Social Penetration Theory

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showing aspects of both nomothetic and practical theory. People do decide to establish and maintain relationships because of derived knowledge from the actual experience and apply risk/reward differently in different situations. However, sometimes people make the decision to further develop a relationship and extend trust based largely on instinct. Research is done through both observation and surveys.

• Heuristic Value: Social penetration theory was first introduced in 1973 and continues to create further research today.

• Validity: Social penetration theory has practical value in explaining our relationships and the cycles used to maintain them. It helps explain why some relationships grow and others do not. The theory is observable and does have a general application across all relationships.

• Parsimony: The basis of social penetration theory is a simple if/then statement. If the reward of further self-disclosure is worth the risk.

• Openness: Social penetration theory first described relationship development as a straight, linear progression. During application, it was found that relationships are cyclical and dialectic and the theory has been amended to account for this. It originally did not allow for differences based on sex or culture but that influence is now acknowledged.

Theoretical and Practical Applications

Current research includes the development of relationships in computer-mediated communication such as Facebook and online dating sites. It is also exploring the use of technology in the globalization of corporations.

Works Cited

Griffin, E. (2011). A first look at communication theory. (8th edition). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Littlejohn, S. W., & Foss, K. A. (2011). Theories of human communication. (10th edition). Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press.