Altering the Interaction Structure of Extant Couples

Abstract

This study models the ability of an experimenter, via control over a dyad's environmental reinforcement structure, to deternine the level of asymnmetry in their interaction. Based on a model of asymmetry that incorporates the dimensionis of directive activity compliance, entvironmental reward, and environimental punishment, we demonstrate how this model can be linked to a method of conztrolling enviroznmenttal rewards and punishmnents. From this we develop a system model of dyadic initeraction under coniditions where rewards to the dyad from the environment are under experimental control. Using 14 male-female dyads who had been together for at least I year, we tested the fit of the model over time. Results from these data are in accord wtih a system model specifying a linkage between external and internal systemns and demonstrate that control of a dyad's intenal structure is only partially dependent otn mazipulations in the external system.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Adams, J. S. , & Romney, A. K. (1959). A functional analysis of authority. Psychological Reviev, 66, 234-251.

Allen, D. M. , & Cady, F. B. (1982). Analyzing experimental data by regression. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Eagly, A. H. (1983). Gender and social influence: A social psychological analysis. Amnerican Psychologist, 38, 971-981.

Gray, L. N. (1990). The inathemtatical elaborationt of small group power structure: Fromn naive empiricism to theoretical enihancemenit. Unpublished manuscript, Washington State University.

Gray, L. N. , Griffith, W. I. , Sullivan, M. J. , & von Broembsen, M. H. (1982). Social matching over multiple reinformcement domains: An explanation of local exchange imbalance. Social Forces, 61, 156-182.

Gray, L. N. , & Sullivan, M. J. (1978). Can you create structural differentiation in social power relations in the laboratory? Social Psyclology, 41, 328-337.

Griffith, W. I. , & Gray, L. N. (1978). The effects of extemal reinforcement on power structure in task oriented groups. Social Forces, 57, 222-235.

Griffith, W. I. , & Gray, L. N. (1985). A note on the "social law of effect": Expanding the model. Social Forces, 63, 1030-1037.

Judson, D. H. , & Gray, L. N. (1990). Modifying power asymmetry in dyads via environmental reinforcement contingencies. Small Group Research, 21(4), 492-506.

10.

Markovsky, B. , Willer, D. , & Patten, T. (1988). Power relations in exchange networks. American Sociological Review, 53, 220-236.

11.

Mayhew, B. H., Jr. , Gray, L. N. , & Richardson, J. T. (1969). Behavioral measurement of operating power structures. Socioinetiy, 32, 474-489.

12.

Molm, L. D. (1981). Power use in the dyad: The effects of structure, knowledge and interaction history. Social Psychology Quarterly, 44, 42-48.

13.

Molm, L. D. (1987). Linking power structure and power use. In K. S. Cook (Ed.), Social Exchange Tlheory (pp. 101-129). Newbuiry Park, CA: Sage.

14.

Ridgeway, C. L. (1984). Dominance, performance, and status in groups: A theoretical analysis. Advances in Group Processes, 1, 59-93.

15.

Yamagishi, T. , Gillmore, M. R. , & Cook, K. S. (1988). Network connections and the distribution of power in exchange networks. Americani Journal of Sociology, 93, 833-851.