forensics -theories of relationships (topic2)

Question 1

what does social exchange theory state about relationships

Answer 1

• they are “like a business”
• we monitor rewards and costs
• we all want max rewards from a rs and min costs
• rs that is mutually beneficial will succeed
• we aim to gain more rewards to get more profit

Question 2

what is comparison level

Answer 2

-when we compare our present r/s tomorrow previous r/s we have had

Question 3

what is a comparison level for alternatives

Answer 3

• compare present partner for people around us that we could potentially have a rs with.
• we look for a ‘better deal’ if our current rs is not satisfactory

Question 4

what are the strengths of social exchange theory

Answer 4

+people in unsuccessful marriages frequently report lack of pos behaviour exchanges and excess of neg. in successful marriage ratio is 5:1 but in bad ratio is 1:1
+practical applications: integrated couples therapy helps partners break neg partners of behaviour and increase pos exchanges. 66% report improvements after therapy
+dif people perceive rewards and costs differently so it can account for individual differences

Question 5

what are the limitations of social exchange theory

Answer 5

• people only monitor rewards and costs once the rs becomes dissatisfying. we only look at comparison levels in a rs not when we are happy
• rooted in behaviourist approach - focus of rs is rewards and operant conditioning. but some rs have little rewards but many costs but still continue

Question 6

what does equity theory state

Answer 6

-people will expect to receive rewards from a rs that are proportional to rewards they give the other person