Relationships: Theories of Romantic Relationships: Social Exchange Theory 2024 - 2025 Flashcards
AO1 Focus
What type of theory is social exchange theory?
Economic theory
AO1 Focus
What equals relationship satisfaction, according to social exchange theory?
- Maximised rewards
- Minimised costs
AO1 Focus
Give 2 examples of a reward from a relationship, according to social exchange theory?
- Companionship
- Sex
- Praise
AO1 Focus
A relationship where the costs exceed te rewards will result in…
Relationship dissatisfaction
AO1 Focus
A relationship where the rewards exceed the costs will result in…
Relationship satisfaction
AO1 Focus
What two types of comparisons we measure our profit against, according to social exchange theory?
- Comparison levels (CL)
- Comparison levels of Alternatives (CL Alt)
AO1 Focus
What is meant by comparison levels in relation to measuring profit?
The amount of reward you believe you deserve to get
AO1 Focus
Where does our comparison level come from, when measuring our profit, according to social exchange theory?
- Past relationships
- Social norms
AO1 Focus
What is meant by comparison levels of alternatives in relation to measuring profit?
The amount of profit you believe you could receive from a different relationship
AO2 / Key Term Focus
Sally is talking to her friend Barbara.
“I believe I deserve more than what I have with Johnny”
Which type of comparison is Sally using to measure her relationship profit?
Comparison level
AO2 / Key Term Focus
Barbara is talking to her friend Sally.
“I think I should break up with Colin for a guy in finance, 6’ 5, blue eyes. I would be happier”
Which type of comparison is Barbara using to measure her relationship profit?
Comparison level of alternative
AO3 Focus
What did Kurdeck do?
This will form the first E of your PEEL
Asked gay, lesbian, and heterosexual couples to complete questionnaire measuring relationship commitment
This will form the first E of your PEEL
AO3 Focus
What did Kurdeck find?
This will form the second E of your PEEL
The most committed partners;
* perceived more rewards and fewer costs
* viewed alternatives as unattractive
This will form the second E of your PEEL
AO3 Focus
Why does Kurdeck support social exhange theory?
This will form the Link of your PEEL
It suggests viewing relationship profit is important for commitment levels (and therefore satisfaction)
This will form the Link of your PEEL
DISCUSSION Focus
Much of the research into social exchange theory is correlational
How can this be criticised?
This will form the first E of your PEEL
Cannot establish cause and effect
This will form the first E of your PEEL
DISCUSSION Focus
Much of the research into social exchange theory is correlational
What can cause and effect not be established between?
This will form the first E of your PEEL
Profit (lack of) and (dis) satisfaction
This will form the first E of your PEEL
AO3 Focus
How can we criticise the concept of rewards?
This will form the first E of your PEEL
It is subjective
This will form the first E of your PEEL
AO1 Focus
What will equal relationship dissatisfaction according to social exchange theory?
- Low rewards
- High costs
AO1 Focus
Give 2 examples of costs involved in a relationship, according to social exchange theory?
- Time
- Money
- Effort
AO1 Focus
What makes social exchange theory an economic theory of relationships?
It focuses on the concepts of
* Rewards
* Costs
* Profit
