What is social exchange theory?
A) That if we help one person, someone will be there to help us when we need it.
B) That we are more likely to rescue direct relatives than we are to save perfect strangers.
C) Much of what we do stems from the desire to maximize our rewards and cut our costs.
D) The idea that we perform some acts with the goal of benefitting someone else.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social exchange theory is the idea that individuals weigh the costs and benefits of any social interaction, seeking to maximize benefits and minimize costs. This theory suggests that social interactions are based on an exchange of rewards or punishments. People will engage in a social interaction if the potential reward outweighs the potential costs. Therefore, much of what we do stems from the desire to maximize our rewards and minimize our costs. Option A is a reciprocal altruism concept, B is kin selection theory, and D is an expression of prosocial behavior.

What Is Social Exchange Theory