It's April. Joe and Tom have been roommates since school began, but they won't be again next year. Tom has left a mess in the sink for three days. Joe decides to clean up the mess rather than talk to Tom about it because school will be out in three weeks. What theory best explains Joe's choice?
A) social exchange theory
B) styles theory
C) attribution theory
D) phase theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social exchange theory suggests that individuals weigh the costs and benefits of a situation before deciding on a course of action. In this case, Joe may have determined that the benefit of avoiding conflict with Tom for the remaining few weeks outweighed the cost of cleaning up the mess himself.