PS270 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Egotism, Social Exchange Theory, Minimax
Document Summary
Altruistic people are concerned and helpful even when no benefits are offered or expected in return. Human interactions are guided by a social economics, we exchange not only goods and money but social goods. In doing so we use a minimax strategy (minimize costs, maximize rewars) Social exchange theory doesn"t say that we consciously monitor costs and rewards but that such considerations predict our behaviour. Subtle calculations precede decisions to help or not. If social approval motivates helping, then in experiments we should find that when approval follows, helping increases (and it does) External: businesses donate money to improve image, offer someone a ride home to receive appreciation or friendship. Making donations activates brain areas linked with reward, generous people generally happier. We credit people for their good deeds only when we can"t explain them. When external causes are obvious, we credit the causes, not the person. Egoism: the idea that self interest motivates all behaviour.
