Exam 10: Social Penetration Theory

Depenetration always leads to relational dissolution.

Individuals in the affective exchange stage may begin to form private ways of expressing a relationship's intimacy, known as personal idioms.

Social penetration views relationships as being dynamic and changing.

Compare and contrast Social Penetration Theory with any other theory we have discussed that deals with interpersonal relationship development. How are these two theories similar? How are they different? Do you think one is better than the other? Why or why not?

The fact that SPT has spurred hundreds of studies on a variety of relationships means that it is a highly ___________ theory.

Relationships with a reservoir of positive reward/cost experiences are better equipped to handle conflict.

The stage of social penetration at which individuals make quick decisions about communication with little regard to the relationship as a whole is the _________ stage.

Relational communication begins at a superficial level and gets less personal as the relationship progresses.

Most relationships reach the stable exchange level.

Select two of the assumptions of SPT to define and discuss. In what ways have you experienced the phenomena they describe? Have you had any relational experiences that seem to contradict these assumptions?

Discuss the potential for intercultural influences on Social Penetration Theory. Do you think culture is a variable that has the potential to influence this theory? Why or why not?

Explain how costs and rewards factor into the process of social penetration. How do we use rewards and costs to make decisions about the future of a relationship?

_____ are violations of relational rules, practices, and expectations.

Identify and describe the four stages in the process of social penetration. Provide an example of a relationship (real or fictional) that evolved through the social penetration process. Describe the communication changes that took place during these four stages.

Julianne and Ricardo have reached the point in their relationship at which they openly express their thoughts and feelings with one another. Their communication is viewed as being efficient. Which stage of social penetration describes the current state of their relationship?

The rate of penetration depends, to a large extent, on the number of relationship rewards available to a communicator.

The greater the depth of disclosure, the fewer opportunities there are for an individual to be concerned about feeling vulnerable in the relationship.

The "stranger on the train" phenomenon is an example of

During which stage of the relationship do the individuals' personalities begin to emerge?

Dyadic uniqueness emerges in the affective exchange stage of social penetration.