Relationships-Social Exchange Theory Flashcards

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1
Q

Who created Social Exchange Theory?

A

Thibaut and Kelley (1959)

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2
Q

What is social exchange theory?

A

When relationships are viewed similar to business; behaviour series of exchanges- individuals want to maximise ‘profits’ (rewards) and minimise ‘losses’ (costs) associated with relationships

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3
Q

What may rewards include?

A

Emotional support, sex, care etc.

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4
Q

What may costs include?

A

Missed opportunities, financial investments, having to compromise

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5
Q

How will a relationship be successful according to this theory?

A

Both parties are expected to give and take in equal proportions and rewards must outweigh costs of relationship

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6
Q

What does SET claim people use?

A

Comparison level (CL)

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7
Q

What is CL?

A

People actively use CL to compare profits from current relationship with those experienced in previous relationships

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8
Q

According to CL what happens if somebody has had poor relationships in the past?

A

They expect any new relationship to be equally as bad

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9
Q

According to CL what happens if somebody has had too ‘good’ relationships in the past?

A

They expect too much from their relationships and too much profit instead of costs

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10
Q

What is the comparison level of alternatives (CLA)?

A

If alternative looks more favorable relationship will cease to exist

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11
Q

What are the 4 stages of profit and loss- 4 stages all relationships go through?

A

Sampling-Costs and rewards of associating with others are explored

Bargaining- A process of negotiation in which rewards and costs are agreed

Commitment-Exchange of rewards and acceptance of costs stabilised

Institutionalisation-Norms and expectations firmly established

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12
Q

What is a study supporting SET?

A

Kurdek and Schmitt

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13
Q

What did Kurdek and Schmitt investigate?

A

Importance of social exchange factors in determining relationship quality in heterosexual, co-habiting heterosexual, male same-sex and female same-sex couples

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14
Q

What were the findings from the Kurdek and Schmitt study?

A

Greater relationship satisfaction was associated with: perception of many benefits of current relationship (CL)

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15
Q

What are the negatives of this theory?

A
  • Individual differences
  • Cultural bias
  • Costs + benefits subjective
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16
Q

What are the positives of this theory?

A
  • Research supported

- Supports theory of model because when rewards higher satisfaction greater