Question 1

The central concept of relational dialectics theory is:

Accepted Answer

A)  uncertainty reduction. 
B)  the desire for intimacy that causes self-disclosure. 
C)  discourse, or "a set of propositions that cohere around a given object of meaning." 
D)  online impression management that generates relationship development. 
A)  uncertainty reduction. 
B)  the desire for intimacy that causes self-disclosure. 
C)  discourse, or "a set of propositions that cohere around a given object of meaning." 
D)  online impression management that generates relationship development. C

Question 2

________ are defined as the central building blocks of meaning making, where utterances are linked to competing discourses near and far away, already spoken and not.

Accepted Answer

Utterance chains

Question 3

What are the principal complaints about the relational dialectic perspective? How would Baxter and Montgomery respond to them? How would you respond?

Accepted Answer

The principal complaints about the relational dialectic perspective include the criticism that it oversimplifies complex relational dynamics, that it does not account for individual differences in communication styles and needs, and that it may not be applicable to all types of relationships.

Baxter and Montgomery, the founders of the relational dialectic perspective, would likely respond to these complaints by emphasizing that their theory is not meant to be a one-size-fits-all approach to understanding relationships. They would argue that the dialectical perspective provides a valuable framework for understanding the tensions and contradictions that are inherent in all relationships, and that it can be adapted and applied in different ways depending on the specific context and individuals involved.

In response to these criticisms, I would argue that while the relational dialectic perspective may not be perfect, it does offer a valuable lens through which to understand the complexities of human relationships. It encourages us to recognize and embrace the inherent contradictions and tensions in our relationships, and to see them as natural and normal rather than as signs of dysfunction. Additionally, I would suggest that the criticisms of oversimplification and lack of individual differences can be addressed by using the dialectical perspective as one tool among many in understanding and navigating relationships, rather than as the sole framework. Ultimately, I believe that the relational dialectic perspective has much to offer in terms of deepening our understanding of the complexities of human relationships.

Question 4

Which of the following forms of synchronic interplay replaces an expected discourse with an alternative discourse?

Accepted Answer

A)  negating 
B)  entertaining 
C)  countering 
D)  transforming 
A)  negating 
B)  entertaining 
C)  countering 
D)  transforming

Question 5

Compare the approach to relational communication championed by Baxter and Montgomery with social penetration theory and uncertainty reduction theory. How would you assess the insights and values of each theory?

Accepted Answer

Baxter and Montgomery's approach to rela

Question 6

The unpredictable, unfinalizable, indeterminate nature of personal relationships is called:

Accepted Answer

A)  a constitutive process. 
B)  a dialectical flux. 
C)  an aesthetic moment. 
D)  an utterance. 
A)  a constitutive process. 
B)  a dialectical flux. 
C)  an aesthetic moment. 
D)  an utterance.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT one of the dialectical tensions that Baxter and Montgomery address?

Accepted Answer

A)  revelation - concealment 
B)  judgment - acceptance 
C)  inclusion - seclusion 
D)  conventionality - uniqueness 
A)  revelation - concealment 
B)  judgment - acceptance 
C)  inclusion - seclusion 
D)  conventionality - uniqueness

Question 8

Baxter and Montgomery's general purpose in developing the dialectical perspective was to discover scientific laws that will explain and predict behaviors that take place between friends and lovers.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

According to Russian philosopher Mikhail Bakhtin, without ________ there is no relationship.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Russian philosopher Mikhail Bakhtin, without...

Question 10

Memories of aesthetic moments are likely to support relational parties through the turbulence that goes with the territory of any close relationship.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 11

Within any given relationship, Baxter regards the discursive struggle between ________ as foundational.

Accepted Answer

A)  openness and closedness 
B)  certainty and uncertainty 
C)  connection and autonomy 
D)  platonic and romantic 
A)  openness and closedness 
B)  certainty and uncertainty 
C)  connection and autonomy 
D)  platonic and romantic

Question 12

Bakhtin believed that:

Accepted Answer

A)  communicative predicaments are a vital element in the study of friendship. 
B)  complex contradictions lie at the heart of family systems. 
C)  ethnography is the best way to study close relationships. 
D)  dialectical tension provides an opportunity to work out ways to mutually embrace the conflict between unity with and differentiation from each other. 
A)  communicative predicaments are a vital element in the study of friendship. 
B)  complex contradictions lie at the heart of family systems. 
C)  ethnography is the best way to study close relationships. 
D)  dialectical tension provides an opportunity to work out ways to mutually embrace the conflict between unity with and differentiation from each other.

Question 13

________ is defined as the belief that communication creates, sustains, and alters relationships and the social world.

Accepted Answer

A)  Constitutive approach 
B)  Interpretive approach 
C)  Humanistic approach 
D)  Nonassertive approach 
A)  Constitutive approach 
B)  Interpretive approach 
C)  Humanistic approach 
D)  Nonassertive approach

Question 14

Leslie Baxter no longer prefers the word "contradictions" because it may tempt people to think she's talking about psychological conflict between different desires.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

Given that relationships are in constant flux and that change is all that is predictable, what good does it do to analyze them as Baxter and Montgomery do?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing relationships, as Baxter and M

Question 16

When attempting to capture the complexity of relationships as seen through the lens of dialectical flux, personal relationships are found to be ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  beneficial 
B)  messy 
C)  predictable 
D)  time-consuming 
A)  beneficial 
B)  messy 
C)  predictable 
D)  time-consuming

Question 17

Compare and contrast the internal dialectics with their external counterparts. What causes these dialectics to exist?

Accepted Answer

Internal dialectics refer to the conflic

Question 18

You and your friend Casey are experiencing some conflict. He wants you to spend all your time with him, but you feel suffocated. Using Baxter and Montgomery's theory, how will you explain this tension?

Accepted Answer

According to Baxter and Montgomery's the

Question 19

Baxter and Montgomery believed that relationships improve as self-disclosure and openness increase and uncertainty decreases.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 20

From a dialectical standpoint, it is better if one partner is dominant and charts the course for a relationship.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Exam 11: Relational Dialectics Theory

The central concept of relational dialectics theory is:

________ are defined as the central building blocks of meaning making, where utterances are linked to competing discourses near and far away, already spoken and not.

What are the principal complaints about the relational dialectic perspective? How would Baxter and Montgomery respond to them? How would you respond?

Which of the following forms of synchronic interplay replaces an expected discourse with an alternative discourse?

Compare the approach to relational communication championed by Baxter and Montgomery with social penetration theory and uncertainty reduction theory. How would you assess the insights and values of each theory?

The unpredictable, unfinalizable, indeterminate nature of personal relationships is called:

Which of the following is NOT one of the dialectical tensions that Baxter and Montgomery address?

Baxter and Montgomery's general purpose in developing the dialectical perspective was to discover scientific laws that will explain and predict behaviors that take place between friends and lovers.

According to Russian philosopher Mikhail Bakhtin, without ________ there is no relationship.

Memories of aesthetic moments are likely to support relational parties through the turbulence that goes with the territory of any close relationship.

Within any given relationship, Baxter regards the discursive struggle between ________ as foundational.

Bakhtin believed that:

________ is defined as the belief that communication creates, sustains, and alters relationships and the social world.

Leslie Baxter no longer prefers the word "contradictions" because it may tempt people to think she's talking about psychological conflict between different desires.

Given that relationships are in constant flux and that change is all that is predictable, what good does it do to analyze them as Baxter and Montgomery do?

When attempting to capture the complexity of relationships as seen through the lens of dialectical flux, personal relationships are found to be ________.

Compare and contrast the internal dialectics with their external counterparts. What causes these dialectics to exist?

You and your friend Casey are experiencing some conflict. He wants you to spend all your time with him, but you feel suffocated. Using Baxter and Montgomery's theory, how will you explain this tension?

Baxter and Montgomery believed that relationships improve as self-disclosure and openness increase and uncertainty decreases.

From a dialectical standpoint, it is better if one partner is dominant and charts the course for a relationship.

Launching Your Study of Communication Theory

Talk About Theory

Weighing the Words

Mapping the Territory Seven Traditions in the Field of Communication Theory

Symbolic Interactionism

Coordinated Management of Meaning Cmm

Expectancy Violations Theory

Social Penetration Theory

Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Social Information Processing Theory

Communication Privacy Management Theory

Media Multiplexity Theory

Social Judgment Theory

Elaboration Likelihood Model

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Functional Perspective on Group Decision Making

Symbolic Convergence Theory

Cultural Approach to Organizations

Communicative Constitution of Organizations

Critical Theory of Communication in Organizations

The Rhetoric

Dramatism

Narrative Paradigm

Media Ecology

Semiotics

Cultural Studies

Uses and Gratifications

Cultivation Theory

Agenda-Setting Theory

Genderlect Styles

Standpoint Theory

Muted Group Theory

Communication Accommodation Theory

Face-Negotiation Theory

CC-Cultural Theory

Common Threads in Comm Theories

Filters