How does the exchange theory help us understand how people choose a college? Compare this to how rational choice theory would explain the same thing.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Exchange theory focuses on exchange, rewards, and costs while rational choice focuses on intentionality to achieve goals. So, this answer will vary but should include for exchange theory the idea that people continue in courses of action when the rewards outweigh the costs and discontinue when the costs are greater than the rewards. When searching for a college program, a person might make the choice based on the program with the lowest tuition or the best scholarship, or they might choose to live closest to home so that costs are lowered by living with family. Rational choice theory, on the other hand, would see the desire to graduate from college as a goal someone has, and that people act intentionally to achieve their goals. So, looking for a college would be based on the means most likely to best satisfy their needs and wants, such as having the best program in one's field to allow them to reach their career goals. However, they must believe they can get "access to scarce resources"-in this case, be accepted into the program. They would also have to meet "the requirements of social structures"-in this case, to be able to take on the role of full-time student.