Social Exchange Theory

Question 1

Social exchange theory

Answer 1

• the likelihood of a person staying in a relationship is determined by an assessment of what they get out of the relationship compared to what they put in
• how the relationship measures up against what they expect and what they might achieve in a different relationship
• ECONOMIC THEORY

Question 2

Comparison level

Answer 2

• a product of our experiences in other relationships and our general expectations
• a relationship will form if the potential profit exceeds our CL

Question 3

Comparison level for alternatives

Answer 3

• we weight up the potential increase in rewards from an alternative partner against any costs associated with ending the current relationship

Question 4

Sampling

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Bargaining

Answer 5

• we give and receive rewards to test whether a deeper relationship is worthwhile

Question 6

Commitment

Answer 6

• the relationship increases in predictability so each partner knows how to elicit rewards from the other, which lowers costs

Question 7

Institutionalisation

Answer 7

• the relationship norms are developed which establishes the patterns of rewards and costs for each partner

Question 8

Kurdek and Schmitt

Answer 8

• importance of s.e.t in determining relationships quaility in 185 couples
• 44 heterosexual, 35 co-habiting heterosexual couples, 106 same-sex couples
• lived together, no kids, did questionnaire
• greater relationship satisfaction was associated with the perception of many benefits of the current relationship and seeing the alternatives to the current relationship as less attractive

Question 9

Practical value

Answer 9

— intergrated couples behavioural therapy can be used to help couples increase the proportion of positive exchanges in a relationship and decrease negative exchanges
- explains why people may stay in abusive relationships