Investment Model Content

Question 1

How is Rusbult’s investment model of relationships an extension of SET?

Answer 1

. The idea of satisfaction still relates to CL levels
. New ideas of investment
. All the factors link into strong commitment in a relationship

Question 2

Why was the SET developed to investment model?

Answer 2

Many couples seemed to be staying together even when the costs outweighed the rewards, so there must be other factors keeping them together

Question 3

How is the role of comparison level of alternatives different in SET to the investment theory?

Answer 3

SET: comparison level for alternatives simply weighs up the profitability of alternatives, and if they are better, they would be a better partner and you would leave.

Investment: satisfaction comes from the comparison level of alternatives but you won’t necessarily leave the relationship if the comparison level of your partner doesn’t meet your satisfaction needs due to high investment and commitment

Question 4

Where does satisfaction come from in the investment theory?

Answer 4

The comparison level for available alternatives - your standards from your comparison level can be viewed in other people and if ‘better’ alternatives are seen, the individual will be less satisfied with their relationship

Question 5

Why is investment so important in this investment model?

Answer 5

Without investment, the satisfaction level created by the CLalt will cause someone to leave the relationship like in SET, but the added factor of investment acts as a deterrent to leaving the relationship as it builds commitment

Question 6

What does commitment depend on in this theory?

Answer 6

. Satisfaction
. Comparison with alternatives
. Investment