R/SHIPS : INVESTMENT MODEL Flashcards
Outline the investment model
An explanation of relationship stability that emphasises the importance of three factors ( satisfaction , investment size and quality of alternative) in determining relationship commitment , which in turn predicts relationship stability.
Outline the importance of the satisfaction level , quality of alternatives and the investment size in the investment model
Satisfaction level - refers to the positive versus negative emotions experienced within a relationship and is influenced by the extent to which the other person fulfils the individual’s most important needs.
Quality of alternatives - refers to the extent to which an individuals’ most important needs might provide superior outcomes to those experienced in the current relationship towards the alternative.
Investment size - the measure of all resources that are attached to the relationship , and which would diminish in value or be lost completely if the relationship were to end
Outline the key study into Investment
Procedure : Le and Agnew carried out a meta analysis of 52 studies bet 1970-90s. Explored the different components of the investment model and the relation between them. Produced a sample of over 11,000 ppts ( 54% male and 46% female ) from five countries ( US, UK ,Netherlands , Israel and Taiwan)
Findings : Satisfaction level , quality of alternatives and investment size were highly correlated with relationship commitment. Correlation bet satisfaction level and commitment ( .68) were significantly stronger than quality of alternatives ( -48) and investment size (.46) . The corelation bet commitment and stay or leave behaviour was also a significant .47 , with individuals showing higher levels of commitment being more likely to stay in a relationship and those with lower levels leaving
Evaluate the investment model of relationships
Research support : Meta analysis by Le et al.
Analysed 38000 participants in 137 studies over a 33 year period to discover the key variables that predicted staying or leaving. Commitment was a strong predictor of whether a relationship would break up.
However other relational variables in the model like satisfaction , quality of alternatives and investments were only modest predictors of the likelihood of a relationship
LIMITATION : Problem in measuring the variables of the investment model. It is difficult to measure commitment and other variables that lead to commitment in relationships.
The investment model scale was found high in both validity and reliability in the measurement of these variables , and suitable for a wide variety of different populations.
However the scale relies on self report measures , respondents may present themselves in a good light resulting in the possibility of bias findings.
STRENGTH : Real world application
The investment model is able to explain why individuals may persist in a relationship with an abusive partner. Victims of partner abuse experience low satisfaction yet they stay. The model highlights features of the relationship that would explain this , eg a lack of alternatives or too much investment making them stay.
