PSYCH101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 18: Social Exchange Theory

• School: University of Waterloo
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYCH101
• Professor: Martha Savage

Document Summary

Lecture 18 prosocial behaviour section 59. 3 - 59. 5. Altruism - the unselfish regard for the welfare of others. When more people shared responsibility for helping - when there was a diffusion of responsibility - any single listener was less likely to help. Bystander effect - any particular bystander was less likely to give aid with other bystanders present. Social exchange theory - theory that our social behaviour is an exchange process, the aim of which is to maximize benefits and minimize costs. Reciprocity norm - an expectation that people will help, not hurt, those who have helped them. Social-responsibility norm - an expectation that people will help those dependent upon them (should help those who need our help ie children) Conflict - a perceived incompatibility of actions, goals or ideas. A situation in which the conflicting parties, by each rationally pursuing their self-interest, become caught in a mutually destructive behaviour.