Social Exchange Theory of Relationships

Social exchange theory assumes we are all 'rational beings' and view relationships as a series of 'exchanges' meaning...

• Partners are motivated to seek relationships with a high level of profit

• Partners are motivated to pursue equitable relationships

• Feeling dependant on one partner will increase stability in a relationship

• Partners will evaluate commitment derived from saitsifaction in a realtionship

Who developed social exchange theory?

• Thibaut and Kelley

• Altman and Taylor

• Elaine Walster

• Kerckhoff and Davis

Which statement best describes the 'minimax' strategy of self-interest in the Social Exchange Theory?

• Maximise the unpleasant costs whilst minimising the pleasant rewards

• Assessing the similarity of maximum rewards in a relationships with the minimum rewards of your partner

• Maximising the investment made in a relationship

• Maximise the pleasant rewards whilst minimising the unpleasant costs

Relationship satisfaction is determined by...?

• Profit

• Comparison level

• Comparison level for alternatives

• Profit and Comparison level

What is affected by a person's PREVIOUS relationships?

• Profit

• Comparison level (CL)

• Comparison level for alternatives (CLalt)

One criticism of the Social Exchange Theory could be that it's impossible to put an objective value on every cost and reward in a relationship.

• True

• False

A person who is highly dependant on their current partner will maintain the relationship because they have...

• A high comparison level

• A low comparison level

• A high comparison level for alternatives

• A low comparison level for alternatives

A partner is more likely to remain in a relationship if they have...?

• A low level of profit and a low comparison level for alternatives

• A low comparison level and a low comparison level for alternatives

• A low comparison level and a high comparison level for alternatives

The stage order of relationship development is..

• Bargaining, commitment, sampling, institutionalisation

• Commitment, sampling, institutionalisation, bargaining

• Sampling, bargaining, commitment, institutionalisation

• Sampling, commitment, bargaining, institutionalisation

According to Clark & Mills, romantic relationships are more likely to be regarded as 'communal' with exchanges taking place, but without 'keeping scores' of partners profits?

• True

• False