Question

ramie has been friends with zelda, her college roommate, for two years. the friendship is fun and full of adventures. ramie thinks about her relationship with zelda and assesses the friendship as equal to or better than her friendships she had in high school. according to social exchange theory, ramie’s judgment of her relationship with zelda against her past relationships is known as her ______. a comparison level b comparison level of alternatives c norm of reciprocity d affective exchange

Explanation:

• Comparison level (A): According to Social Exchange Theory, the comparison level is the standard against which a person evaluates the current relationship. It is based on past experiences (like Ramie comparing her current friendship with past high - school friendships).
• Comparison level of alternatives (B): This is about comparing the current relationship with other potential relationships. Ramie is not doing this; she is comparing with past relationships, not other current or potential ones.
• Norm of reciprocity (C): This is about the expectation of giving and receiving in a relationship (e.g., if I do something for you, you do something for me). It is not relevant to Ramie's comparison.
• Affective exchange (D): This is more about the emotional give - and - take in a relationship, not about comparing relationships.

Answer:

A. comparison level