minimum resource theory

an analysis of coalition formation processes that assumes that (a) people in group situations will behave hedonistically and thus will be motivated to maximize their power, outcomes, and payoffs by forming coalitions; and (b) individuals’ expectations concerning the division of the coalition’s payoff will conform to an equity norm (see equity theory). The minimum resource theory predicts that the most likely coalition to form in a group will be the one that contains those individuals whose total, combined resources are the fewest needed to control the outcome of the entire group. Compare minimum power theory.

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Psychology term of the day

January 30th 2025

alternative behavior completion

a technique in behavior therapy for extinguishing unwanted habits by substituting an incompatible behavior for the nondesired behavior (e.g., substituting nail care for nail biting). This technique can be practiced in vivo (see in vivo desensitization) or imaginally in the therapy session or assigned as homework. It is often used as an alternative to mild aversion therapy. See also competing response training.