Question

For each cases listed below, try to apply concepts from the following theoretical perspectives to understand the behavior: situational pressures, Social Exchange Theory, Social Cognition, Self-Esteem. Situation 1: Allen is a junior in college and is vice-president of his fraternity. He is very bright, but spends little time studying and barely squeaks by. He spends most of his days and nights at the fraternity house talking, goofing off, or partying. Explain Allen's behavior. Situation 2 Kim and Steve have been dating for a couple of months. He wants to settle into a steady relationship, but she isn't sure. Several guys keep calling Kim to go out. She is tempted to go, but knows that Steve would be very upset. Finally, Kim decides to drop Steve. Explain Kim's behavior.

Answer 1

SITUATION-1) Allen’s confidence and satisfaction in himself supports the theory of self-esteem which makes him spend more time in having fun with his fraternity than spending time in studying. Despite being aware of the fact of he being a bright student, his hours of studying and efforts to win a good rank in school are less. This is due to the confidence that he has built up knowing that he is already a bright student.

Social exchange theory says that interpreting society as a series of interactions between people that are based on estimates of rewards and punishments makes an individual behave accordingly. Hence maybe the punishment of Allen barely squeaking by in the scores is comparatively lesser than the reward of enjoyment he attains in spending most of his days and nights in talking, goofing off and partying.

SITUATION-2) Kim’s situation touches the territory of situational pressure where her decision of dropping Steve has generated with the thoughts of her going out with others interested in dating her. As per the description of situational pressure in social psychology - Situational pressure hits the moral violation, and creates the perception of previously immoral act as moral one later. As Kim dropping Steve over the temptation to date others can push her to this theory as an another narrative of the situation. Her cognition of perceiving Steve’s interest acts like a hindrance in her wishes. Thus she decides to act as per her social cognition due to situational pressure created by Steve.