Theories of social interaction and lifelong learning have been advanced by K. Lewin, J. Moreno, T. Sarbin, J. W. Thibaut and H. H. Kelley, R. S. Perinbanayagam, and B. Dervin. From this research lifelong learning can be seen as an affective and cognitive activity that occurs in the life-space of the actor in response to positive or negative field…

One way to implement theory into existing public relations classes is to utilize the Process of Public Relations model developed by L. W. Long and V. Hazleton. The use of the model in the classroom is important because the model stresses the interdependence between the public relations practitioner and the organization. The model begins by…

"Reciprocity," a social simulation game based on exchange theory, was developed by the author to study the dynamics of power relationships in the context of marriage and the family. The simulation can be manipulated to test specific aspects of three major exchange formulations: Blau's social exchange formulation; Emerson's…

This paper describes a therapy analogue experiment in which an interviewer's interpretation of a client's presenting problem was systematically varied along dimensions suggested by causal attribution theory. Subjects were 64 undergraduate students with the same presenting problem of unassertiveness. They were given two different interpretations of…

The evaluation of rewards and costs incurred in the context of interaction is central to equity and exchange theories of interpersonal behavior; however, the question of how this assessment is affected by the anticipation of future interaction has not been directly investigated. If the maintenance of equity in relationships is important, then the…

Several theoretical approaches have been offered to explain the phenomenon of reciprocity: trust-liking, social exchange, and modeling. The emphasis of previous research on self-disclosure reciprocity (descriptive reciprocation), the intimacy of the facts an individual reveals about him- or herself, stems largely from the fact that these…

The notion of particularism is used in this study to relate the choice of reciprocal action to the previous exchange situation. Initial encounters were manipulated by exposing 80 female subjects to affective and monetary outcomes provided by 2 male peers. Treatment conditions varyed in feedback level (high vs. low) and mode of interaction…

There is a need for theories of how college environments operate. Criteria for theories are proposed, with emphasis on the production of testable theoretical predictions. Three approaches appear unusually promising: role theory, organizational psychology, and social ecological analysis. The advantages of using such theoretical approaches are…

In this article the authors attempt to demonstrate how the principles of social exchange, reciprocity and distributive justice can be used to explain the development and continuation of marital dissatisfaction and conflict. (Author)

Examined equity in marriage in 400 middle-aged and older married women who described equity at eight points across their lifespan. Results suggested women begin a marriage with a sense of overbenefit, move into a period of underbenefit during their middle years, and feel fairly treated in late middle age. (JAC)

The pattern of correlates in this study suggests differential contributions of mothers and fathers to the interests of their children. Parent-child similarities were found to be influenced both by the particular Holland interest style being examined as well as by the child's sex. Revision and extension of Holland's model is suggested. (GO)

Social exchange theory is used to formulate hypotheses about superior-subordinate relations in large complex organizations. Data from self-administered questionnaires are used to support the hypotheses derived from the theoretical model and suggest the utility of further research using social exchange theory. (Author)

Suggestions for controls and restraints that need to be taught along with the three R's if education is to be meaningful for today's youth. (RB)