equity theory

Question 1

what things to include for AO1 equity theory (plan)

Answer 1

economic model
extension of SET
assess R+C > P
fairness
ratio/balance
inequity > dissatisfaction
over/under benefitted > ……
3 ways of dealing equity

Question 2

what are the 3 ways of dealing with equity

Answer 2

restore actual equity
restore psychological equity
leave the relationship

Question 3

what does restore actual equity mean as a way of dealing with equity

Answer 3

this is achieved by the “loser” redcuing inputs (putting less effort into relationship)

increasing rewards by encouraging the other partner to put more effort in

Question 4

what does restore psychological equity as a way of dealing with equity

Answer 4

when individual convinces themselves things are perfectly fair just the way they are, changing their perception by essentially distorted reality

Question 5

what does leave the relationship mean as a way of dealing with equity

Answer 5

this can be physically (eg divorce) or emotionally (no longer have feelings for them)

Question 6

what is the relation between equity (in) and dissatisfaction

Answer 6

inequity when when one is putting in way more effort/one is getting way more out in a nonproportional way

greater imbalance=greater inequity
(strong correlation between degree of inequity and level of dissatisfaction

Question 7

what type of dissatisfaction is experienced when an individual perceives themselves as underbenefitted

Answer 7

anger, sadness, resentment

Question 8

what type of dissatisfaction is experienced when an individual perceives themselves as overbenefitted

Answer 8

pity, guilt, shame

Question 9

what does ET say in terms of the ratio/balance

Answer 9

doesnt see the initial ratio as important but the changes in the ratio

profit is proportional to the effort put into the relationship, people expect to receive rewards which are proportional to the rewards they provide for

Question 10

shifts in the perception of equity can become particularly evident during times of ….

Answer 10

significant change in a relationship eg moving in, having children

Question 11

difference between SET and ET

Answer 11

SET- attempt to maximise profit (max r, min c)

ET- should be fair, level of profit roughly the same (not the size that matters but the ratio)

Question 12

ET suggests if one person puts a lot into a relationship then they

Answer 12

will get a lot out

Question 13

strengths of ET (which studies and what is it)

Answer 13

stafford and canary- married couples RWA, equity and happiness

hatfield- newly weds, benefits and satisfaction

Question 14

limitations of ET (which studies and what is it)

Answer 14

huseman- individual differences, equity sensitivity

prins- dutch couples, gender differences

Moghaddam- cross cultural validity

DeMaris- gender differences

establishing causality

Question 15

explain stafford and canary evaluation point (strength of ET)

Answer 15

sample 200 married couples
regarding equity and satisfaction
S highest when E was perceived
then S for over then lowest for under.

S and E relationship was complementary (those who reported equity (treatment) also engaged in behaviours that contributed to their spouse’s sense of equity and happiness

Question 16

explain hatfield evaluation point (strength of ET)

Answer 16

newly weds, benefits and satisfaction:
underbenefitted: overall lowest satisfaction with marriage and experienced anger

overbenefitted: felt guilty (OB women much less satisfied then OB men who were nearly the same as equitable)

equitable: most satisfied

Question 17

explain huseman evaluation point (strength of ET)

Answer 17

equity sensitivity- extend to which an individual will tolerate inequity.
3 categories for individuals:
1- benevolents are “givers” and tolerate under-rewarded inequity.
2- equity sensitives are in accordance with ET, tension with inequity.
3- entitleds prefer to be over-rewarded, feel owed > feel dissatisfied when under rewarded

so cannot predict what each person wants/what their level of equity is, there are INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES, equity is subjective