Three variables, derived from Blau's (1955) analysis of consultation networks among federal agents and Homans' (1961) social exchange analysis, were manipulated to observe their effects on help seeking. Subjects were presented with a hypothetical situation where help was needed. Subjects indicated that they would be more likely to seek help from a friend than a nonfriend; more likely to seek help when it could be repaid than when it could not but only when asking another of higher status; and more likely to seek help from another of equal status rather than higher status but only when repayment was not anticipated. Consistent with social exchange theory, expected rewards and costs were found to be related to the expressed likelihood of help seeking. (Author)