ABSTRACT
This chapter completes the shift from the study of processes that occur within a single individual to investigation of processes that take place in an interaction between two or more individuals. Much of this interpersonal behavior is guided by the principle of reinforcement, which can be seen in social learning theory, exchange theory, and equity theory. Social learning theory suggests that novel social behavior can be learned through the ob servation of models and then maintained by various sorts of reinforcement. The desire to maximize one’s own outcomes is a fundamental element in so cial exchange theory, which indicates that these outcomes can be evalu ated according to a comparison level based on prior experience, the fact that the other participant’s outcomes will also determine satisfaction with a relationship is reflected in the principles of relative deprivation, distribu tive justice, and equity. Equity theory suggests what actions will be taken by a person who believes that his or her rewards are either too great or too small in comparison to those of others in the situation.
