What are the names of 2 theories which explain the 

Maintenance of Relationships?

Social Exchange Theory

Equity Theory

Who proposed the Social Exchange Theory?

Thibaut & Kelley

Who proposed the Equity Theory?

Walster et al.

How does the Social Exchange theory explain the maintenance of relationships?

All social behaviour is a series of exchanges in which we attempt to maximise our rewards and minimise the costs.

Rewards - Costs = Outcome (profit or loss)

What is a Comparison Level within

the Social Exchange theory?

A standard against which all our relationships are judged. If the potential profit (potential relationship) outweighs the current profit (current relationship), it will be judged as worthwhile.

What are the names of 2 Psychologists supporting the

Social Exchange theory?

(Initials = R&M, S)

Rusbult & Martz

Simpson et al.

Why do Rusbult and Martz support the

Social Exchange Theory?

Found that even if the investments in a relationship are high, if the alternatives are low (eg. no where else to live) then it could still be considered a profit situation. This therefore explains why some women choose to remain in an abusive relationship.

What are the names of 2 Psychologists criticising the

Social Exchange Theory and one IDA point?

(Initials = A, D&S, CB)

Argyle

Duck & Sants

Cultural Bias

Why does Argyle criticise the 

Social Exchange Theory?

Argued that people only begin to monitor the costs of a relationship, once they have already become dissatisfied with it.

Why do Duck & Sants criticise the 

Social Exchange Theory?

Argued that the theory ignores how partners communicate and interpret shared events - what one person may see as a cost, could be seen as a profit to the other.

Why is Cultural Bias an issue for the

Social Exchange Theory?

Focuses on Western Relationships who may have lots of short-term relationships and so can focus on own personal profit. Whereas in non-western, traditional societies - long-term relationships are more likely to value security

How does the Equity Theory explain the

Maintenance of Relationships?

People strive to achieve fairness in their relationships and feel distressed if they perceive unfairness. For example, people who give a lot but receive little may perceive inequity. This perception is however subjective and so partners may contribute very different amounts but still see this as fair.

What is the name of a Psychologist who supports the

Equity Theory?

(Initials = S&C)

Stafford & Canary

Why do Stafford & Canary support the

Equity Theory?

Married Couples completed an equity/relationship satisfaction questionnaire and the results showed that satisfaction was highest for those who perceived equity or perceived high personal benefits.

What are the names of 2 Psychologists criticising the

Equity Theory and one IDA point?

(Initials = C&M, D, GB)

Clark & Mills

Demaris

Gender Bias

Why do Clark & Mills criticise the

Equity Theory?

The theory does not distinguish between economic relationships (eg. colleagues/business associates) and intimate relationships (eg. friends or lovers). In intimate relationships, people tend to respond to their partner's needs more than focusing on their own personal profit.

Why does Demaris criticise the 

Equity Theory?

Investigated the link between divorce rates and equity levels. Found the only association between the two was that only under-benefitted partners tended to divorce.

Why is Gender Bias an issue for the

Equity theory?

Women tend to seek less for themselves, whereas men seek out personal profit.

Why does Simpson et al. support the Social Exchange Theory?

Asked participants to rate members of the opposite sex in terms of attractiveness and found that those already in a relationship, gave lower ratings.

Name the Psychologist who criticised the Social Exchange Theory as culturally biased?

(Initials: M)

Moghaddam