Exam 6: Relational and Conflict Communication

According to Social Penetration Theory, _________, the deterioration of a relationship, often leads to its end__________.

In interactions between people who don't know each other very well, communication is typically based on __________.

One thing that relationships give us is _________, the knowledge that there are people who share our values and interests.

Too many of your friends continue to believe that Marissa might not have been sexually assaulted if she had just dressed a bit more conservatively, echoing the discredited ____________.

Tom and Jerry are both very set on their decisions for their team project. Tom wants to sell catnip and Jerry wants to sell cheese; however, neither will back down or discuss the costs and benefits of their position, and neither is willing to come to a resolution on a choice. They find themselves in the _________ stage of conflict.

___________ occurs when you intentionally reveal information about yourself.

Social Exchange Theory and the Investment Model of Commitment share a few ideas, among them the apparent similarity between Social Exchange Theory's CL_ALT and the Investment Model's _____________.

Attachment and affiliation are two categories of relationships. Define each and detail the difference between the two. Offer examples.

An onion sliced in half is often used to visually represent relationships. What is happening, relationally, at the very middle of that onion? Which of Social Penetration Theory's stages is represented at that point? What is the nature of the relationship's depth and breadth of communication? Give examples.

The Investment Model of Commitment argues that people's persistence in a relationship (commitment) is influenced by a number of independent factors, among them ___________, the magnitude and importance of the resources that are attached to a relationship; that is, resources that would decline in value if the relationship were to end.

Pat and Mike both have different ideas on what they want to do for a date, but Mike said since he is driving, they are doing what he wants. Pat quickly acquiesces to Mike's demands; after all, he is driving. Pat's conflict resolution style seems to be ___________.

Sometimes you may not want to learn more about someone you have to deal with, but because you HAVE to deal with that person you work to reduce relational uncertainty. You are motivated by __________ to do so.

Your boyfriend frequently complains that although he loves your frankness, maybe sometime you might want to keep your thoughts about his mother to yourself. This is an example of the tension that sometimes occurs in a relationship best described as the ______ dialectic.

The reason that the onion has become a common metaphor for how relationships develop is that relationships, like a halved onion, have ______ (how personal is the shared information) and _____ (the number of topics that can safely be discussed).

__________ is an important provision of relationships.

One reason we may be driven to reduce uncertainty when meeting somebody new is we may ___________; that is, we may perceive that that person will somehow be rewarding for us.

Reality is not reflected in what we say; it is _________, or created, by what we say.

Many relationships deal with the Conventional-Unique dialectic. They want to be the couple that everyone says is special, but they must balance that against the values and expectations of those around themselves, especially those they deem important. The tension may be coming from ________, but the relational partners have to negotiate it________.

Your girlfriend frequently complains that even though you have a great time when alone, you really need to go out more with friends. This is an example of the tension that sometimes occurs in a relationship best described as the ______ dialectic.

An important aspect of affiliations is that they __________; for example, your circle of friends changes when you move from one job to another.