Questions and Answers
Which theories are put forward to explain the maintenance of relationships?
What does Social Exchange Theory focus on?
The rewards that partners obtain from a relationship weighed against the costs incurred.
What is the equation representing the outcome of rewards and costs in Social Exchange Theory?
Rewards - Costs = Outcome
What does the Comparison Level (CL) refer to?
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What does the Comparison Level for Alternatives (CLA) evaluate?
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What was the key study mentioned in the Social Exchange Theory?
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In the study by Kurdek and Schmitt, which type of couples showed greater relationship satisfaction?
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Study Notes
Social Exchange Theory Overview
- Explains relationship maintenance based on rewards and costs
- Fundamental theories include Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory, and Investment Model
Social Exchange Theory Principles
- Developed by Thibaut & Kelly in 1959
- Views relationships through an economic lens, likening them to transactions
- Partners assess the benefits from the relationship against the incurred costs
- Positive reward/cost outcomes lead to higher satisfaction and decreased likelihood of ending the relationship
Profit and Loss
- Social behavior is seen as a series of exchanges maximizing rewards and minimizing costs
- Exchanges aim for a profit, where rewards outweigh costs
- Common rewards include companionship, care, and sex; costs may involve effort, finances, and time
- Overall relationship outcome is calculated as rewards minus costs, influencing commitment
Comparison Level (CL)
- Individuals form a benchmark to evaluate their relationships based on personal experiences and expectations
- A positive comparison level leads to finding new relationships attractive if they offer more profit than the CL
- CL varies with individual experiences; a history of poor relationships results in a low CL, while rewarding relationships lead to high expectations
- Agreements regarding relationship satisfaction are stronger when both partners perceive profits above their CL
Comparison Level for Alternatives (CLA)
- Satisfaction is influenced not only by the current relationship's profit but also by potential alternatives
- Individuals weigh the rewards from potential partners against the social and emotional costs of leaving their current relationship
- Higher anticipated profits in alternative relationships increase the temptation to leave the current relationship
- Dependence on current relationships decreases if more rewarding alternatives are available
- Variations in dependence levels between partners can create relationship instability and distress
Key Study: Kurdek and Schmitt (1986)
- Investigated social exchange factors in relationship quality among 185 couples
- Sample included diverse relationship types: heterosexual married, cohabiting heterosexual, and same-sex couples
- Utilized questionnaires filled out individually to avoid influence
Study Findings
- Higher relationship satisfaction correlates with perceived benefits in the current relationship
- Different couple types showed that favorable assessments of current relationship compared to alternatives result in greater satisfaction
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Description
Test your knowledge on Social Exchange Theory and its application in understanding relationship dynamics. This quiz features definitions and key concepts that underpin this economic approach to relationships, including comparisons with other theories. Enhance your understanding of equity and investment models as well.
