Relationships: Social Exchange Theory Ao1

Question 1

Social ex theory is a what theory and has links to what behavourist concept

Answer 1

Economic theory
Operant conditioning

Question 3

We form a relationship if its…
We maximise…
Equation…..
We commit if outcome is …..

Answer 3

• We form a relationship if it is rewarding
• We attempt to maximise our rewards and minimise our costs
• The rewards minus the costs equals the outcome
• We commit to the relationship if the outcome is profitable

Question 4

Equation for social exchange

Answer 4

Rewards - Cost = Outcome

Question 5

Social exchange theory is ….

Answer 5

• Assumes that people try to maximise the rewards they obtain from a relationship and minimise the costs.
• The exchange comes from the assumption that when people receive rewards from others they feel obliged to reciprocate
(Minimax theory)

Question 6

Who proposed social ex theory

Answer 6

Thibaut and Kelly 1959

Question 7

Rewards in social exchange

Answer 7

Companionship
Sex

Question 8

Costs

Answer 8

Missed opportunity
Time
Money

Question 9

Social exchange theory

Answer 9

This makes the basic assumption that all social behaviours are a series of exchanges in which something is given and something gained
It argues that partners wish to maximise rewards from a relationship (eg. love, sex, companionship, support) & minimise costs (time, effort, money spent, opportunities lost, risk involved)
The goal is to achieve a situation of profit: where rewards exceed the costs

Question 10

Social exchange theory

Answer 10

To judge how one partner compares to another potential one on the profitability front, partners use a comparison level
- a standard against which all relationships are compared
The comparison level is based on memories of past experiences combined with expectations of what we want and can expect in the future
When we meet a new partner, he/she is compared with the comparison level, and if the profit of this new relationship is thought to exceed the comparison level, a relationship will be formed
Then if the person meets someone else, the comparison level for alternatives is referred to
• This is where the potential rewards from the new partner are greater than the costs of ending the existing relationship
If the rewards are greater, the existing relationship may be terminated and a new one formed

Question 11

4 stage model of long term relationships

Answer 11

Sampling
Bargaining
Commitment
Institutionalisation

Question 12

Describe sampling

Answer 12

We consider the potential rewards and costs of a relationship and compare it with other relationships available at the time.

Question 13

Describe bargaining

Answer 13

We give and receive rewards to test whether a deeper relationship is worth while

Question 14

Commitment

Answer 14

The relationship increases in predictability so each partner knows how to elicit rewards from the other which lowers the cost

Question 15

Institutionalisation

Answer 15

Relationship norms dev
Establishes patterns and rewards and costs for each partner

Question 16

Equation

Answer 16

Reward - cost = outcome

Question 17

2 factors added later

Answer 17

Comparison levels
Comparison levels for alternatives

Question 18

Comparison level

Answer 18

• How satisfied individuals are with the reward and costs depends on what they have come to expect from previous relationships.
• If the current relationship compares favourably with past relationships we are motivated to stay in the relationship.

Question 19

Comparison level for alternatives

Answer 19

• The level of satisfaction also depends on the rewards and costs that would be involved if they formed a relationship with someone else

Question 20

Social exchange theory has good ……. Validity

Answer 20

Face validity