Predicted Outcome Value Theory

1. Did he decide to have a second date?

4. Did she decide to make a business deal?

7. To explain why some relationships develop and others do not…

8. Michael Sunnafrank came up with a theory…

9. … that argued that individuals gauge the potential rewards and costs of a relationship in an initial encounter…

10. … and if the rewards outweigh the costs …

11. … then the individual will pursue the relationship.

12. Kind of like how Edward and Bella decided to pursue a relationship (but usually less dramatic).

15. Predicted Outcome Value Theory

16. This theory is most commonly use by Interpersonal Communication Studies scholars.

17. This theory can

19. to predict either the

21. OR

23. of almost any type of relationship!

24. Some scholars criticize the theory, because it leans too heavily on other theories.

25. However, not all agree.

26. In fact, this theory was generally met with approval by the Communication Studies field.

28. So why should YOU care?

29. Because it has everyday applications in your life!

31. This theory has been used to predict the success or failure of:

32. Romantic relationships…

33. Student-teacher interactions…

34. And even the success of college roommate relationships.

35. Cool, huh??

36. Couldn’t agree more!

37. The End.