Cards (5)

  • A limitation is that there are methodological issues into research. The investment model is supported by studies using self-report methods such as questionnaires. These may be affected by social desirability bias. However, what may matter more is a person's perception about how much investment they have made or how attractive their alternatives are. Therefore, the use of self-report measures may be appropriate because they assess partners' subjective perceptions about relationships, which are the most important influences on commitment.
  • A strength of the model is research support. Le and Agnew found that satisfaction, CLalt and investment size all predicted commitment. Commitment was linked to greater stability and longevity. The outcomes were true for both men and women across all cultures for homosexual and heterosexual relationships. This suggests that the model's claim that these factors are universally important in relationships is valid.
  • strength counterpoint - However, the studies only show strong correlation, but it does not follow that these factors cause commitment. Therefore, it is not clear that the model has identified the causes of commitment rather than factors that are associated with it.
  • A limitation is that it may oversimplify investment. Goodfriend and Agnew argue that there is more to investment than just the resources that you have already put into a relationship. You can plan for future investments which can motivate partners to commit. This means the original model is a limited explanation as it fails to consider the true complexity of investment.
  • A strength is that Rusbult's model has real-life application. It can explain why people stay in abusive relationships. Rusbult and Malrtz studied abused women staying at a shelter. Those reporting the greatest investment and fewest alternatives were the most likely to return to abusive partners. The women in this study were dissatisfied with their relationships but returned to their partners because they were committed to them. Therefore, the model shows that satisfaction on its own cannot explain why people stay in a relationship. Commitment and investment are also factors.