SET theory

Rewards, cost and profits

People seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs in the pursuit of the greatest profit: this reflects a belief that people are generally motivated by their own self-interest, regardless of the decision.

Comparison levels for alternatives

We wiegh the Potential increase in rewards from a alternative partner against any costs associated with ending the current relationship.

Comparison levels

How one partner compares to another . Partners use a comparison level. A standard with all relationships are compared . based on past experiences plus expectations we currently have.

4 stages of relationship development

Sampling

Bargaining

Commitment

The relationship norms

explain 4 stages

Sampling - We consider the potential rewards and cost of a relationships and compare it with others at the time.

Bargaining- We give and recieve rewards to test whether a deeper relationship is worth

Commitment The relationship increases in predictability so each partner knows how to elicit rewards from another.

Relationships norms - are developed which establishes the pattern of rewards and costs for each partner

Eval reductionist

It assumes all relationships are exchanged based . Assumes all relationships are economic in nature (they aren’t)

Direction of cause and effect

Claims dissatisfaction only arises after a relationship stops being profitable. An alternative is we do not consider the alternatives

Vague concepts

SET deals in concepts that are vague and hard to quantify . Real world rewards are subjective and hard to define