Social exchange theory

• social exchange theory ao1

  • relationship is satisfactory based on exchange of rewards gained and costs
  • comparison level CL

  level we judge a relationship against based on other relationships (comparing highly means likely wanting to form a relationship)

  • comparison levels for alt CL Alt

  compare the costs vs. benefits in our current relationship with those of other potential
• pay off matrix :

  • will form and maintain a relationship in the event of a positive payoff matrix
  • benefits our weight costs
• 4 stages of social exchange

  1 sampling - experiment

  2 bargaining - negotiate

  3 commitment - predicting

  4 institutionalisation - costs and benefits firmly established
• ao3 SET

  • supporting evidence
  • not all relationships are the same
  • beta biased (gender biased)