Social exchange theory would have the most trouble explaining which of the following helping situations?
A) Anna visits people with AIDS as a requirement of her health psychology course.
B) Theo calmly walks into heavy traffic to rescue a stranger who collapsed in the crosswalk.
C) On the way home from work, David drops off some notes for a classmate.
D) A wealthy businesswoman makes a hefty donation to her congressman.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social exchange theory suggests that individuals engage in helping behaviors when the benefits of helping outweigh the costs. In situation B, Theo's behavior appears to be selfless and costly since he puts himself in danger to help a stranger. Therefore, social exchange theory may have trouble explaining this behavior as it goes beyond a simple exchange of benefits and costs. The other options all involve some form of exchange, whether it be for academic credit, personal connections, or political influence.

Social Exchange Theory Would Have the Most Trouble Explaining Which