Consider the Following Relationship Scenario: You've Had Some Pretty Good

question 99

Essay

Consider the following relationship scenario: You've had some pretty good relationships in the past. Your new friend James has introduced you to a number of wonderful interests: obscure Tarantino films, visits to museums, Thai food, and hang-gliding. Still, if there's one thing about James that drives you crazy, it's that he never stops talking, and will actually change his position on issues just to bait you into an argument. You argue more with James than with just about anyone else you know, and you frequently end up with your feelings hurt. In fact, you find yourself wondering whether James's roommate Rick wouldn't make a better friend. He's interesting, does fun things, and he doesn't seem to relish arguments nearly as much as James does. Now, analyze this scenario from a social exchange perspective. What are the rewards, costs, comparison level, and comparison level for alternatives? What's likely to happen in this case?

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Definitions:

Alternative Hypothesis

A hypothesis that proposes a specific relationship between variables, suggesting that there is an effect or a difference that is in contrast to the null hypothesis.

One-way ANOVA

A statistical technique that compares the means of three or more independent (unrelated) groups to determine if at least two of them differ significantly.

Republicans

A member of the Republican Party, one of the two major political parties in the United States.

Alternative Hypothesis

A statement that contradicts the null hypothesis and is assumed to be true if the null hypothesis is rejected by a statistical test.