Alison considers her friendship with Susan to be very satisfying in terms of what she expects from a rewarding relationship. But, when she meets someone she finds even more interesting as a friend, she abandons her friendship with Susan. What aspect of Social Exchange Theory best explains Alison's decision to leave the relationship is:

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Comparison level for alternatives (CLalt) refers to the expected rewards (minus costs) available from the best realistic alternative relationship.

1. Relevant knowledge points and concepts
- Social Exchange Theory: relationships are evaluated in terms of rewards, costs, and the resulting net outcome (rewards − costs).
- Comparison Level (CL): the standard of expected outcomes based on past relationships and societal norms; determines satisfaction.
- Comparison Level for Alternatives (CLalt): the quality of outcomes one could receive from alternative relationships; determines dependence and whether one will stay.
- Investments and equity: other factors affecting commitment, but not central when an appealing alternative exists.

2. Step-by-step reasoning
- Alison is initially satisfied: her current net outcome (rewards minus costs) meets or exceeds her CL (so she feels rewarded).
- She then encounters someone she finds more interesting. That new relationship represents an alternative with a higher expected net outcome.
- Decision rule from Social Exchange Theory: a person will leave if the CLalt (value of the best alternative) exceeds the current net outcome or makes staying less attractive.

3. Example calculation (intermediate steps)
- Suppose current friendship: rewards = 8, costs = 3 → net outcome = 5.
- Alternative friend: expected rewards = 10, costs = 2 → alternative net outcome = 8.
- Since CLalt (8) > current net outcome (5), leaving is predicted.

4. Why the correct answer is correct
- Alison’s satisfaction shows her CL was met, so dissatisfaction (CL > outcome) is not the cause. The trigger is a comparatively better alternative: CLalt surpasses what she gets now, motivating her to abandon Susan.

5. Why other potential answers are incorrect (brief)
- “CL exceeded her net outcome”: would imply she was dissatisfied before the new person, which contradicts the stem stating she considered the friendship very satisfying.
- “Lack of investment”: investments explain staying despite low rewards, but nothing indicates investments prevented or caused staying.
- “Equity/reciprocity problems”: the stem mentions interest in someone else, not unfairness, so equity is irrelevant here.

6. Conclusion
The best explanation is c) The CL(alt) exceeded her net outcome, which matches the provided answer.

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