Theories of Romantic Relationships: Social Exchange Theory AO1

Question 1

According to SET how is a committed relationship maintained?

Answer 1

When rewards exceed the costs and potential alternatives are less attractive than the current relationship.

Question 2

What is the minimax principle?

Answer 2

An economic assumption of exchange where we want to minimise losses and maximise gains

Question 3

How do we judge our satisfaction in a RR according to SET?

Answer 3

We judge it in terms of the profit it yields

Question 4

Rewards and costs are subjective and their…

Answer 4

values may change over time

Question 5

Give 3 examples of rewards

Answer 5

Sex
Companionship
Emotional Support

Question 6

Give 3 examples of costs

Answer 6

Time
Stress
Energy

Question 7

What are the 2 measures of profit in SET’s theory of RR?

Answer 7

1) Comparison level - CL

2) Comparison level for Alternatives - CLAlt

Question 8

Define Comparison Level

Answer 8

The amount of reward you believe you deserve to get

Question 9

How does CL develop? (2 Ways)

Answer 9

• From our previous relationships as it builds expectations

- Influenced by social norms as it provides the opinion of what is a reasonable level of reward

Question 10

What does CL link to?

Answer 10

Self-Esteem as it determines how much profit we are satisfied by

Question 11

When do we consider a relationship to be worth pursuing according to SET?

Answer 11

When our CL is high

Question 12

Define Comparison Level for Alternatives

Answer 12

When we believe our current RR is more rewarding than the alternatives

Question 13

What did Duck et al state about CLAlt?

Answer 13

That the CLAlt we adopt depends on the stage of our current relationship;

• If the costs outweigh rewards, alternatives will become more attractive
• If you are satisfied you may not realise the alternatives available

Question 14

What are the 4 Stages of Relationship Development?

Answer 14

1) Sampling Stage
2) Bargaining Stage
3) Commitment Stage
4) Institutionalisation Stage

Question 15

Define the Sampling Stage

Answer 15

Exploring the costs and rewards of social exchange by experimenting with them in our RR or by observing others in doing so

Question 16

Define the Bargaining Stage

Answer 16

Partners begin to exchange reards and costs, negotiating and identifying what is more profitable

This marks the beginning of the RR

Question 17

Define the Commitment Stage

Answer 17

Sources of costs and rewards become more predictable over time, so rewards increase and costs lessen

This makes the relationship more stable

Question 18

Define the Institutionalisation Stage

Answer 18

When partners settle down as rewards and costs are firmly established