relationships; equity theory ao1

Question 1

equity theory is an extension of what theory

Answer 1

social exchange theory

Question 2

equity theory suggests…

Answer 2

• satisfaction is maintained if there is an equal balance of costs and benefits for both partners
• fairness

Question 3

walster et al 1978 proposed what about equity

Answer 3

equity is more important than max reward and min cost, both partners level of profit should be roughly the same

Question 4

lack of equity leads to what in partners

Answer 4

underbenefitting and overbenefitting partner

Question 5

describe how the underbenefitting and overbenefitting partner feel

Answer 5

underben - less satisfied - anger and resetment
over ben - less dissatisfied - feels discomfort and shame

Question 6

the greater the percieved inequity the greater the …

Answer 6

the greater the dissatisfaction, equity theory suggests that there is a strong +ve correlation between the 2

Question 7

how does equity change as relationship progresses

Answer 7

• at start of relationship its natural to put in more than you are recieveing
• but if this carries on the underben partner fails to be satisfied

Question 8

what will under benefitting partner do to adress inequity

Answer 8

• will work hard to make relationship more equitable if they think its salvegable (behavioural change)
• more inequity = more work
• (cog change) - eg revise their perception of reward and cost so relationship feels more equitable (nothing has actually changed)

Question 9

what can happen after costs and rewards are revised by under beneftting partner

Answer 9

actual abuse can become accepted as the norm
eg reframing cruelty as rough treatment for your own good
- so seeing something that was previously costly as normal