Theories of Romantic Relationships: Equity Theory AO3

Question 1

Whose Research supports equity theory of RR?

Answer 1

Utne (1984)

Question 2

How did Utne conduct research into equity theory?

Answer 2

They took a survey of recently married couples (but who had been together 2+ years prior) and measured equity with 2 self-report scales

Question 3

What did Utne find?

Answer 3

That couples that considered their RR as equitable were more satisfied than those who over/under benefitted

Increases internal validity of theory

Question 4

What might be a counter point for Utnes research?

Answer 4

By using self reports the ppts might have been subject to bias thus reducing the reliability

Question 5

What are 3 examples of how individual differences limit the Equity Theory?

Answer 5

• Partners are prepared to contribute more than what they receive
• Entitled partners believe they deserve to over benefit and have no guilt about it
• Some Partners are less sensitive to equity than others (Huseman et al)

Question 6

Why are individual differences a limitation of the Equity Theory?

Answer 6

As they show that equity is not necessarily important in RR’s and that it’s not a universal law of social interaction

• thus reducing credibility

Question 7

How is the Equity Theory limited in terms of cultural influences?

Answer 7

Researchers found a cultural difference in the link between equity and satisfaction:
- Collectivist Cultures were most satisfied when one partner was over benefitting
- Individualist Cultures were most satisfied when the relationship was equitable
Thus can’t be globally generalised.