Group Work: Social Exchange Theory and Learning Theory

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Group Work
Name
Institution

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Introduction
Many instructors in different learning institutions have adopted the use of groups to
enhance students’ learning. The main aim is to increase the understanding of content and develop
specific transferable skills. Group work enables students to acquire skills and knowledge from
each other through their daily interactions. Working in groups assists students to develop social
skills and language, increase their confidence, and become responsible for their learning. When
dealing with group work, instructors should understand the domains of group dynamics. They
include power and control, cohesion and interpersonal communication, culture, and social
interaction and influence. This essay will provide a detailed overview of social exchange theory
and learning theory, their similarities, and differences.
Social exchange theory
Social exchange theory is a psychological and sociological model that studies how people
interact with each other. This theory is based on the cost-benefit analysis of the two or more
parties involved in the interaction process. The exchange theory states that during the interaction,
the parties involved may exchange attitudes, behaviors, and human beliefs. Individuals are
always motivated to attain any rewards out of any interaction (Johnson & Johnson, 2017). For
example, is a person is involved in any business transactions, the ultimate goal is to get profit. In
business, people to minimize costs and maximize profits (Schwab, Dustin & Bricker, 2017).
However, in situations where other people are rewarded more for the same costs incurred is
taken as unfair. This theory operates on several elements. The first element is the rewards and
value of the reward. This means you appreciate something more when you do not have it. For

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example, giving a needy person $1000 sounds like a reward but is not the same case to a
millionaire. The second element is social rewards. This theory explains that rewards can only be
met when people interact with each another. For example, for people to build a friendship with
each other they should first interact socially (Choy & Quek, 2016). Cost and profit are also
elements of social exchange theory. Cost refers to punishment or withdrawal or a reward. On the
other hand, profits refer to how much people gain and their levels of satisfaction from a
relationship. Moreover, equity and distributive justice element are based on fairness when
seeking relationships. This element advocates for the same ratio for both cost and rewards.
Learning theory
Learning theory explains that potential behavior occurs as a result of experience. Besides,
learning occurs due to a schedule of continuous reinforcement. This theory further explains that
learning can occur through three major types which include classical conditioning, operant
conditioning, and observational learning. Schmajuk (2008), explains classical conditioning
explains how a leaner or rather an individual learns to associate with a neutral stimulus that
naturally results in behavior. Due to the learned association, the neutral, stimulus comes to evoke
the same response. However, extinction occurs when the conditioned stimulus is presented
repeatedly without the unconditioned stimulus, and the conditioned stimulus eventually
disappears.
Operant conditioning is a type of learning that occurs through punishments for behavior.
There are mainly three types of responses associated with operant conditioning. They include
neutral operant, reinforces, and punishers. Neutral operant refers to responses from the external
environment which decreases or increases the chances of a behavior being repeated. Reinforces
refers to responses from the environment that raises the chances of a behavior being repeated.