Influential Theories #2 Flashcards by Carter Duzsik

What is Social Exchange theory?

A theory that focuses on how partners evaluate their relationship based on rewards and costs.

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Within social exchange theory what is a reward?

They can be material, or non-material (like social standing)

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Is social exchange theory interpersonal or Intrapersonal?

It is highly interpersonal.

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in social exchange theory what is a cost?

Are both material and non-material (missing out on other opportunists because one is with their partner)

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Within social exchange theory what is the equation for outcome?

Outcome = Rewards - cost

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What is “comparison level” within social exchange theory?

Comparison level is how someone views their relationship when compared to what they expect in their relationship.

If the outcome of the relationship is better than they expected ( their comparison level) then they are satisfied with their relationship

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Within social exchange theory, what is the equation for Satisfaction?

Satisfaction = outcome - CL

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What is CLalt?

The comparison level for alternatives .

Their relationship compared to what they think they could get.

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If a persons Outcome is better than their CLalt, what are they?

Dependent on the relationship.

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What is the equation for Dependency within social exchange theory

Dependency = outcome - CLalt

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Within social exchange theory, High satisfaction and high dependence results in?

attached and mutually committed relationships.

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Within social exchange theory, High satisfaction and low dependence results

Uncommitted lovers

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Within social exchange theory, low satisfaction and high dependence results

Abusive relationships; “Empty shell” marriages

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Within social exchange theory, low satisfaction and low dependence results

Strangers; pairs that are now dissolved.

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Within social exchange theory, is being committed and satisfied within a relationship the same?

No, you can be one or both.

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Within social exchange theory, what is the equation for Commitment?

Commitment = satisfaction + Dependence

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When taking investment into account, what is the equation for Commitment within social exchange theory

Commitment = investment + satisfaction + dependence.

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What is the major pro towards social exchange theory

It is very simple, being able to boil love down to a mathematical equation.

It is also present tense.

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What are some of the flaws around social exchange theory?

Focus on forces outside the relationship (unit investment model)
Does not provide an idea of how relationships change over time. How do the costs of relationships evolve overt time?

Is social Learning Theory rooted in the past, present, or future?

Present.

What is social Learning Theory?

It evaluates the behaviors of partners exchanges, and whether they are rewarded for those behaviors.

Is social Learning Theory inter or intra personal?

Interpersonal

What is the main postulation within social Learning Theory?

Partners are likely to repeat behaviors that were rewarded.

What was social Learning Theory born from?

Operant conditioning.

What are the three steps of behaviour within social Learning Theory? ( Circular diagram )

- Couples exchange positive and negative behaviors. - Couples learn from each interaction about the quality of the relationship. - The accumulation of experiences in specific interactions either builds up satisfaction, or wears it down changing how......(bakc to the top)

Why do couples engage in negative behavior?

social Learning Theory suggests that people will engage in negative behavior in order to get a reward.

Coercion theory:

People get their partner to pay attention by engaging in negative behaviors like yelling and screaming.

Escape conditioning:

People are able to stop an uncomfortable interaction, such as a fight by engaging in behaviors like storming out of the room crying.

How do relationships evolve according to social Learning Theory?

Over time, people learn about their relationships through looking back on their partners behavior, making appraisals about how their partner is likely to respond.

Over time, if negative behaviors continue within a relationship what will happen?

People less positively about their relationship, and begin to engage in Negative reciprocity.

What is Negative reciprocity?

actions that have a negative effect upon someone else is reciprocated with an action that has approximately equal negative effect upon another.

What is a major pro for social Learning Theory

It is the first theory to make the couple the focus. Some of the most influential scholars use this theory This has the most popular appeal among the other theories.

What are some other Pro's of social Learning Theory?

- Present focused | - Explains how couples interact, but they are likely other influences as well.

What are some of the cons of Social learning theory?

- Accounts for change in only one direction. | Fails to explain how some couples have ups and downs while other don't

social ecological model looks at what aspect of a relationship?

Broader contexts such as the world around them, and the things that happen in the world.

What is one of the most important acknowledgements within social ecological model?

Intimate relationships exist in the real world and are influenced by real world happenings.

Is social ecological model a single theory?

No, it is a collection of theories.

What three levels are looked at within the social ecological model?

- Microsystem - Friends, family, living conditions - Mesosystem - Culture, religion, neighborhood - Macrosystem - Nationality, history, global conditionsq.

What is the ABC-X model?

A = Stressor: may be positive or negitive B= Resources: financial, emotional, social C= Perception of the stressor Negative or positive X= Crisis: How the stressor is experienced and responded to.

What three areas are most heavily studied within Social ecological Theory?

- Intimate relationships among military couples - Transitions to parenthood - Air Traffic Controllers.

What are some of the pros of Social Ecological Theory?

- Addresses context of the larger environment. | - Provides an understanding of how relationships change over time.

What is one of the limitations of Social Ecological theory?

They specify there are links between environment and intimate relationships, but are less specific about the mechanisms

What Theory best addresses mate preference

Evolutionary theory

What Theory best addresses Partner perception?

Attachment theory

What theory best addresses Stability and satisfaction within a relationship.

Social exchange theory

What theory best addresses behavior?

Social learning theory

What theory best addresses the broader relationship context including stressors

Social ecological theory