relationships: rusbults model ao3 Flashcards
Rusbult evaluation - demand characteristics
P; rusbults study used questionnaires - self report method which is open to bias and social desirability
E: Rusbult et al (1998) developed the
‘investment model scale’ as it became difficult to
measure commitment and the other variables that
led to commitment. This scale does however rely on
self-report methods
E: whilst a scale gives the theory a mathematical aspect whereby data can be analysed quickly giving scientific credibility, but data from questionnaires may not be fully transparent as ppt want to make themselves look good in terms of the relationships to the researcher - soc des bias and less valid
L: however there aren’t any other tangible methods of assessing commitment so it could be argued that using a combo of self report methods that give data thats mathematical is the most suitable way to
research support
P; one strength of the investment model is support from a meta analysis be le and agnew
E: Le and Agnew (2003) did a Meta-analysis of 52 studies from late 1970s to 1999 which included 11000 ppt from all 5 countries. they found satisfaction, comp w alt and investment size all predicted relationship commitment
E: relationships in which commitment was greatest were the most stable and lasted the longest. these outcomes were true for both men and women, across all cultures in the analysis and for homo+hetero sexual couples
L: suggests there is validity to rusbults claim that these factors are universally important features of romantic relationships
Strength - can explain why ppl stay in abusive relationships
P: Another strength is that the model can explain why people remain in relationships that could be seen as having very low levels of satisfaction, for example those that involve intimate partner violence (IPV, commonly known as abusive relationships).
E: rusbult and Martz (1955) studied women at a domestic abuse refuge and found those most likely to retur to an abusive partner reported having made the greatest investment and having fewest attractive alternatives.
These women were dissatisfied with their relationships but still committed to them.
Therefore the model shows the satisfaction on its own cannot explain why people stay in relationships - commitment and investment are also important factors.
Counterpoint to meta analysis - le and agnew (correlation vs causation)
P: However, although strong correlations have been found between all the important factors predicted by the investment model, such as in Le and Agnew’s research, unfortunately correlational research does not allow us to conclude that the factors identified by the model cause commitment in a relationship.
EE: It could be that the more committed you feel towards your partner, the more investment you are willing to make in the relationship, so the direction of causality may be the reverse of that suggested by the model.
L: Therefore it is not clear that the model has identified the causes of commitment rather than factors that are associated with it.
