Social Exchange Theory

Question 1

social exchange theory

Answer 1

people seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs in relationships

Question 2

rewards

Answer 2

things that have positive values ‘

-may value affection, companionship, having a relationship with someone that enhances our social status

Question 3

costs

Answer 3

whatever has negative value for the individual

Question 4

formula

Answer 4

relationship (O) is determined by subtracting cost (C) from rewards (R)
-O= R - C

Question 5

comparison level (CL)

Answer 5

subjective standard for what we expect in a particular type of relationship
-based on persons past, current, and observations of other relationships

Question 6

CL of Alertness

Answer 6

relative measure that evaluates how good a particular relationship is in comparison to real or other perceived alternatives to that relationship
-offers insight to why women stay with abusive men

Question 7

equity/inequity

Answer 7

whether the relationship is fair to the people in it over the course of time

• inequity is related to both dissatisfaction and relational distress
• might be upset when you feel you are putting more into a relationship than your friend, but it might make you feel upset if you feel you invest less than your partner into a relationship

Question 8

Critical assessment

Answer 8

• little heuristic value: we already knew that people like what benefits them
• not testable: there is no way to measure CL
• looks at human relationships as individualistic but human relationships have wants and desires of both partners intertwined
• not supported by research