2 x theories. using what you learned on reward/need satisfaction theory from last lesson. try and...

2 x Theories

Maintenance of Relationships

PSYA3 - Relationships

Can you find a match?

Using what you learned on Reward/Need Satisfaction Theory from last lesson.

Try and find two possible matches from Match.com.

Be prepared to explain why you have matched them based on their rewards/needs.

To Start….


To Start…

Summarise what we learned about last lesson…

What could be today’s lesson objective? Write an

example.

How will I know if I am learning?

By the end of the lesson…E You will be able to explain what Social

Exchange Theory (SET) & Equity Theory say about relationship maintenance.

C

You be able to apply these theories to real relationships.

A You be able analyse what kinds of relationships are ignored by economic theories and begin to evaluate economic theories of relationship maintenance.

Success Criteria


Social Exchange Theory is an ‘economic theory’ - it takes the view that social relationships are run in a similar way to a business – people are negotiating to get the best deal.

SET is based on the principles of operant conditioning which suggest we form and maintain relationships because they are rewarding – this means they are profitable because the rewards we receive from the relationship outweigh the costs incurred.

If the relationship stops being profitable because the costs outweigh the rewards the relationship will end.

Economic Theory 1: Social Exchange Theory (SET) – Thibaut & Kelley (1959)


SET suggests relationships are run like a balance sheet - partners are always trying to maximise their rewards and limit their costs.

Satisfaction depends on the ‘outcome’ - the balance between rewards and costs

A successful relationship is a profitable one because the rewards outweigh costs,

although a state of ‘loss’ will occur if the costs start to outweigh the rewards

Economic Theory 1: Social Exchange Theory (SET) - Thibaut & Kelley (1959)


Activity OneCalculate how rewarding a current relationship (or friendship) is by assigning a unitary value to the rewards received and the costs incurred from

7

Rewards received Costs incurred

Value

Total value rewards =

Value

Total value costs =

Outcome:

100 love points

50 love points

50 love points in profit


The Comparison Level (CL) Economic Theory 1: Social Exchange Theory (SET) - Thibaut & Kelley (1959)

We each develop a standard against which we compare all our relationships. It is formed based on all of our experiences plus our views of what we might expect to give and receive in a relationship.

If we judge the potential profit of a new relationship to exceed our CL the relationship will be judged as worthwhile.

If the outcome is negative (profit less than CL) we will be dissatisfied in the relationship.

Similarly we have a ‘Comparison Level for Alternatives’ where we weigh up a potential increase in rewards from a potential partner, minus any costs involved in ending our current relationship. CLalt


Potential relationship

Current relationship

ProfitComparison

levelNew relationship

“What could I have?”

“What have I got

now?”

Profit Comparison level

Current relationship

Comparison Level


Activity TwoCalculate and compare the outcome of a previous relationship with the expected outcome of a potential alternative relationship.

Previous Relationship Comparision Level (CL)

Alternative Relationship Comparison Level for Alternatives (CLalt)

Rewards

Costs

Outcome = Outcome =


Activity ThreeWhat do you think these mean?Stage Description Mnemonic

Sampling

Bargaining

Commitment

Institutionalisation

Once you have an idea of what they mean try and come up with a mnemonic to help you remember them. E.g. Rainbow: Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain.


Activity ThreeWhat do you think these mean?

Stage Description

Sampling

Bargaining

Commitment

Institutionalisation

Analysing the potential costs and rewards of entering into a relationship with someone.

A testing phase of giving and receiving rewards to work out if the new relationship is worth forming.

Sampling and bargaining is reduced and attraction to the other person will increase if the costs of being in a relationship are also reduced.

A relationship is recognised as having been formed and norms are developed that set the expectation of specific rewards and costs for the relationship for continued success.


Economic Theory 2: Equity Theory: Walster et al (1978)

Equity ≠ _____ Equity = _____

People strive to achieve fairness in their relationship. Inequality has the potential to cause distress. This happens when one person gives a great deal and gets little in return (inequity). However the same is true of those who receive a great deal and give little in return.

Equality Person’s perceived inputs equal outputs!


Economic Theory 2: Equity Theory: Walster et al (1978)

Equity ≠ _____ Equity = _____

Perceived ratio of Inputs and OutputsInequity doesn’t necessarily mean inequality. Two individuals can put in variable amounts and still maintain equity. This is because a person holds subjective views on the relative inputs and outputs of themselves and their partner. If we fear inequity in our relationship we may try and change our input and outputs to restore equity. We may also compare it to our CL. Equalit

y Person’s perceived inputs and outputs!


Activity Fourwhy might people feel dissatisfied in the following examples?

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Person is giving more to the relationship than they feel they are getting out of it…

Person is getting more out of the relationship than they feel they are giving to it…


Activity FiveWhat do you think these mean?

Key Terms Description Mnemonic

Profit

Distribution

Dissatisfaction

Realignment

Once you have an idea of what they mean try and come up with a mnemonic to help you remember them. E.g. Rainbow: Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain.


Activity FiveWhat do you think these mean?

Key Terms Description

Profit

Distribution

Dissatisfaction

Realignment

Rewards are maximised and costs minimised.

Trade-offs and compensations are negotiated to try and gain fairness.

The greater the degree of perceived unfairness, the greater the dissatisfaction.

If restoring equity is possible, attempts will be made to restore it and the relationship is maintained.


Plenary:

What kind of relationships do Economic Theories fail to

account for…?

2 x theories. using what you learned on reward/need satisfaction theory from last lesson. try and...

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