Much of the material covered in this lesson is related to an idea called equity theory. Equity theory relates to social comparison theory, which we have covered. Equity theory holds that (1) we are satisfied with our outcomes as long as they appear to be proportional to our investments and (2) perceptions of proportionality may be affected by knowledge of others' outcomes relative to their investments. In principle, when we see our outcomes relative to investments as unfavorably disproportionate in comparison to those of another, the resulting emotional response is theoretically anger. On the other hand, when we see our outcomes relative to investments as favorably disproportionate in comparison to those of another, the resulting emotional response is supposedly guilt. Some people question whether we tend to ever see ourselves as the beneficiaries of inequity, but, assuming that we do, they also tend to doubt that the resulting emotional state is guilt