Relationships evaluation and studies (Lesson 5-8) Flashcards
Who proposed the social exchange theory?
Thibault and Kelley (1959)
What did Blau (1964) say about relationships?
Can be expensive; costing time, stress, energy and compromise. As well as this it costs opportunities
What are the strengths of Social Exchange Theory?
- Evidence to support it from Gottman (1992)
- Applications to couples with problems from intergrated couples therapy (2000)
What are the weaknesses of Social Exchange Theory?
- Challenged by Argyle and Duck
- Blau argues that itās about the cognitive approach rather than the behaviourist approach
- Littlejohn (1989) found it difficult to define what a reward is
- Moghaddam (1998) criticised it due to cultural applications
- Criticised for the sample on students in short relationship
What evidence did Gottman (1992) find to support Social Exchange Theory?
He found people in unsuccessful marriages report a lack of positive exchanges with their partner and an excess of negative ones. Successful marriages the ratio of positive to negative exchanges is 5:1 but in unsuccessful itās 1:1. Shows importance of costs and rewards.
How did Jacobson (2000) show Social Exchange Theoryās application?
Through integrated couples therapy, which helps partners break negative patterns of behaviour and decrease negative exchanges and increases positive exchanges. Practical use.
Why does Argyle challenge Social Exchange Theory?
He disagrees with the idea that people spend a great deal of time monitoring relationships in terms of rewards and costs. People only monitor this once the relationship becomes dissatisfying. Duck agrees with him.
Why does Duck agree with Argyle challenging Social Exchange Theory?
States we only look at comparison levels in a relationship when we are dissatisfied not when we are happy and the relationship is successful.
Why does Blau believe the cognitive approach explains social exchange theory better than the Behaviourist approach?
He would argue humans are selfish to see relationships in this light. It is rooted in the behaviourist approach where the focus of the relationship maintenance is about rewards and operant conditioning. Some relationships have little rewards and still continue. So cognitive may explain it better.
How did Littlejohn (1989) show that it is difficult to define what a reward or cost is?
Rewards and costs in a relationship might differ from one person to another. A cost could be viewed as a reward to another person (child) and vice versa. The theory needs to be closely examined in how individuals view and think about rewards and costs.
Why did Moghaddam (1998) criticise the social exchange theory?
Itās more applicable to western cultures and may be difficult to apply elsewhere. Perceived costs and rewards of relationships might be very different round the world from one culture to the next or may not be as important.
Why was the sample of young people in short term relationships criticised in Social exchange theory?
Using a young and limited sample may make results invalid as we canāt apply the findings to long term older couples with a different dynamic
What does Walster et al (1978) see equity as based on?
four principles
What are the four principles that Walster et al (1978) saw equity as being based on?
Profit, Distribution, Dissatisfaction and Realignment
What are the research examining equity theory of romantic relationships?
Utne et al (1984), Stafford and Canary (2006), Brosnan and de Waal (2003)
How did Utne et al (1984) research equity theory?
Used self report scales to measure equity and satisfaction in recently married couples.
What was the sample of Utne et al (1984)?
118 participants were aged between 16 and 45 and had been together for 2 years or more before before marrying
What did Utne et al (1984) find?
The study found that partners who rated their relationships as more equitable were also more satisfying.
How did Stafford and Canary (2006) look at social exchange?
Studies over 200 married couples completed questionnaires on relationship equity and satisfaction. They were asked about the ways they maintained their relationship.
What did Stafford and Canary (2006) find?
Those who experienced most satisfaction were: Partners who perceived their relationships as fair/balanced and spouses who over benefitted from the relationships
What supporting evidence did Brosnan and de Waal (2003) find?
Study of capuchin monkeys found that if monkeys were denied their reward (grapes) for playing a game they became angry, showing ancient origins of equity
What are the strengths of Equity theory?
Supported by research findings, (Stafford and Canary 2006)
What are the weaknesses of the Equity theory?
- Hard to assess, Mills & Clarke (1982)
- Contradictory evidence from Berg and McQuinn (1986)
- Individual differences, Hussman et al (1987)
- Cause and Effect issues (Van Yperen and Buunk 1990)
- Difference in gender, Sprecher (1992), DeMaris et al (1998)
- Aumer-Ryan et al (2006)
How did Berg and McQuinn (1986) find contradicting evidence against Equity theory?
Conducted a longitudinal study on 38 couples, not finding any increase in equity but discovered high self disclosure and perceived equity predicted that they will stay together.
How did Van Yperen and Buunk (1990) find issues with the cause and effects of the Equity theory?
Found dissatisfaction in inequitable relationships increased with time not the other way round. Dissatisfaction might be the cause
