LS5 - Social Exchange Theory

Question 1

Social Exchange Theory

Answer 1

Suggests a relationship is similar to a business where we monitor rewards and costs, and want max rewards with min costs suggesting imbalanced relationships are likely to fail.

Question 2

Comparison Levels

Answer 2

We compare present partners with previous partners, looking for a ‘better deal’.

Question 3

Strengths (+)

Answer 3

Failed Marriages
Practical Applications
Individual Differences

Question 4

Weaknesses (-)

Answer 4

Cultural Validity

Question 5

Failed Marriages (+)

Answer 5

People in failed marriages reported a lack of positive behaviour exchanges and bare negative behaviour exchanges. Successful marriages have (5:1) whilst unsuccessful have (1:1).

Question 6

Practical Application (+)

Answer 6

Integrated couples therapy, helps ranters break negative behaviour patterns, and increase positive behaviours. 66% of couples found this effective.

Question 7

Individual Differences (+)

Answer 7

Different people perceive rewards and costs different meaning it can account for individual differences.

Question 8

Cultural Validity (-)

Answer 8

More applicable to individualistic cultures as opposed to collectivist. Costs and rewards may differ from culture to culture.

Question 9

Cultural Validity (-)

Answer 9

More applicable to individualistic cultures as opposed to collectivist. Costs and rewards may differ from culture to culture.