PSYC 2120 Chapter Notes - Chapter 13: Social Exchange Theory, Prosocial Behavior, Kin Selection

• School: York University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 2120
• Professor: Kery Kawakami

Document Summary

Prosocial behavior an action by an individual that is intended to benefit another individual or set of individuals. Altruism the desire to help another purely for the other person"s benefit, regardless of whether we derive any benefit. Kin selection the idea that natural selection led to greater tendencies to help close kin than to help those with whom we have little genetic relation. Prosocial behavior arises from our evolved proclivities for sociability and forming close attachments and the emotions these proclivities arouse. They are the bases for the human propensity to engage in prosocial behavior. Norm of reciprocity an explanation for why we give help: if i help you today, you might be more likely to help me tomorrow. Social exchange theory an approach that maintains that people provide help to someone else when the benefits of helping and the costs of not helping outweigh the potential costs of helping and the benefits of not helping.