Theories of Romantic relationships: Social exchange theory

Question 1

What is the social exchange theory?

Answer 1

Theory of how relationships form and develop. Assumes that romantic partners act out of self-interest in exchanging rewards and costs. Satisfying and committed relationship maintained when rewards exceed costs and potential alternatives less attractive.

Question 2

Rewards, costs and profits

Answer 2

Thibault and Kelly’s economic theory, predicting people want a net profit and try to maximize rewards and minimize costs

Question 3

What is the comparison level?

Answer 3

Amount of reward you think you deserve from a relationship compared to the costs, informed by social norms

Question 4

Comparison level for alternatives

Answer 4

Consider whether we could get more rewards and fewer costs elsewhere

Question 5

Stages of relationship development

Answer 5

Sample, bargaining, commitment and institutionalisation

Question 6

Evaluation- inappropriate assumptions underlying SET

Answer 6

Not all relationships involve exchange of rewards and comparison

Question 7

Direction of cause and effect

Answer 7

Research shows dissatisfaction comes before consideration of alternatives

Question 8

Ignores equity

Answer 8

Equity more important than amount of rewards and cost

Question 9

Measuring

Answer 9

Difficult to measure irl

Question 10

Artificial research

Answer 10

Snapshot studies don’t resemble rl exchange relationships