Final answer:
The assessment of costs and rewards in a relationship is addressed by the social exchange theory, which explains how individuals consider the benefits and costs of relationships and aim to maximize benefits and minimize costs to determine the satisfaction and continuation of these relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
An analysis of the costs and rewards in a relationship takes place in the social exchange theory of relationship. This theory suggests that individuals act as naïve economists keeping tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship.
Social exchange theory posits that humans are motivated to maximize the benefits in their social exchanges, while minimizing the costs. For example, in a committed romantic relationship, the benefits such as companionship, intimacy, and passion might be weighed against costs like potential boredom and financial expenditure.
The theory is critiqued for focusing excessively on material exchange and underestimating the value of nonmaterial rewards such as love and friendship. Nonetheless, it provides a useful framework for understanding why people maintain or leave relationships. In essence, relationships wherein the benefits outweigh the costs are more likely to be sustained.