The Generalized Exchange of Punishments in Adult Recreational Softball: The Case of ‘Going Middle

Exchange theory has a long tradition of systematic theory development and testing using experimental methodology. Webster and Whitmeyer (2001) argue that the application of a theory can be used to demonstrate its usefulness. The purpose of this paper is to apply well-developed theoretical concepts from exchange theory to explain interactional processes that occur in adult recreational softball. In particular, the interactions that center around “going middle” (hitting at an opposing team’s pitcher) are explained with generalized exchange principles. Adapted from the source document.