Social Exchange Theory Flashcards
1
Q
What do Thibault and Kelley (1959) think about relationship behaviours?
A
- our behaviours in relationships reflect the economic assumptions of exchange: we try to minimise losses and maximise gains.
2
Q
Explain the idea of Profit and Loss in the Theory.
A
- focuses on the rewards of a relationship against the costs.
- those with greater rewards are likely to be more satisfied thus less likely to leave.
3
Q
Give examples of Rewards.
A
- companionship
- sex
- gifts
4
Q
Give examples of Costs.
A
- effort
- financial investment
- sex
5
Q
What is the Comparison Level?
A
- used to judge whether someone offers something better or worse Han we might expect from another.
- standard against all our relationships are judged against.
6
Q
How does the Comparison Level Work?
A
- if a potential profit is greater than the comparison level than the relationship will be judged worthwhile and the other person will be seen as attractive.
- previous unpleasant relationships will mean your comparison level is low and as a result the person will be happy in a relatively poor relationship.
7
Q
What is the Comparison Level for Alternatives?
A
- where a person weighs up a potential increase in rewards from a different partner minus any costs from ending their current relationship.
8
Q
Evaluating: What Did Sprecher (2001) find?
A
- supports: most associated variable with relationship commitment was partners CLA.
9
Q
Evaluating: What did Gottman and Levenson (1992) find?
A
- Supports: successful marriages has a ratio of 5:1 positive to negative exchanges.
10
Q
Evaluating: What did Littlejohn (1989) find?
A
- difficult to establish what a cost and what a benefit is
- benefit now may be a cost later.
11
Q
Evaluating: Explain one weakness of the Social Exchange Theory.
A
- reliance on profitable outcomes but ignores her factors that maintain a healthy relationship.
