Unit 6: Interdependency

Question 1

Interdependency

Answer 1

exists when we need others and they need us in order to obtain valuable interpersonal rewards

Question 2

Social Exchange

Answer 2

process in which they each provide to the other benefits and rewards that the other wants

Question 3

Outcome

Answer 3

describes the net profit or loss a person encounters, all things considered

Question 4

Comparison Level (CL)

Answer 4

describes the value of the outcomes that we’re come to expect and believe that we deserve in our dealings with others

Question 5

Comparison Level (CLalt)

Answer 5

determine whether we could be doing even better somewhere else

Question 6

Investments

Answer 6

the things one would lose if the relationship were to end

Question 7

Principles of Lesser Intent

Answer 7

suggests that the partner who depends less on a relationship has more power in that relationship

Question 8

5-to-1

Answer 8

to stay satisfied in a close relationship, we may need to maintain a rewards-to-cost ratio of at least 5:1

Question 9

Approach Motivation

Answer 9

we pursue pleasure and our motivation for doing something is to feel good, and when we draw near to, or approach, desired experiences, we feel positive emotions such as enthusiasm and excitement

Question 10

Avoidance Motivation

Answer 10

we seek to elude or escape punishment and pain, so we strive to avoid undesired experiences and to reduce negative feelings such as anxiety and fear

Question 11

Boredom

Answer 11

characterized by tedium, disinterest, and a lack of energy, and it occurs when nothing enticing, intriguing, or new is occurring in an intimate relationship

Question 12

Self-Expansion Model

Answer 12

holds that we are attracted to partnership that expand the range of our interests, skills, and experience

Question 13

Relational Turbulence

Answer 13

we should expect a period of adjustment and turmoil as new partners become accustomed to their increasing interdependence

Question 14

Unanticipated Costs

Answer 14

lack of effort, interdependency is a magnifying glass, access to weaponry, unwelcome surprises, unrealistic expectations

Question 15

Exchange Relationships

Answer 15

people do favours for others expecting to be repaid by receiving comparable benefits in return

Question 16

Communal Relationships

Answer 16

the partners feel a special concern for the other’s well-being, and they provide favors and support to one another without expecting repayment

Question 17

Equity

Answer 17

assert that people are most satisfied in relationships in which there is proportional justice, which means that each partner gain benefits from the relationship that are proportional to his or her contributions to it

Question 18

Overbenefited

Answer 18

receiving better outcomes than he or she deserves

Question 19

Underbenefited

Answer 19

receiving less than he or she should

Question 20

Maximizers

Answer 20

don’t want to just be happy, they want to optimize their outcomes and enjoy maximum satisfaction, so they keep evaluating their options

Question 21

Commitment

Answer 21

a desire for the relationship to continue and the willingness to work to maintain it

Question 22

Investment Model

Answer 22

commitment emerges from all of the elements of social exchange that are associated with peoples CLs and CLalts

Question 23

Commitment Readiness

Answer 23

a sense of whether or not an individual is ready to be in a romantic relationship

Question 24

Personal Commitment

Answer 24

occurs when people want to continue a relationship because they are attracted to their partners and the relationship is satisfying

Question 25

Constraint Commitment

Answer 25

occurs when people feel they have to continue a relationship because it would be too costly for them to leave

Question 26

Moral Commitment

Answer 26

derives from a sense of moral obligation to one's partner or one's relationship

Question 27

Accomodation

Answer 27

people refrain from responding to provocation from their partners with similar ire of their own

Question 28

Willingness to Sacrifice

Answer 28

committed people also display greater willingness to sacrifice their own self-interests for the good of the relationship

Question 29

Derogation of Tempting Alternatives

Answer 29

reduces the allure of those who might otherwise entice us away from our present partners, and that helps protect our partnerships

Question 30

What are the components of interdependence theory?

Answer 30

reward: anything that is desirable and welcome costs: consequences that are frustrating or distressing outcome: the net profit or loss outcomes = rewards - costs

Question 31

What is the comparison level (CL)?

Answer 31

the value of the outcomes that we believe we deserve outcomes - CL = satisfaction or dissatisfaction what we have vs. what we want

Question 32

What is the comparison level for alternatives (CLalt)?

Answer 32

outcomes we can receive by leaving and choosing to the best alternative situation outcomes - CLalt = dependence of independence what we have vs. what we can get elsewhere

Question 33

What factors influence changes in outcomes?

Answer 33

as we take excellent outcomes for granted, our CLs rise sociocultural influences may have increased expectations

Question 34

What were the results of the Kurdek (1999) study on the average trajectory of marital satisfaction?

Answer 34

novelty wears off, reality sets in financial status may change traumatic experiences may not put in some level of effort having kids

Question 35

What is equity theory?

Answer 35

people are most satisfied in relationships involving proportional justice each partner gains benefits that are proportional to their contributions

Question 36

What is the investment model of commitment?

Answer 36

satisfaction level, quality of alternatives, and investment size all contribute to commitment level relationship maintenance mechanisms such as: accommodation, willingness to sacrifice, derogation of tempting alternatives