and Canary

Answer 9

200+ married couples questionnaire on equity and satisfaction, maintaining methods. equitable followed by >b spouse experience most satisfaction.<b least

Question 10

Supporting Research Brosnan and de Waal

Answer 10

Animal studies - capuchin monkeys denied reward in game become angry. ancient origins

Question 11

PEEL - SR

Answer 11

A strength of Equity Theory is that it is supported by research findings. For example, Stafford and Canary (2006) have discovered that partners who perceived their relationships as fair and balanced experienced most satisfaction, thus supporting Equity Theory’s suggestion that perceived fairness is necessary for happy relationships.

Question 12

PEEL - Contradictory Research

Answer 12

Berg and McQuinn longitudinal study on 38 couples. equity didn’t increase with time, self disclosure and perceived equity initially is strong predictor for maintenance, low equity sp end. therefore perceived fairness doesn’t change, contradicts the central claim that equity increases over time

Question 13

PEEL - C&E

Answer 13

Dissatisfaction C, not E of perceived inequity. Van Yperen and Buunk found D in inequitable relationships increased with time. individual differences in perception of equity. Hussman suggested benevolents (can <b) and entitleds (want >b) exist.

Question 14

Issues and Debates - Gender

Answer 14

important gender differences in perception of relationship fairness that ET ignores. Sprecher found that women tend to be more disturbed when <b from relationships, and feel more guilt when >b, while DeMaris et al. suggest that women are more focused on relationships, and so are more sensitive to injustices. results indicate clear gender differences and highlight the importance of conducting research separately to avoid gender bias. may result in alpha bias and exaggerate differences that do not actually exist.

Question 15

Issues and Debates - Nomothetic

Answer 15

Equity Theory proposes a universal theory of romantic relationships that suggests that people are content in their relationship if B=C . However, Mills & Clarke argue that it is not possible to assess equity in terms of loving relationships, as a lot of the input is emotional and unquantifiable. maybe better to study romantic relationships idiographically focusing on qualitative experiences of individuals, instead of nomothetically to generate universal laws for human relationships.

Question 16

Issues and Debates - Culture

Answer 16

cultural differences not accounted for by ET. Aumer-Ryan et al. shows that the concept of equity is more important in Western culture. They found that men and women from NW (collectivist) cultures claimed to be most satisfied with their relationships when >b, not when the relationships were fair. highlights a culture bias in this area of research and suggests that ET does not explain the development of romantic relationships in all cultures.