The standard by which people evaluate the rewards and costs of a relationship (in terms of what they think the relationship should bring them or what they deserve in a relationship, given what they know about other similar relationships) is called

• A. Comparison level
• B. Standard of fairness
• C. Social comparison
• D. Expected value

Answer: (A)

In social exchange theory, the standard people use to judge the rewards and costs they should get from a relationship is called the comparison level. It represents what you feel you deserve based on past experiences and what you know about similar relationships. When the actual rewards minus costs meet or exceed this level, you feel satisfied and may stay; if they fall short, dissatisfaction can lead you to reconsider the relationship. This concept is distinct from simply comparing yourself to others (social comparison) or from broader notions of fairness or economic expectations (expected value).