PSYC 362 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Social Exchange Theory, Behaviorism

• School: Simon Fraser University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 362
• Professor: Rebecca Cobb

Document Summary

A marriage between economic theory and behaviorism (esp rewards and punishments) Social relations involves a process of exchange of social goods, eg status, approval, and information. Motivation to maximize profits and minimize losses in the relationship. Any rewards and costs in the relationship (tangible/ intangible) If the costs outweigh the rewards maybe consider ending the relationship. Rewards: any of the ways the relationship may fulfil the needs and desires of each partner. Costs: any of the consequences of being in a relationship that prevent partners from fulfilling their needs/ desires. Opportunity costs: costs associated with not pursuing these other possible sources of reward. Principle of scarcity: scarcer rewards are higher in value. Satiation: value of repeated rewards will decrease. Principle of fatigue: value of repeated costs will increase. Subjective probability: your own sense about the likelihood of its occurrence. Previous relationship experiences (how other have treated us in the past) Observing others" relationships (personal experience or the media)