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Concept map of the 3 theories - Coggle Diagram
Concept map of the 3 theories
Equity Theory=Perceived fairness rather than equal profits.
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The role of equity
Both partners' level of profit needs to be roughly similar, otherwise one overbenefits and the other underbenefits.
Equity and equality
What matters is the ratio of rewards to costs: A high level of costs with a high level of rewards is seen as fair.
Consequences of inequity
Underbenefitted partner is motivated to make the relationship more equitable. The perception of inequality matters.
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Cultural influences
Aumer-Ryan found that in collectivist societies partners are more satisfied when they are overbenefitting, so equity is not universally satisfying.
Types of relationship
Clark and Mills: Equity matters more in non-romantic relationships, less important to romantic satisfaction.
Rustbult's Investment Model=Partners stay because of commitment.
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Satisfaction and CLalt
A satisfying relationship has many rewards and few costs, and compared well with alternatives.
Investment size
Consider the resources that have been put into a relationship which we would stand to lose if it broke down.
Satisfaction versus commitment
The main psychological factor maintaining relationships is commitment, which explains why dissatisfied partners sometimes do not leave.
Relationship maintenance mechanisms
Committed partners act to promote their relationship through accommodation, willingness to sacrifice, forgiveness, etc.
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Explains abusive relationships
Rustbult and Martz found that abused partners who were committed reported greatest investment and lowest CLalt.
Oversimplifies investment
Goodfriend and Agnew extended the theory to include the importance of future plans as part of investment.
Social Exchange Theory=The 'give and take' of romance.
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Stages of relationship development
Sample, bargaining, commitment and institutionalisation stages.
Comparison level
Amount of rewards you think you deserve from a relationship compared to the costs, informed by social norms.
Comparison level for alternatives
We consider whether we could get more rewards and fewer costs elsewhere.
Rewards, costs and profits
Thibault and Kelley's economic theory, predicting that people want a net profit and try to maximise rewards and minimise costs.
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SET ignores equity
Both partners' profits need to be roughly similar; equity theory suggests this is more important than the amount of rewards and costs for each.
Artificial research
Snapshot studies using game-playing scenarios do not resemble real-life exchange relationships.
Assumes romantic relationships are like other relationships
Friendships and romantic relationships do not involve the monitoring of giving and receiving rewards and measuring profit.