Introducing Communication Theory Analysis and Application by Richard West 6th Edition Test Bank

Introducing Communication Theory Analysis and Application by Richard West 6th Edition Test Bank

Chapter 09
Social Exchange Theory

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Relationships in which costs exceed rewards are perceived as having
A. positive worth
B. negative worth
C. supportive outcomes
D. instability

2. Emotional support and companionship may be perceived as being _____ in a relationship.
A. costs
B. rewards
C. worthwhile
D. desired

3. Sabatelli and Shehan use the metaphor of a(n) _____ to describe the social exchange that takes place in relationships.
A. grandfather clock
B. bank
C. marketplace
D. onion

4. Which of the following accurately states the two assumptions that Social Exchange Theory makes about the nature of relationships?
A. Relational life always has a positive value associated with it, and relationships are rational.
B. Relationships are interdependent, and relational life is a process.
C. Relationships are rational, and they emphasize rewards and minimize costs.
D. Relationships emphasize rewards and minimize costs, and they promote rational behavior.

5. Which of the following assumptions of Social Exchange Theory suggests that the theory must take diversity into consideration?
A. Humans seek rewards and avoid punishments.
B. Humans are rational beings.
C. The standards used to evaluate costs vary over time.
D. Relationships are interdependent.

6. The Prisoner’s Dilemma is a simulation game that was created to illustrate
A. the value of conflict in relational exchanges
B. the impact of time and change on relational life
C. the importance of not revealing private information about oneself to others
D. the fact that social exchange is a function of interdependence

7. All of the following statements about the relationship between comparison level (CL), comparison level for alternatives (CLalt), and outcomes are true EXCEPT
A. if the outcome is greater than the CL, which is greater than the CLalt, the relationship will be viewed as being satisfying and stable
B. if the outcome is greater than the CLalt, which is greater than the CL, the relationship will be viewed as being unsatisfying and stable
C. if the CL is greater than the CLalt, which is greater than the outcome, the relationship will be viewed as being unsatisfying and unstable
D. if the CL is greater than the outcome, which is greater than the CLalt, the relationship will be viewed as being unsatisfying and stable

8. When you think about your own satisfaction with your current relationship in terms of how much happier you think you could be if you were dating your previous relational partner, you are considering your
A. comparison level for alternatives
B. comparison level
C. potential outcomes
D. personal assessments

9. Which of the following statements is true of comparison levels (CL)?
A. CLs remain the same for all individuals.
B. Individuals base their CL on past experiences with a specific type of relationship.
C. Relationships portrayed in the media have little effect on our own relationships.
D. There is a typical standard on which to base comparison levels.

10. The comparison level predicts the _____ of a relationship, whereas the comparison level for alternatives predicts the _____.
A. outcome; selection
B. satisfaction; stability
C. selection; worth
D. stability; satisfaction