04:192:200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: John Thibaut, Harold Kelley, Dialectic
Document Summary
Tries to explain interpersonal behavior on the basis of economic exchanges. Based on negotiation, communication, ambiguity, very hard to measure. Developed by john thibaut & harold kelley. Explains when and why people develop & continue some relationships while ending others. Explains how satisfied people are with the relationships they choose to continue. Good example of how a scholarly theory differs from a commonsense theory. Logical connections between the parts of the theory. Based on comparison of costs and rewards. Personal relationships are a function of comparing the benefits gained versus the costs to attain those benefits. Minimax principle: people want to make the most of the benefits while lessening the costs. By nature, people are selfish and look out for themselves first. Reward = any benefit you think is enjoyable or helps you achieve a specific goal. Costs = things that are unpleasant or prevent us from achieving a goal.