Eight-year-old Cindy has to decide whether to be best friends with Jillian, who has lots of toys to play with, or with Kaitlin, whose family gets the Disney channel on their TV. According to social exchange theory, Cindy's choice will most likely be influenced by her consideration of which of the following?

Question

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According to social exchange theory, people make relationship decisions based on comparisons between the rewards and costs of the current relationship versus potential alternative relationships. The comparison level for alternatives is a key factor in this decision-making process. In Cindy's case, she may consider which friend offers more benefits in terms of toys or access to desirable TV channels, and may weigh these benefits against any potential costs of the friendship (such as personality differences or conflicts with other friends). Therefore, option A is the best choice. Options B, C, and D are less relevant to the social exchange theory perspective.

Eight-Year-Old Cindy Has to Decide Whether to Be Best Friends