Deck 7: Communicating in Interpersonal Relationships

Question 1

_______ involves interaction between people who are part of a close and irreplaceable relationship in which they treat each other as unique individuals.

A) Interpersonal communication
B) Dyadic communication
C) A content message
D) Metacommunication

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Which of the following encounters exemplifies interpersonal communication?

A) You buy a coffee on your way to your morning class and say "thank you" to the barista as he hands you your drink.
B) During class, you discuss course concepts with a group of other students you just met.
C) After class, you share with your roommate your concerns about some upcoming assignments because you know he will be able to relate to your concerns.
D) Later that night, you post an impassioned and opinionated comment to a news site online.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Which of the following statements is true?

A) All conversations will involve interpersonal communication.
B) Online conversations may or may not be interpersonal, depending on how well you know the person.
C) All task-related communication is interpersonal.
D) Interpersonal and intrapersonal communication are the same.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Which scenario best suggests interpersonal communication?

A) A conversation Jon and Andrea are having, two months before their wedding, about where to go for their honeymoon
B) A conversation Jon and Andrea are having on their first date, when she reveals to him her tastes in music and what she likes and doesn't like to eat
C) An online conversation Jon and Andrea are having, a day after they met at the gym, about fixing up a date
D) A conversation Jon and Andrea are having at the gym which she has just joined

Question 5

Interpersonal communication is most likely to occur between

A) a doctor having an initial talk with a new patient about personal health issues.
B) a financial adviser with important information to share and her clients.
C) a college professor and a group of prospective students.
D) a father and his youngest son, discussing potential options for college.

Question 6

Even though your class discussion was lively, fun, and productive in achieving its goals, you can't remember who said what. Which option below best relates to this discussion?

A) It demonstrates interpersonal communication that was task-oriented.
B) It demonstrates interpersonal communication that was not task-oriented.
C) It demonstrates task-oriented communication that was not interpersonal.
D) It demonstrates communication that was neither interpersonal nor task-oriented.

Question 7

If a relationship can be described as interpersonal, we can be confident that

A) despite ups and downs, there will never be another one quite like it.
B) it will not have faults.
C) it will tend to focus on emotions most of the time.
D) it cannot occur online.

Question 8

If a conversation with a stranger has proved to be surprisingly rewarding and informative, can we safely categorize the interaction, in the terms set out in the textbook, as interpersonal?

A) No.
B) Yes.
C) Yes, if both parties agree to meet again.
D) We do not have enough information to decide either way.

Question 9

A _______ message focuses on the subject being discussed.

A) contextual
B) qualitative
C) content
D) relational

Question 10

A _______ message conveys the affective and social relationship between two or more individuals.

A) contextual
B) qualitative
C) content
D) relational

Question 11

The degree to which we like or appreciate others is known as

A) affinity.
B) respect.
C) immediacy.
D) control.

Question 12

The term _______ is used to describe the level of engagement and frequency of interaction between people in a relationship.

A) affinity
B) respect
C) immediacy
D) control

Question 13

Jelata and Heather are both engineers at the same company. Neither one of them is the boss of the other. Jelata tells Heather that she needs to finish her project by noon. What dimension of relational messages does this exemplify?

A) Affinity
B) Respect
C) Immediacy
D) Control

Question 14

Karen holds Kelly in really high esteem, but she doesn't really like her. What dimension of relational messages does this exemplify?

A) Affinity
B) Respect
C) Immediacy
D) Control

Question 15

Teresa is quite fond of Lesley. When Lesley arrives at her house, Teresa gives her a friendly pat on the back. What dimension of relational messages does this exemplify?

A) Affinity
B) Respect
C) Immediacy
D) Control

Question 16

Grant is having a conversation with a guy he just met in line for the Ferris wheel. They are having a polite conversation about the weather. Grant's friend Justin notices him in line and greets him by giving him a high-five. Justin tells Grant, "I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me yesterday. Cindy and I were just having a rough time and I needed someone to talk to." Grant puts his hand on Justin's shoulder and tells him, "Any time. You're a good friend." Which part of this story exemplifies affinity?

A) Grant is having a conversation with a guy he just met in line for the Ferris wheel. They are having a polite conversation about the weather.
B) Grant's friend Justin notices him in line.
C) Justin tells Grant, "Cindy and I were just having a rough time."
D) Grant puts his hand on Justin's shoulder and tells him, "Any time. You're a good friend."

Question 17

Zachary is at the dog park with his dog when he sees his friend Isabella arrive with her dog. After a friendly smile, they quickly hug and greet each other. As Zachary begins talking about his dog, he places his hand on Isabella's back affectionately. Isabella responds by putting her hand on his arm. Zachary wants to be sure Isabella knows that he's interested in her. Which part of Zachary's exchange with Isabella contains the content message?

A) After a friendly smile, they quickly hug and greet each other.
B) Zachary begins talking about his dog.
C) He places his hand on Isabella's back affectionately.
D) Isabella responds by putting her hand on his arm.

Question 18

Social scientists use the term _______ to describe messages that refer to other messages.

A) interpersonal communication
B) content messages
C) relational messages
D) metacommunication

Question 19

Tom tells Sue, "The tone in your voice when you speak to me sounds resentful. Was it something I said that upset you?" This is an example of

A) affinity.
B) control.
C) immediacy.
D) metacommunication.

Question 20

Grant is having a conversation with a guy he just met in line for the Ferris wheel. They are having a polite conversation about the weather. Grant's friend Justin notices him in line and greets him by giving him a high-five. Justin tells Grant, "I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me yesterday. Cindy and I were just having a rough time and I needed someone to talk to." Grant puts his hand on Justin's shoulder and tells him, "Any time. You're a good friend."
Which part of this situation exemplifies metacommunication?

A) Grant is having a conversation with a guy he just met in line for the Ferris wheel. They are having a polite conversation about the weather.
B) Grant's friend Justin notices him in line and greets him by giving him a high-five.
C) Justin tells Grant, "I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me yesterday. Cindy and I were just having a rough time and I needed someone to talk to."
D) Grant puts his hand on Justin's shoulder.

Question 21

Michaela tells Sean, "I get worried when we don't talk about the problems we are having." This is an example of

A) control.
B) respect.
C) immediacy.
D) metacommunication.

Question 22

Which of the following statements is an example of metacommunication?

A) "Can you pick up dinner on your way home from work?"
B) "Please try to do the dishes after dinner."
C) "I wish you'd ask me how my day was when we're having dinner."
D) "I'm going to be home late, so please start dinner without me."

Question 23

Which option best applies to metacommunication?

A) It often gets at underlying meanings.
B) It is always interpersonal.
C) It is always indirect.
D) It is often dyadic.

Question 24

Which of the following statements is false?

A) Metacommunication is useful in bringing issues to the surface.
B) Metacommunication is always a risk-free strategy.
C) Metacommunication is about more than problem-solving.
D) Metacommunication is particularly helpful in reinforcing the positive aspects of relationships.

Question 25

The social penetration model is used to describe which two dimensions of communication?

A) Interpersonal and intercultural
B) Breadth and depth
C) Depth and duration
D) Personal and interpersonal

Question 26

The Johari Window is a way of representing what

A) individuals know about the other people in their lives.
B) type of relationship individuals are involved in.
C) balance of affinity and control a given interaction demonstrates.
D) individuals know and share about themselves.

Question 27

As represented by the social penetration model, disclosures are considered deep if they are

A) significant or private.
B) significant or interesting.
C) personal or private.
D) relevant or personal.

Question 28

The area in the Johari Window that represents information of which you are unaware but that the other person knows is the _______ area.

A) open
B) blind
C) hidden
D) unknown

Question 29

Nobody knew your gift for singing until you amazed them, as you knew you would, by winning first prize in your town's annual talent contest. This revelation points to which quadrant of the Johari Window?

A) The open area
B) The blind area
C) The hidden area
D) The unknown area

Question 30

Chandra just discovered that she uses a condescending tone with people when she disagrees with them. The people she disagrees with have always known she used such a tone with them. Which area of the Johari Window represents Chandra's behavior prior to her discovery?

A) The open area
B) The blind area
C) The hidden area
D) The unknown area

Question 31

Elisa talks to her new friend Tom about her job, her interest in surfing, the type of movies she likes, and the places she likes to hang out. Considering the social penetration model, how would you classify her conversation?

A) It has depth, but not much breadth.
B) It has breadth, but not much depth.
C) It's in the open area.
D) It's in the hidden area.

Question 32

Jamal has known LaTonya for a long time. Over the years, they have discussed a wide variety of topics. They began dating a couple of years ago and Jamal has shared things with her that he's never shared with anyone. Considering the social penetration model, how would you classify their relationship?

A) It is casual.
B) It shows the Goldilocks principle.
C) It has become passionate.
D) It has become intimate.

Question 33

Melissa and Christie have been friends for about a year. During that time, they have each talked about their views on politics, their lifestyles, and their interests. They have also talked about things that they have only told a few other people, like how they feel about friends and family. Additionally, they have told each other things that they have not told anyone else. Christie told Melissa about the pain and resentment she felt when her parents split. Melissa told Christie about how she has struggled with an eating disorder. In this account, what points to the deepest self-disclosures in terms of the social penetration model?

A) Their talks about politics, their lifestyles, and their interests.
B) Their disclosures about how they feel about friends and family.
C) Christie's revelation about the pain and resentment she felt when her parents split.
D) Christie's revelation about the pain and resentment she felt when her parents split and Melissa's revelation about how she struggled with an eating disorder.

Question 34

Melissa and Christie have been friends for about a year. During that time, they have each talked about their views on politics, their lifestyles, and their interests. They have also talked about things that they have only told a few other people, like how they feel about friends and family. Additionally, they have told each other things that they have not told anyone else. Christie told Melissa about the pain and resentment she felt when her parents split. Melissa told Christie about how she has struggled with an eating disorder. Which part of this description speaks of breadth in terms of the social penetration model?

A) Their talks about politics, their lifestyles, and their interests.
B) Their disclosures about how they feel about friends and family.
C) Christie's revelation about the pain and resentment she felt when her parents split.
D) Christie's revelation about the pain and resentment she felt when her parents split AND Melissa's revelation about how she struggled with an eating disorder.

Question 35

The term _______ refers to episodes in which people snub those around them by paying attention to their phones instead.

A) phubbing
B) snubbing
C) ghosting
D) diminishing

Question 36

Which of the following statements about online communication is the most correct?

A) Online relationships cannot be interpersonal.
B) Online communication will always diminish the quantity and quality of interpersonal communication.
C) Mediated communication is more genuine than face-to-face communication because of its asynchronous nature.
D) Face-to-face communication may be less emotionally intense than communicating online.

Question 37

George is introverted and finds it difficult to make face-to-face conversation. However, when George is online, he is able to compose long and highly revealing messages. This best illustrates which advantage of online communication?

A) Online communication helps people stay connected.
B) Online communication can feel nonthreatening.
C) Online communication can be validating.
D) Online communication has a pause option.

Question 38

Which of the following statements is correct?

A) The presence of mobile devices has no effect on closeness, connection, and conversation quality during personal face-to-face discussions.
B) Asynchronous messages require an immediate response.
C) University students who use social media typically experience less stress than their peers, especially when they consider their online friends to be supportive, likeable, and trustworthy.
D) For extraverts, mediated channels typically make it easier to build close relationships.

Question 39

Larissa had a hard time during her first few weeks settling into a new school. She spent all of every evening reading messages from hundreds of online "friends" and followers, but had no time left to make any friends in her new town and was distressed by this. Which feature of online communication does this scenario best evoke?

A) Online communication has a pause option.
B) Online communication can be validating.
C) Online communication helps people stay connected.
D) Online communication can be overwhelming isolating if it becomes excessive.

Question 40

Many forms of online communication are _______, meaning that they allow you to think about messages and then reply when you are ready.

A) interpersonal
B) asynchronous
C) dyadic
D) validating

Question 41

It has been shown that adolescents who _______ typically have more cohesive friendships than other teens.

A) never use online communication
B) use online communication in moderation
C) use online communication continuously
D) use online and face-to-face communication in equal proportions

Question 42

The term _______ refers to the emotional tone of a relationship.

A) communication climate
B) recognition
C) hidden area
D) spiral

Question 43

Messages that show you are valued are called

A) spirals.
B) disconfirming.
C) confirming.
D) positive communication climates.

Question 44

Messages that deny the value of others have been labeled

A) spirals.
B) disconfirming.
C) confirming.
D) positive communication climates.

Question 45

"When you don't let me say what's on my mind, I get frustrated." This is an example of

A) a confirming response.
B) a disconfirming response.
C) "you" language.
D) "I" language.

Question 46

"You don't have enough experience to make a good decision. I have had much more experience than you have, and so I know better." This is an example of

A) superior communication.
B) a confirming response.
C) manipulative communication.
D) a positive spiral.

Question 47

Aaron is telling Nadia about a problem he's having with his parents. Nadia believes that Aaron isn't handling the situation correctly. She responds by saying, "You are too disrespectful and thoughtless. I'd say that's why your parents are upset with you." Aaron is upset by this. Why?

A) Because she is using "you" language.
B) Because she is using confirming messages.
C) Because she is using a manipulative message.
D) Because she is "I" language.

Question 48

Beatrice is a talented softball player. She has won many awards for her abilities. She often helps teens that play for the city league. They appreciate her because she helps without making them feel bad about playing poorly. What best explains why the city league players don't feel defensive about Beatrice's help?

A) Because she wasn't manipulative.
B) Because she wasn't acting superior.
C) Because she wasn't in an avoidance spiral.
D) Because she wasn't using metacommunication.

Question 49

Ashley told her subordinate, "Yes, I know I said I wouldn't ask you to work late again this week, but you would really be doing me a favor, and after all, you are a friend as well as an employee, and I know how much you value your loyalty to me and to this company." This demonstrates

A) "you" language.
B) a relational spiral.
C) manipulative language.
D) superior communication.

Question 50

Marie was very unhappy that her food came out cold at the restaurant and was rude to the server. She said, "Only an incompetent idiot would bring out food that wasn't hot." This is an example of a

A) manipulative message.
B) negative spiral.
C) disconfirming message.
D) conflict spiral.

Question 51

Marie was very unhappy that her food came out cold at the restaurant and was rude to the server. John was not happy that Marie yelled at the waiter. She had done this a few times before, and they had started to have arguments about it. Wishing to avoid escalating things with her further, he said, "Calm down. Outbursts like that don't help the situation." He was using _______ to avoid a negative relational spiral.

A) "I" language
B) "you" language
C) manipulative language
D) metacommunication

Question 52

Jake was upset because his close friend Dana had been ignoring him and not answering his calls recently. In frustration, Jake decided to break off all contact for a week. This situation is best accounted for in terms of

A) an avoidance spiral.
B) a relational spiral.
C) "you" language.
D) "I" language.

Question 53

A relational spiral describes a communication pattern in which messages exchanged between relational partners

A) become either increasingly positive or negative.
B) tend to become more positive.
C) tend to become more negative.
D) get out of control.

Question 54

A pattern in which disconfirming messages reinforce one another, often leading to a full-blown argument is called

A) evaluative communication.
B) "you" language.
C) "I" language.
D) a conflict spiral.

Question 55

A communication pattern characterized not by outright fighting but gradually reducing mutual investment in a relationship is called

A) evaluative communication.
B) a disconfirming response.
C) a conflict spiral.
D) an avoidance spiral.

Question 56

Seena and Jack disagree with each other's plan for the future. Instead of talking about it, they simply have not discussed it, and now, whenever Seena raises the subject, Jack rolls his eyes or immediately changes the subject. What might best explain this?

A) Evaluative communication
B) Disconfirming responses
C) A conflict spiral
D) An avoidance spiral

Question 57

Caroline tells Kevin she is not happy with him staying out late the night before. Kevin responds by telling Caroline that she isn't the boss of him. Caroline then responds by telling him that she thinks he's hateful. The negative dialogue continues to worsen. What does this situation exemplify?

A) Evaluative communication
B) Disconfirming responses
C) A conflict spiral
D) An avoidance spiral

Question 58

In a series of ongoing exchanges, one person's confirming message leads to a similar response from the other person. The first person is then even more reinforcing in turn. This situation illustrates how _______ works.

A) interpersonal communication
B) a positive spiral
C) metacommunication
D) a negative spiral

Question 59

Most relationships pass through cycles of progression and regression. The important thing is to aim for more positive momentum. People in satisfying relationships tend to maintain at least a _______ to _______ ratio of positive to negative statements.

A) 5; 1
B) 2; 20
C) 100; 5
D) 50; 50

Question 60

What are the four dimensions of relational messages?

Question 61

What are the seven questions to consider, according to the textbook, before self-disclosing?

Question 62

The textbook discusses five rewarding and two of the less appealing qualities of online interpersonal communication. Name the rewarding qualities.

Question 63

Identify two types of negative relational spirals.

Question 64

Define metacommunication and explain advantages and pitfalls in engaging in metacommunication.

Question 65

What are the two models of self-disclosure and how do they display how self-disclosure operates in relationships?

Question 66

What are some of the advantages of online communication?

Question 67

Describe what is meant by the terms "communication climate" and "relational spiral."