Deck 13: Connecting Through Interpersonal Communication: Developing, Maintaining, and Dissolving Relationships

Question 1

Tony and Anna seem content in their dating relationship: Tony decides which restaurants they will eat at, while Anna chooses the movies they see. Together, they decide how many evenings a week they will see each other and for how long. This aspect of their relationship demonstrates the satisfaction of which need?

A) need to feel worthwhile
B) need for inclusion
C) need to belong
D) need for control

Answer 1

D

Question 2

We are most likely to view a relationship positively if __________.

A) its benefits are greater than its costs
B) the need for affection exceeds the need for control
C) its costs are equal to its benefits
D) the need for inclusion is greater than the need for affection

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Gordon just met Grahamme, and although he is attracted to him, they are chatting about the latest assignment and the weather. Applying social penetration theory, what do we know about this interaction?

A) It has little depth or breadth.
B) It has little depth, but significant breadth.
C) It has significant depth and breadth.
D) It has significant depth, but little breadth.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which communication theory explores the connection between disclosure and relationship intimacy?

A) social exchange theory
B) uncertainty reduction theory
C) social penetration theory
D) uncertainty management theory

Question 5

Although they often disagree, Jackie always says that her roommate Nora is sensitive to all ideas that they discuss and carefully listens to others' views. What is Jackie saying about Nora as a communicator?

A) Nora is fair and ethical.
B) Nora knows how to adapt her communication style.
C) Nora is in close proximity to Jackie.
D) Nora is self-monitoring.

Question 6

In social exchange theory, which of these is likely considered a cost?

A) a feeling of contentment
B) the fulfillment of the need for affection
C) the time it takes to initiate and maintain a relationship
D) an increase in status or prestige

Question 7

Scholar Dale Brashers developed uncertainty management theory during his research regarding the communication behaviors of which group?

A) people responding to romantic breakups
B) people making health decisions
C) people seeking new career paths
D) people beginning new relationships

Question 8

According to communication scholars, which skill leads to competence in interpersonal communication?

A) knowing when to talk and when to listen
B) the ability to use humor
C) knowing how to develop a strong persuasive appeal
D) the ability to speak in front of large groups

Question 9

Relationships are associations between at least two people, which are understood in terms of __________.

A) the verbal and nonverbal behaviors used
B) intimacy or kinship
C) the communication competence displayed
D) duration or time

Question 10

In social penetration theory, the range or spread of what one person discloses to another about him- or herself is referred to as __________.

A) breadth of penetration
B) circle of penetration
C) depth of penetration
D) height of penetration

Question 11

Which statement about interpersonal communication is most accurate?

A) Interpersonal communication allows us to establish all kinds of relationships.
B) Interpersonal communication is separate from all other forms of communication.
C) Interpersonal communication is always personal and intimate.
D) Interpersonal communication seldom happens during the early stages of a relationship.

Question 12

A competent communicator can probably best be described as __________.

A) comfortable and casual
B) adaptable and appropriate
C) detailed and formal
D) proper and perfect

Question 13

When Ian met Maria for the first time, he found himself asking Maria a lot of questions so that he could ease his anxiety and get to know her better. Which communication theory best explains Ian's behavior?

A) dialectical theory
B) uncertainty reduction theory
C) social exchange theory
D) social penetration theory

Question 14

Self-monitoring means the ability to__________.

A) be fair and ethical
B) regulate your communication both before and during an interaction
C) understand your own and the other person's values, beliefs, attitudes or feelings
D) strongly advocate for your position

Question 15

Psychologist Will Schutz formulated his interpersonal needs theory based on which three needs?

A) friendship, money, power
B) safety, satiety, self-actualization
C) affection, inclusion, control
D) logos, eros, ethos

Question 16

According to uncertainty reduction theory, what happens when individuals use an active strategy to gain information?

A) They talk directly to the individual they are interested in.
B) They enter into a relationship with someone they are interested in.
C) They observe the individual they are interested in.
D) They ask a third party for information about someone.

Question 17

The push and pull between self-disclosing and keeping our privacy in relationships refers to which dialectical tension?

A) novelty/predictability
B) connection/autonomy
C) control/freedom
D) openness/closedness

Question 18

__________ suggests that relationships, as well as individuals, confront many tensions that push and pull in many different directions at the same time.

A) Uncertainty management theory
B) Dialectical theory
C) Social exchange theory
D) Interpersonal needs theory

Question 19

While Colton and his girlfriend were grocery shopping, they ran into a friendly woman who asked several questions about Colton's parents. Later, Colton indicated to his girlfriend that he knew her from his childhood neighborhood. Colton is clarifying this relationship in terms of __________.

A) the time spent
B) its importance
C) the participants' roles
D) its language use

Question 20

During her first week of college, Lucie observes girls on her floor who seem involved in student life and those who keep to themselves. She decides to be extra friendly to someone active in intramurals, because this sounds like fun to Lucie. Lucie's interest in initiating this relationship can be explained by __________.

A) social penetration theory
B) social exchange theory
C) uncertainty management theory
D) uncertainty reduction theory

Question 21

Communication behaviors that make others feel good or comfortable around us reflect which relational maintenance behaviors identified by Stafford and Canary?

A) openness
B) assurances
C) blending social networks
D) positivity

Question 22

What stage in a relationship requires participants to engage in risk taking in order to get to know each other?

A) initiating
B) experimenting
C) intensifying
D) integrating

Question 23

In order to build meaningful relationships, how do skilled communicators respond when others express their feelings?

A) interrupt with their own feelings
B) withdraw
C) invite more communication
D) express opposing views

Question 24

When Jess and Jim had a long distance relationship, they made the better of it by saying that living apart has actually brought them closer together. This couple manages their dialectical tension through the strategy of __________.

A) denial
B) segmentation
C) reframing
D) moderation

Question 25

The communication competency skill that involves the ability to convey information clearly and unambiguously is identified by communication scholars Burleson and Samter as __________.

A) referential skill
B) narrative skill
C) persuasive skill
D) conversational skill

Question 26

James sees a woman in line at the bank that he just instantly likes, and he strikes up a conversation. Later, he realizes that she reminds him of his best friend from back home. James experienced interpersonal attraction based on __________.

A) personality
B) physical appearance
C) proximity
D) similarities

Question 27

As interpersonal communicators, when we control and protect certain information about ourselves, we are concerned with __________.

A) privacy
B) affection
C) communication competence
D) catharsis

Question 28

Which communication behavior is a warning sign that a relationship may be in trouble?

A) using "I" statements
B) negotiating differences during conflict
C) reducing nonverbal cues
D) communicating hurtful statements to one another

Question 29

Which statement could be considered self-disclosure?

A) I really enjoy musicals.
B) I have blue eyes.
C) I am male.
D) I have dark brown hair.

Question 30

According to Wilmot and Hocker, which conflict management style produces positive outcomes that usually leave all participants satisfied with the process and the decision?

A) accommodating
B) negotiating
C) collaboration
D) withdrawing

Question 31

Men's defensive strategies for reducing embarrassment and maintaining privacy boundaries include __________.

A) criticizing themselves
B) laughing at their own behavior
C) facing the situation head on
D) accepting responsibility

Question 32

In terms of gender and self-disclosure, the text cautions that __________.

A) men never disclosure their feelings unless they are in a committed relationship
B) women always disclosure their feelings significantly more than men
C) social media platforms encourage men to self-disclosure more than women
D) we must avoid stereotyping this behavior strictly on the basis of biological sex

Question 33

When Jewell finds her table at the wedding dinner, she doesn't know anyone. She quickly introduces herself and tells her tablemates that she works with the groom but doesn't know the bride very well. In this situation, Jewell is using self-disclosure to __________.

A) experience catharsis
B) start a relationship
C) establish trust
D) gain sympathy

Question 34

If you self-disclose primarily to release tension or guilt, you are self-disclosing as a form of __________.

A) catharsis
B) relationship building
C) uncertainty reduction
D) social presentation

Question 35

Egan and Sara's relationship has greatly deteriorated. When they were last together, they argued and Sara told Egan, "I really don't want to see you again!" Which stage best describes Egan and Sara's relationship?

A) stagnating
B) avoiding
C) circumscribing
D) differentiating

Question 36

After a busy semester at school, Udelle loves coming home to her family over break. Her mom always makes her favorite meals, and her dad always asks about her classes and friends. But after a week or so, Udelle becomes a little restless and finds herself ignoring her parents and texting her friends more often. Udelle's experience demonstrates which communication theory at work?

A) dialectical theory
B) interpersonal needs theory
C) social penetration theory
D) uncertainty management theory

Question 37

Caleb and Cassandra have dated for six months. During that time, they have increasingly shared more personal and private information about each other and their families. Which stage best characterizes their relationship?

A) initiating
B) experimenting
C) intensifying
D) integrating

Question 38

An intentional disclosure tactic where we reveal certain aspects of ourselves for specific reasons is called __________.

A) self-esteem
B) self-actualization
C) self-presentation
D) self-awareness

Question 39

We can describe rhetorically sensitive people as those who __________.

A) change their beliefs and values depending on the situation
B) tend to use sexist or homophobic language
C) balance their own self-interests with that of others
D) always communicate freely and openly

Question 40

Lily approaches conflict by quickly removing herself from the situation. In other words, Lily illustrates what conflict management style?

A) accommodating
B) negotiation
C) withdrawing
D) forcing

Question 41

Rate yourself using Burleson and Samter's definitions of interpersonal skills. Briefly identify at least four of the seven skills, and describe how it applies to you.

Question 42

Explain how interpersonal conflict can be destructive to a relationship. Provide an example for one of these circumstances.

Question 43

Review interpersonal needs theory, and discuss how this theory explains interpersonal behavior and motivation.

Question 44

Identify and briefly describe the three common dialectical tensions.

Question 45

Describe the five strategies people use to manage dialectical tension. Provide an example for each.

Question 46

Briefly analyze a new relationship you have formed in the last year. This relationship could be a romantic relationship or a friendship. In what ways do the stages in your new relationship illustrate Knapp and Vangelisti's stages of coming together? Do you think this framework for relationships is applicable to friendships, or is it only applicable to romantic relationships? Provide examples to illustrate your answer.

Question 47

Define relationship. As part of your response, provide two relationship examples from your own life. Describe each one in terms of intimacy or kinship, the roles of those involved, and the time spent together.

Question 48

Discuss various ways in which culture and gender affect processes of self-disclosure. Provide examples where appropriate to support your answer.

Question 49

Describe social penetration theory and its components. List five statements you might make to a roommate over time that demonstrate increased depth of penetration.

Question 50

In your own words, discuss the skills needed to be a competent interpersonal communicator. Which skills are you successful at executing? Where might you improve your own competency?