PSYCH 5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 9: Social Exchange Theory, Dialectic, Meta-Communication
Document Summary
Factors of attraction influence our choice of relational partners: appearance is especially important in the beginning of a relationship but becomes less important as the relationship progresses. The similarity thesis states that similarities form the basis of relationships. Enable us to make fairly accurate predictions: we assume similar people will like us, so we in turn like them. Complementarity is when each partner"s characteristics satisfy the other"s needs. Rewards - some relationships are based on the economic model, called social exchange theory, that we seek out people that can give us rewards that are greater than or equal to the costs we encounter in dealing with them. Comparison level (cl) is the minimum standard of what behavior in a relationship is acceptable. Proximity matters because we are likely to develop relationships with people with whom we frequently interact: disclosure involves telling others important information about yourself. Sharing important information breeds liking based on respect and trust.
