Social Exchange Theory

A Critique

Is this a good scientific theory?

The Social Exchange Theory is comprised of three main concepts-relational outcome, relational satisfaction, and relational stability, but does the theory meet the five standards required for a scientific theory to be credible? I'm going to look at the five standards and see how this theory compares. If you need a brief description of this theory check out Anne's Homepage .

Scientific Standard 1: Explanation of the Data

The first scientific standard states that a good scientific theory explains an event or behavior. The Social Exchange Theory does this extremely well because it explains the behavior in a particular situation using a formula. The formula is comprised of an outcome, or rewards minus costs, a satisfaction or comparison level, and a comparison of alternatives. For example, if a guy is deciding whether or not to approach a girl he has a crush on, he may look at the rewards and costs of taking that action. If the rewards of finally speaking to the girl of his dreams outweigh the cost of finding out she isn't everything he had dreamed she'd be, then he will most likely approach the girl and try to strike up a conversation. If, however, the equation is reversed he may decide that continuing to stare at his dream girl from afar is the best solution.

Scientific Standard 2: Prediction of Future Events

The Social Exchange Theory covers this standard to a degree, although we can never really forsee what will happen in the future. Looking at the example, Outcome>CLalt, it is likely that in the future this person will not try their alternatives out because they don't feel they are better than the situation they are currently in. One clear example of this is battered women because to them the idea of being alone in the world appears even worse than staying in the abusive relationship. Therefore, they will most likely not leave the situation until their alternatives seem more appealing than staying in an unhealthy relationship.

Scientific Standard 3: Relative Simplicity

According to this standard a good theory is a simple as possible. Comparing this standard to Social Exchange Theory, we realize it falls a bit short. Since this theory uses several formulas in order to come up with a description of a particular action, it becomes extremely difficult and complex for a person to use. The theory also requires a person to assess numbers to each situation to decide which order the outcome, comparison level, and comparison level of alternatives should be placed in.

Scientific Standard 4: Hypotheses That Can Be Tested

This standard simply states that a good scientific theory is testable. Looking at the guidelines for Social Exchange Theory we realize that, at times, the theory may predict a behavior that is potentially false. For instance, you may follow the guidelines of the Social Exchange Theory, only to realize that the prediction to how how you felt and the course of action you took was completely wrong. Since you assign numbers to each situation based on your own individual scale, your equation may predict a course of action that condradicts what Social Exchange Theory says you should do.

Scientific Standard 5: Practical Utility

After reading the basic concepts of the Social Exchange Theory I have come to the conclusion that this theory is very relevant and practical in our everyday lives. This theory relates especially to college students because they meet and form relationships with people on a daily basis. One of the biggest fears most students have when they go away to college is whether or not they will form friendships. By using this theory they can decide whether or not to pursue a specific relationship. Of course this theory is also practical when someone is debating whether or not to pursue a romantic relationship as I suggested in my earlier example.

The only part of the theory that may be a little impractical is the actual assessing of numbers to determine an outcome. Most of the time we are able to weigh the benefits and costs without actually performing a mathmatical equation.