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Testing Interaction Theories: Rational Choice, Symbolic Interaction, and Exchange Theory

This chapter explores the rational choice proposition, symbolic interaction theory, and exchange theory. It discusses the measurement and research methods used to test these theories, including experiments and field research.

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Testing Interaction Theories: Rational Choice, Symbolic Interaction, and Exchange Theory

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  1. Chapter 3 Microsociology: Testing Interaction Theories

  2. Chapter Outline • The Rational Choice Proposition • Interaction Theories • Symbolic Interaction • Exchange Theory • Theory Testing: Measurement and Research • The Experiment: Studying Group Solidarity • Randomization • Significance • Field Research: Studying Recruitment

  3. The Rational Choice Proposition • When faced with choices, humans try to select the option that will yield the maximum benefit. • Preferences and tastes define what the individual finds rewarding or unrewarding. • People may differ in what they want and how much they want it.

  4. Symbolic Interaction Theory • Interaction among human beings is the fundamental social process. • People are endlessly influencing and being influenced by other people around them. • Interaction through the use of symbols makes and keeps people human. • A primary focus of research is the personal, subjective meanings we attach to symbols.

  5. Symbolic Interaction Theory Three premises: • Human beings act towards things on the basis of the meanings the things have for them. • The meaning of things is derived from social interaction. • The meanings of things are handled in an interpretative process used by persons in dealing with things they encounter.

  6. Exchange Theory • Central concern is to explain how people exchange rewards with one another. • Exchanges occur because each partner values what the other offers more than what must be offered in return.

  7. Exchange Theory: Basic Propositions • Voluntary exchanges will not take place unless both partners believe they will benefit. • In the absence of restraints, cheating is the expected behavior of exchange partners. • When an exchange partner doesn’t receive an expected reward, he or she will be angry. • Over time, people develop stable patterns of exchange with regular exchange partners.

  8. Criteria for a Cause-and-Effect Relationship • When any one is not met, a cause-and-effect relationship does not exist: • Time order: A cause must occur before its effect. • Correlation: Changes in the cause must produce changes in the proposed effect. • Nonspuriousness: Two variables must actually have a cause-and-effect relationship.

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