Deck 8: Improving Interpersonal Communication

Question 1

Jose dislikes deadlines and often completes work assignments at the last minute. Generally, he likes to "go with the flow" and act spontaneously to situations. Which Myers-Briggs personality trait best describes Jose?

A) sensor
B) feeler
C) thinker
D) intuitive
E) perceiver

Answer 1

E

Question 2

The opposite or counterpart of a Myers Briggs' sensor is a(n)

A) extrovert.
B) intuitive.
C) feeler.
D) thinker.
E) perceiver.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Wanda tends to focus on details and prefers to concentrate on one task at a time. Which Myers-Briggs personality trait best describes Wanda?

A) sensor
B) thinker
C) intuitive
D) perceiver
E) feeler

Answer 3

A

Question 4

In collectivist cultures, conflict

A) is closely related to personal goals.
B) is usually dealt with openly.
C) often results in a plan of action.
D) is understood within the context of relationships and the need to preserve "face."
E) is addressed appropriately in terms of timing and the situation.

Question 5

Tony approaches conflict with an "I win, you lose" attitude. Which conflict style does this approach represent?

A) compromise
B) collaboration
C) avoidance
D) accommodation
E) competition

Question 6

Tawana is very good at seeing the big picture. However, when other people discuss the details of a project or the intricacies of a budget spreadsheet, she tends to get bored. Which Myers-Briggs personality trait best describes Tawana?

A) sensor
B) feeler
C) thinker
D) intuitive
E) perceiver

Question 7

In dialectic terms, interpersonal relationships survive when we successfully negotiate the expression versus __________ dialectic.

A) integration
B) stability
C) separation
D) privacy
E) change

Question 8

Oscar is very outgoing and tends to talk more than others. He enjoys working with other people. Which Myers-Briggs personality trait best describes Oscar?

A) thinker
B) extrovert
C) feeler
D) introvert
E) sensor

Question 9

Which step in the A-E-I-O-U Model of Conflict Resolution is represented in the following statement? "If both of us don't make a commitment to working on this full-time, we won't do a good job or get it done on time."

A) Assume the other person means well.
B) Express your feelings.
C) Identify what you would like to happen.
D) Outcomes you expect should be made.
E) Understanding on a mutual basis is achieved.

Question 10

In Uncoupling: How Relationships Come Apart, sociologist Diane Vaughan notes that a couple's breakup is rarely sudden. It all begins with

A) an increase in arguments.
B) sexual interest in another person.
C) violence.
D) a secret.
E) jealousy.

Question 11

Sharon believes that conflict should be dealt with openly and honestly. She is most likely from what type of culture?

A) collectivist
B) independent
C) individualistic
D) avoidant
E) open

Question 12

Which step in the A-E-I-O-U Model of Conflict Resolution is represented in the following statement? "I want to share the responsibility and the work with you."

A) Assume the other person means well.
B) Express your feelings.
C) Identify what you would like to happen.
D) Outcomes you expect should be made.
E) Understanding on a mutual basis is achieved.

Question 13

According to Myers-Briggs, we have preferred ways of thinking and behaving that can be divided into four categories. Which category identifies whether we approach the world and its challenges in a structured and organized way?

A) extrovert-introvert
B) sensor-intuitive
C) thinker-feeler
D) judger-perceiver
E) autocrat-abdicrat

Question 14

In dialectic terms, interpersonal relationships survive when we successfully negotiate the integration versus __________ dialectic.

A) interpersonal
B) stability
C) separation
D) change
E) privacy

Question 15

Many people avoid conflict because they do not understand the difference between

A) right and wrong.
B) speaking to be understood rather than to win.
C) constructive and destructive conflicts.
D) talking and listening.
E) intellect and emotion.

Question 16

Dennis is always organized. Because he likes to plan ahead, he develops lengthy "To Do" lists for the tasks he needs to accomplish. Which Myers-Briggs personality trait best reflects Dennis's organizational preferences?

A) sensor
B) judger
C) intuitive
D) perceiver
E) thinker

Question 17

According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, we have preferred ways of thinking and behaving that can be divided into four categories. Which category identifies how we focus our attention as well as our sources of energy?

A) extrovert-introvert
B) sensor-intuitive
C) thinker-feeler
D) judger-perceiver
E) autocrat-abdicrat

Question 18

Baxter and Montgomery's Relational Dialectics Theory makes a strong case for a(n) _________________ focus when communicating with others. a either/or
B) context/culture
C) both/or
D) both/and
E) situation/interpretation

Question 19

Dominique suggest a "give a little, get a little" approach to resolving a conflict with his roommate. What conflict style is he using?

A) compromise
B) collaboration
C) avoidance
D) accommodation
E) competition

Question 20

Which dialectic is represented in the following example? When children grow up, they may want to remain closely connected to their parents and live an independent life free from parental intrusion.

A) integration and separation
B) stability and change
C) silence and expression
D) integration and interpersonal
E) privacy and expression

Question 21

The integration-separation dialectic often surfaces when a child leaves home for college.

Question 22

Passive, nonassertive communicators usually display all of the following characteristics except:

A) they are reluctant to express opinions.
B) they fear criticism from others.
C) they feel a greater sense of power.
D) they may experience high levels of communication apprehension.
E) they are often dissatisfied with the outcome of communication experiences.

Question 23

If, according to Relational Dialectics Theory, you try to balance conflicting desires to be open and honest with another person, while also protecting your privacy, you are negotiating the stability-change dialectic.

Question 24

Argumentativeness refers to your

A) ability to think critically when arguing with others.
B) willingness to debate controversial issues with others.
C) readiness to accept the will of the majority in a discussion.
D) ability to construct valid arguments based on strong evidence.
E) willingness put aside your own needs in light of what others want.

Question 25

Which step in the DESC strategy for becoming more assertive is characterized in the following example? Explain what you want to happen while taking into account whether the other person can do what you request.

A) describe
B) express
C) specify
D) consequences
E) none of the above

Question 26

Relational Dialectics Theory identifies three major dialectics in close personal relationships: description versus evaluation, certainty versus provisionalism, and empathy versus neutrality.

Question 27

Shelley wanted to go to a fancy restaurant for her anniversary but her husband forgot about it. She was angry about his forgetfulness. Her anger is representative of which truth about anger?

A) Anger is a human instinct.
B) Anger is always helpful.
C) Anger is caused by others.
D) Anger is a response to unmet expectations.
E) Anger is best expressed by venting and letting off steam.

Question 28

Mark agrees to take notes during an important meeting at which he disagrees with many of the group's decisions. The group asks him to bring copies of the notes to the next meeting so that everyone has a written record of the proceeding. At the next meeting, Mark is absent. At the following meeting, he tells everyone that he's still working on the notes. What sort of behavior does Mark exhibit?

A) assertiveness
B) passivity
C) aggression
D) passive-aggressive
E) passive-assertiveness

Question 29

The common folk sayings "opposites attract" and "birds of a feather flock together" illustrate beliefs about the contradictory nature of personal relationships.

Question 30

A study of email conflict resolution by Kathleen Valley found that

A) we are more likely to resolve conflict online than in face-to-face situations.
B) e-mail negotiations are less likely to degenerate into unpleasant exchanges than face-to-face negotiation.
C) people are more willing to lie on e-mail.
D) people are more willing to say what they really believe in e-mail messages.
E) e-mail users are more flexible and more willing to resolve conflicts.

Question 31

What is the correct order of steps in the six-step model of conflict resolution?

A) initiation, preparation, consideration, confrontation, reevaluation, resolution
B) reevaluation, resolution, consideration, confrontation, preparation, initiation
C) confrontation, consideration, initiation, preparation, resolution, reevaluation
D) consideration, preparation, initiation, reevaluation, confrontation, resolution
E) preparation, initiation, confrontation, consideration, resolution, reevaluation

Question 32

Relational Dialectics Theory recommends that best friends, romantic partners, and close family members should share all of their deepest feelings and most private secrets with one another.

Question 33

All of the following characteristics describe the benefits of assertiveness except:

A) winning more arguments
B) expressing your feelings appropriately
C) speaking up for your rights when appropriate
D) expressing disagreement on important issues
E) asking others to change their inappropriate or offensive behavior

Question 34

Which step in the six-step model of conflict resolution involves talking to the other person about the conflict and the need to resolve it?

A) confrontation
B) consideration
C) initiation
D) preparation
E) resolution

Question 35

Rather than taking an "either/or" response to an interpersonal problem, Relational Dialectics Theory recommends a "both/and" approach.

Question 36

If you're angry at someone, it's best to avoid which of the following strategies for responding to the other person?

A) Acknowledge the other person's feelings of anger.
B) Identify the issue or behavior that is the source of the anger.
C) Explain why the other person is the cause of the problem.
D) Assess the intensity of the anger and the importance of the issue.
E) Make a positive statement about the relationship.

Question 37

Morgan is tired of fighting with her boyfriend all of the time, so she decides to give in to his demands for her to take few classes so that she can spend more time with him. Morgan's decision best represents what type of behavior?

A) assertive
B) passive
C) aggressive
D) passive-aggressive
E) passive-assertive

Question 38

If a colleague overlooks the fact that his best friend at work is always late, but criticizes you for arriving five minutes late to a staff meeting, which principle of interpersonal ethics has he violated?

A) the Golden Rule
B) the Platinum Rule
C) the Principle of Generalizability
D) the Test of Publicity
E) the Principle of Caring

Question 39

The psychological concept of attitude represents the style in which we interact with the world around us, and particularly with other people.

Question 40

If, according to Relational Dialectics Theory, you are negotiating the integration-separation dialectic, you are seeking a desire for both connection and independence.

Question 41

Thomas and Kilmann's five conflict styles represent the extent to which you focus on achieving your own needs and/or the needs of others.

Question 42

According to Myers-Briggs theory, if you like to "go with the flow" and "take things as they come," you would be classified as a perceiver.

Question 43

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator focuses on how we perceive the world around us, as well as how we reach conclusions and make decisions.

Question 44

If you are unable or unwilling to stand up for your own needs or the needs of others, you may be most comfortable relying on the avoidance conflict style.

Question 45

According to Myers-Briggs theory, an intuitive is the opposite of a sensor.

Question 46

According to psychologists Thomas and Kilmann, most of us use all five conflict styles in most situations.

Question 47

From a cultural perspective, face is the positive image that you wish to create or preserve.

Question 48

The accommodation conflict style may be appropriate when you have strong feelings about an important issue or when immediate action is needed in an urgent situation.

Question 49

Fiona is very outgoing and talkative. She loves getting to know people and working in groups. According to Myers-Briggs theory, Fiona is an introvert.

Question 50

In collectivist societies, conflict is dealt with openly and honestly, regardless of the consequences.

Question 51

The compromise conflict style is considered the best win-win approach to problem solving.

Question 52

Marlene is spontaneous. She dislikes deadlines and usually does her work at the last minute. According to Myers-Briggs theory, Marlene is an introvert.

Question 53

In the A-E-I-O-U Model of Conflict Resolution, the E stands for: Evaluate persuasive strategies for winning the argument.

Question 54

Craig gets bored with facts and details. He trusts his inspiration and intuition and prefers to focus on the big picture. According to Myers-Briggs theory, Craig is an intuitive.

Question 55

Josh and Sam were having a conflict about how to get their class project done by the deadline. Sam suggests, "Could we divide up the tasks and set deadlines for completion?" His suggestion represents the A of the A-E-I-O-U Model of Conflict Resolution.

Question 56

In the A-E-I-O-U Model of Conflict Resolution, the A stands for: Assume the other person means well.

Question 57

People who are motivated to fulfill the needs of others tend to choose more competitive approaches to resolving conflict.

Question 58

The compromise conflict style is characterized by a high concern for others and a low concern for yourself.

Question 59

According to Myers-Briggs theory, a judger is the opposite or counterpart of a feeler.

Question 60

People who are motivated to fulfill the needs of others tend to choose more competitive approaches to resolving conflict.

Question 61

Enhancing your self-esteem and self-confidence is one benefit of asserting yourself.

Question 62

Identify and discuss three strategies for negotiating dialectic tensions. Provide relevant examples for each of the strategies discussed.

Question 63

In the Six-Step Model of Conflict Resolution, the confrontation step involves asking yourself who is involved; what happened; and where, when, and why the conflict occurred.

Question 64

DESC is an acronym for the four steps to becoming more assertive: Describe, Evaluate, Support, and Care.

Question 65

In Uncoupling: How Relationships Come Apart, sociologist Diane Vaughan notes that a couple's breakup is rarely sudden. "Uncoupling" she writes, "begins with a(n) ____________." What word fills in the blank? Explain why Vaughan sees this factor as the cause. Then explain how effective interpersonal communication can build stronger relationships and closer bonds with another person.

Question 66

Relational Dialectics Theory focuses on three major tensions between contradictory impulses in personal relationships. Identify the three dialectic tensions and define the contradictory impulses in each tension. Use examples to demonstrate your understanding of each tension and its impulses.

Question 67

Acting out and forcefully expressing your anger by letting off steam does not reduce your anger; instead, it functions to make you and others even angrier.

Question 68

To avoid making personal attacks during a conflict, use "you" rather than "I" statements.

Question 69

The issue is not whether you are angry but how well you understand and manage your anger.

Question 70

A person who exhibits passivity is likely to take responsibility for his/her own actions and the consequences of those actions.

Question 71

Anger is a natural human emotion.

Question 72

How would you describe your personality type in Myers-Briggs terms? Are you an ENTJ, an ISFP, an ESTP, or other combination of the four personality dimensions? Explain what it means to be this type of person in terms of how you communicate.

Question 73

The correct order of steps in the Six-Step Model of Conflict Resolution is: Preparation, Initiation, Confrontation, Consideration, Resolution, and Reevaluation.

Question 74

Although passive-aggressive individuals may appear cooperative and willing to accommodate others and their needs, their behavior is an obvious form of aggressive behavior.

Question 75

Your textbook describes five major conflict styles. Identify and explain each style. Under what circumstances would each style be appropriate? Which style fulfills everyone's interests without requiring significant sacrifices from individual members?

Question 76

Your textbook describes five major conflict styles. Which one or two styles do you tend to use in most conflict situations? Have these styles proven successful as constructive conflict strategies? In other words, when you are involved in a conflict, how well do you express disagreement in a way that respects others, helps you achieve your own goals, and promotes problem solving?

Question 77

Anger is an emotional reaction caused by the reactions and behaviors of others.

Question 78

Explain why a judger and a perceiver would have difficulty working and playing together.

Question 79

After repeatedly telling her kids that she needed help cleaning the house, Tanya ended up cleaning it all on her own. When she talked with her kids about it, she said, "As a result of cleaning the house all by myself, I was exhausted and angry." This statement represents the Express part of the DESC Script.

Question 80

Demonstrate your understanding of Relational Dialectics Theory by explaining why it makes a strong case for a "both/and" focus when communicating with others, rather than an "either/or" approach.