Question 1

The notion that rewards should be proportional to costs and profits should be proportional to investments is

Accepted Answer

Distributive justice refers to the perceived fairness of the distribution of resources within a society or group. It encompasses the idea that rewards should be proportional to the contributions or costs incurred by individuals, and that profits should align with the investments made. This concept is central to many theories of equity and fairness in social psychology and organizational behavior.

Question 2

According to Smith and Hamon, which is true of social exchange theory?

Accepted Answer

All of the statements are true regarding social exchange theory according to Smith and Hamon. The theory assumes individuals seek to maximize profit which can overlook altruistic behavior, it is praised for its ability to predict and explain human behavior in social contexts, and its individualistic focus does introduce certain limitations.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about social exchange theory is true?

Accepted Answer

Social exchange theory posits that social behavior is the result of an exchange process aiming to maximize benefits and minimize costs. This includes the need for reciprocity (A), the subjective valuation of rewards (B), the necessity of incurring costs for rewards (C), and the perceived satisfaction or reward in reciprocating harm to someone who has caused us harm (D), making all the statements true.

Question 4

According to Thibaut and Kelley, the standard by which people evaluate the rewards and costs of a relationship (in terms of what they think the relationship should bring them or what they deserve in a relationship, given what they know about other similar relationships) is called

Accepted Answer

The concept described is known as a "comparison level" according to Thibaut and Kelley's social exchange theory. This comparison level serves as a standard for evaluating the rewards and costs of a relationship, based on what individuals believe they deserve or should receive, informed by their knowledge of similar relationships.

Question 5

From a social exchange perspective, Person A is LESS likely to terminate his or her marriage based on knowledge of a partner's extramarital affair, the more Person A is

Accepted Answer

From a social exchange perspective, the more dependent Person A is on their partner, the less likely they are to terminate the marriage after discovering an affair. This is because their dependence makes the cost of leaving the relationship higher, potentially outweighing the negative aspects of the affair.

Question 6

Sarah stays in her conflict-ridden relationship with Joe because she believes that most relationships are like hers (comparison level) and her current relationship is better than none (comparison level of alternative), particularly since she is not currently employed. According to social exchange theory, which is true?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Sarah stays in her conflict-ridden relationship with...

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT one of Rusbult's three variables for commitment, from a social exchange perspective?

Accepted Answer

Rusbult's model of commitment from a social exchange perspective includes three main variables: a high level of satisfaction with the relationship, a lack of attractive alternatives, and a significant investment of resources into the relationship. Therefore, having several viable alternative relationships (B) contradicts the model's emphasis on the lack of attractive alternatives as a factor for commitment.

Question 8

A reward is something that:

Accepted Answer

A reward is characterized by all the mentioned aspects: it is something individuals would like to experience more often because it is pleasurable, and they would choose it even if there were no additional costs involved.

Question 9

Social exchange theory shares a basic assumption with conflict theory. Which of the assumptions below is a part of both theories?

Accepted Answer

People are motivated by self-interest is an assumption shared by both social exchange theory and conflict theory.

Question 10

Even though Sarah does not find Alex all that attractive, she does appreciate his kindness, his intelligence and his sense of humor. What kind of cost exchange has Sarah made?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Even though Sarah does not find Alex...

Question 11

Alison and Mark have been married for ten years. Under which of the following circumstances would this theory suggest they are most likely to divorce?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Alison and Mark have been married for...

Question 12

Social Exchange Characteristics: Match the concept with the appropriate scenario
-After weighing the pros and cons of going on a second date with Jared, Andrea
 decides that such an interaction is likely to
 be more positive than negative.

Accepted Answer

Andrea's decision-making process involves evaluating the potential benefits (pros) and drawbacks (cons) of going on a second date, which aligns with the concept of "profit" in social exchange theory. This theory suggests that individuals seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs in their social interactions.

Question 13

Social Exchange Characteristics: Match the concept with the appropriate scenario
-The strength of Jacob's relationship with Sarah is determined by costs of leaving,
 rewards of staying, costs of leaving forgone
 by staying, and rewards for staying forgone
 by leaving.

Accepted Answer

The scenario describes the concept of commitment in a relationship, where the decision to stay or leave is influenced by evaluating the rewards and costs associated with each option. This includes considering what one might gain by staying, lose by leaving, and vice versa, which aligns with the definition of commitment in social exchange theory.

Question 14

Social Exchange Characteristics: Match the concept with the appropriate scenario
-Scarlett O'Hara enjoyed the attention of men; she found it rewarding, yet she seemed
 to become bored as each additional man was
 added to her fan club.

Accepted Answer

This scenario exemplifies "satiation," where Scarlett O'Hara finds the attention of men rewarding but experiences diminishing returns or satisfaction as more men join her fan club, indicating she has reached a point of satiation with that specific form of reward.

Question 15

Social Exchange Characteristics: Match the concept with the appropriate scenario
-Rebekah cares less than Deron that they will not be able to spend the weekend together.

Accepted Answer

The principle of least interest suggests that the person who is less committed or interested in continuing a relationship has more power. In this scenario, Rebekah's lesser concern about not spending the weekend together illustrates this principle, as her lower level of interest gives her a relative advantage or power in the relationship dynamics.

Question 16

Imagine that you are graduating from college and have two different job choices. Think about the things that are important to you when determining which job to take. For example, one pays more money but one is much closer to where you live. One has great benefits but one allows you to work from home one day a week. Use this exercise to talk about the formula of social exchange theory. Think of other decisions we make on a regular basis that require use to use this theory.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Imagine that you are graduating from college...

Question 17

What is the norm of reciprocity? What is an example of something you have done for someone else based on this concept? Can you think of a time you didn't do something for someone because of a lack of reciprocity? How does it feel when distributive justice is not present in a relationship?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the norm of reciprocity? What...

Question 18

How often are our relationship decisions based on using a comparison level? Think of a relationship decision you have made recently that was influenced by a comparison level. How did your perception of what you deserve in a relationship influence your decision? Have you ever encountered comparison level of alternatives in your relationships? Have you ever left one relationship in favor of another? If so, why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How often are our relationship decisions based...

Question 19

Define commitment from a social exchange perspective. What does commitment mean to you? How similar or different is your definition of commitment? What role does commitment play in relationships? How will you foster commitment in your relationship?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define commitment from a social exchange perspective....

Question 20

How are filial relationships impacted by social exchange norms? How are decisions around caring for aging parents influenced by distribute justice?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How are filial relationships impacted by social...

Quiz 8: Attachment Theory