Deck 10: Conflict

Question 1

Nonso and Manj have been married 5 years.They are more likely to disagree about ________ than about ________.

A) intimacy;money
B) money;communication
C) chores;intimacy
D) communication;chores

Answer 1

C

Question 2

In a videotaped discussion,a wife says,"I think that most of our arguments stem from a lack of trust." How would you code the wife's statement?

A) problem description
B) disagreement
C) positive solution
D) criticism

Answer 2

A

Question 3

In a videotaped discussion,a wife says,"I think that most of our arguments stem from our different religious backgrounds." Her husband responds,"Yes,I think you're right.Our perceptions and values vary a lot because of our beliefs." How would you code the husband's response?

A) problem description
B) agreement
C) positive solution
D) criticism

Answer 3

B

Question 4

When couples take turns speaking,each speaking turn needs to be coded not only for ________ but also for ________.

A) verbal content;emotional tone
B) emotional tone;affect
C) verbal content;unconditional probability
D) unconditional probability;conditional probability

Question 5

In a videotaped discussion,a husband says,"I feel really uncomfortable whenever we discuss our sexual relationship." How would you code the husband's statement?

A) self-disclosure
B) disagreement
C) positive solution
D) criticism

Question 6

According to your text,which of the following topics is the source of the greatest number of disagreements reported by husbands and wives?

A) chores
B) communication
C) money
D) children

Question 7

In a videotaped discussion,Pilar says,"I think that most of our arguments stem from our different cultural backgrounds." Her partner,Estrella,responds,"I don't really think that's the issue.I have always been supportive of your cultural traditions.I think most of our issues come down to a lack of communication." How would you code Estrella's response?

A) problem description
B) disagreement
C) positive solution
D) criticism

Question 8

Which of the following responses is most reflective of a positive solution for someone who is upset with their partner's lack of time at home?

A) "You've got to be kidding me! You are never home to help me with anything.I do all the work while you go off and spend time with your friends."
B) "It seems as if we can't stop arguing about all the little details.I just don't understand what's changed."
C) "I feel sad whenever these issues arise.I just don't want to have to talk about them because they bring about so many negative memories of when we were in school."
D) "I also realize that's an issue and I've decided to stop going every morning.I can limit it to just once a week and it will allow me to focus more on you and the kids."

Question 9

According to Kurt Lewin,"A definition of conflict begins with the recognition that participants in social interaction have ________."

A) personalities
B) divergent perspectives
C) unique goals,needs,and preferences
D) competing needs

Question 10

Jonathan and Gurmit have been married 10 years.What are they most likely to disagree about?

A) intimacy and money
B) money and communication
C) children and intimacy
D) children and communication

Question 11

Based on observational data from couples' disagreements,the three topics of disagreement are:

A) intimacy,relatives,and money.
B) money,work,and communication.
C) children,chores,and communication.
D) children,money,and intimacy.

Question 12

In a videotaped discussion,a husband says,"I feel really uncomfortable whenever we discuss our sexual relationship." His wife responds,"I know this is difficult for you.What if we wrote down our thoughts first and then read them out loud to each other?" How would you code the wife's statement?

A) self-disclosure
B) disagreement
C) positive solution
D) criticism

Question 13

Relationship researchers recognize that disagreements between partners in intimate relationships are inevitable.Consequently,researchers assume that ________ is more consequential to their relationship than ________.

A) whether couples disagree;what they disagree about
B) what couples disagree about;whether they disagree
C) what couples disagree about;how they disagree
D) how couples disagree;what they disagree about

Question 14

A partner's affect refers to his or her:

A) emotional tone.
B) behaviors.
C) cognitions.
D) environments.

Question 15

Nessim and Mariah participated in a study of couple communication.Nessim had 100 speaking turns and 33 of them were coded as criticism.His ________ for criticism was 33/100,or .33.

A) conditional probability
B) unconditional probability
C) statistical probability
D) behavioral probability

Question 16

In laboratory studies of observed marital behavior,unconditional probabilities capture the ________ of particular interaction events,while conditional probabilities capture the ________ of interaction events.

A) pattern;sequence
B) affect;overt behaviors
C) affect;rates
D) percentage;patterns

Question 17

In a videotaped discussion,Marco says,"I think that our conflicts arise because we don't spend very much time together anymore." His partner,Luigi,responds,"Are you serious? We have dinner together every night,but you're the one always talking on the phone or getting distracted.You won't just sit down for five minutes and actually talk to me." How would you code Luigi's response?

A) problem description
B) self-disclosure
C) positive solution
D) criticism

Question 18

Conflict occurs when one partner pursues his/her _____ in such a way that it interferes with the other partner's _____.

A) goals;goals
B) needs;needs
C) goals;needs
D) needs;goals

Question 19

Early research comparing happy and unhappy couples was designed to examine:

A) how topics of disagreement differed.
B) why partner perceptions differed.
C) how partners' communication patterns differed.
D) how personality differences created disagreement.

Question 20

Alex is designing a study to examine how couples' behavior during conflict discussions predicts changes in relationship satisfaction.He is planning to measure the observed negative behavior skills that couples employ.Based on previous research,which additional observed variable would be most important for Alex to measure to obtain a more complete understanding of the effects of conflict behavior on relationship satisfaction?

A) amount of cognitive editing
B) degree of relationship commitment
C) displays of positive emotion
D) level of partner neuroticism

Question 21

Delia loves to travel and loves exploring and being surprised about what is around the next corner.She does not like to plan ahead too much because she believes that you never know where you'll be at the end of the day.Her partner,Sal,likes to plan ahead and learn where all the sights are and to book the best hotels based on their budget.This difference is the cause of much arguing,and,for their upcoming trip,Delia is trying to convince Sal to book a "last minute" surprise trip on a website where they would not even know their destination until the trip was booked.In contrast,Sal has developed a day-by-day plan for a trip to Italy.What best describes the situation in which Delia and Sal have found themselves? Delia and Sal:

A) have polarized around the issue of planning.
B) are engaging in negative reciprocity.
C) probably have low levels of epinephrine as a result of their conflict.
D) are positively reinforcing each other's position in the conflict.

Question 22

According to Gottman's (1979)structural model of marital interaction,which is NOT true of unhappy couples compared to happy couples? Unhappy couples:

A) show less positive behavior.
B) show more reciprocity of negative behaviors.
C) use more cognitive editing.
D) have more predictable behavior patterns.

Question 23

Which of the following is positively correlated with relationship dissatisfaction?

A) problem solving
B) unresolved conflict
C) intimacy
D) commitment

Question 24

Coercion arises in relationships by _____ reinforcing the _____ behaviors of one's partner.

A) intentionally;desirable
B) unintentionally;desirable
C) unintentionally;undesirable
D) intentionally;undesirable

Question 25

A common interaction pattern in couples is called the demand/withdraw pattern.Which of the following is true about the research discussed in the text on demand/withdrawal in couples?

A) Women tend to demand and men tend to withdraw when discussing a problem the woman has brought up,but men and women equally demand and withdraw when discussing a problem that the man has brought up.
B) Men tend to demand and women tend to withdraw during conflict because men hold greater power in the relationship.
C) The demand/withdraw cycle tends to end fairly quickly,and even distressed couples are able to exit from this type of interaction.
D) The demand/withdraw pattern reflects a pattern of negative reciprocity whereby partners react to attacks from each other with increased hostility and blame.

Question 26

The demand/withdraw pattern often leads couples to adopt _____ positions in their argument.

A) similar
B) reasonable
C) aggressive
D) polarized

Question 27

According to the textbook,couples can use a variety of strategies for conflict resolution.Strategies such as blaming one's partner for the problem and delivering ultimatums are considered ________ strategies;looking for points of and working toward agreement are considered ________ strategies.

A) constructive;destructive
B) destructive;constructive
C) demand/withdraw;cognitive editing
D) cognitive editing;talk table

Question 28

Cognitive editing occurs when a partner hears something ________ but responds in a ________ way.

A) positive;neutral
B) positive;negative
C) neutral or negative;positive
D) negative;neutral or positive

Question 29

How do happy and unhappy couples compare in their problem-solving communication?

A) There is greater correspondence or linkage between daily events and daily satisfaction ratings for happy couples than for unhappy couples.
B) Happy couples send messages that they intend to be positive,whereas unhappy couples send messages that they intend to be negative.
C) In contrast to happy couples,unhappy couples tend to decode neutral messages negatively.
D) Happy and unhappy couples are equally good at translating their own thoughts and feelings into a behavioral expression (encoding).

Question 30

The technique used to understand sources of couple miscommunication through structured,problem-solving discussions is called:

A) cognitive editing.
B) talk table.
C) demand/withdraw.
D) polarization.

Question 31

Research on the demand/withdraw pattern show that:

A) when discussing the husband's topic,wives demand and husbands withdraw.
B) when discussing the wife's topic,wives demand and husbands withdraw.
C) a wife demand-husband withdraw pattern is more common than a wife withdraw-husband demand pattern but only among couples in distressed relationships.
D) demand/withdraw behaviors arise from power dynamics rather than sex differences.

Question 32

When studying relationship conflict,social exchange theorists are more interested in examining _____ than _____.

A) actual statements;partner's perceptions of the situation
B) partner's perceptions of the situation;actual statements
C) intimacy;commitment
D) commitment;intimacy

Question 33

Samira and Adele are participating in a research study to examine how miscommunication contributes to marital conflict.During the study,Samira makes a statement and pushes a button indicating the intent of her message,from "super negative" to "super positive." Following this,Adele then rates her perception of the message.What technique are Samira and Adele using to communicate?

A) cognitive editing
B) talk table
C) demand/withdraw
D) polarization

Question 34

Women are more likely to cite _____ as a topic of disagreement,while men are more likely to cite _____ as a topic of disagreement.

A) children;chores
B) chores;children
C) communication;work
D) work;communication

Question 35

When Sandy says something mean during an argument,Ali is upset but tries to respond to her concerns with warmth.What is this called?

A) positive reciprocity
B) negative reinforcement
C) cognitive editing
D) positive reinforcement

Question 36

Which of the following is true of the demand/withdraw interaction pattern?

A) It tends to be self-perpetuating.
B) It often arises when both partners prefer autonomy in the relationship.
C) It often arises when both partners do not want a lot of change.
D) It is only present in heterosexual relationships.

Question 37

Avery continually yells at Sue in a heated conflict and is not able to calm down.Sue,feeling cold and indifferent,does not respond and eventually leaves the room.This type of communication is called:

A) the reactivity hypothesis.
B) the negative reciprocity cycle.
C) the demand/withdraw pattern.
D) stress spillover.

Question 38

Tiya and Randal are arguing.Tiya wants to be a supportive partner and to work through the issue.What strategy should Tiya use during the argument to solve their problem?

A) summarize her own position and opinions
B) recognize her own contribution to the issue
C) recognize how the current issue is linked to past issues
D) emphasize points of disagreement

Question 39

How well can researchers predict marital outcomes?

A) with greater than 90 percent accuracy in specific samples
B) with greater than 90 percent accuracy using the same procedures across diverse samples
C) with 65 percent accuracy at best
D) not accurately at all

Question 40

What role does coercion play in relationships?

A) Many individuals end relationships immediately if they sense their partner is coercive.
B) While coercion may appease partners temporarily,it will likely lead to discontent.
C) Coercion is a useful tool to resolve partners' differences.
D) Neither partner can be content when their relationship is coercive.

Question 41

Research on couple conflict from an attachment perspective has shown that:

A) there is little evidence that early family relationships shape the manner in which intimate partners manage conflict.
B) there are large differences between how individuals high in attachment anxiety manage conflict in intimate relationships compared to individuals high in attachment avoidance.
C) secure individuals tend to be more adept at managing conflict in intimate relationships than insecure individuals.
D) there are no observable differences among insecure individuals in how they manage conflict in intimate relationships.

Question 42

Adults whose mothers were neither attentive nor responsive to them throughout childhood are likely to:

A) exhibit high levels of physiological arousal during arguments with their partners.
B) develop greater problem-solving skills
C) show positive emotion and less negative emotion.
D) be willing to compromise in order to appease their partners.

Question 43

Reagan believes that most people are trustworthy and does not feel threatened by his partner,Tanner.Reagan most likely has a(n)_____ attachment style and uses _____ conflict management strategies in his relationship.

A) avoidant;good
B) anxious;poor
C) secure;good
D) secure;poor

Question 44

Nuray sees most people as unreliable,unavailable,and uncaring.Nuray most likely has a(n)_____ attachment style and uses _____ conflict management strategies in her relationship.

A) avoidant;good
B) anxious;good
C) avoidant;poor
D) anxious;poor

Question 45

When relationship research is written about in the popular media,reporting tends to emphasize _____,whereas the empirical science focuses on _______.

A) consistent results;provocative findings
B) provocative findings;consistent results
C) accuracy;reliability
D) reliability;accuracy

Question 46

Dr.Adams believes that how partners manage conflict is determined in part by their experiences in their families of origin when they were children.With what theory is this consistent?

A) attachment theory
B) social learning theory
C) attachment exchange theory
D) social ecological theory

Question 47

Which type of approach will be LEAST effective in eliciting change in one's relationship?

A) a negative,direct approach
B) a negative,indirect approach
C) a positive,direct approach
D) a positive,indirect approach

Question 48

Oussama has a negative view of himself and obsesses over his relationship with his partner,Salma.Oussama most likely has a(n)_____ attachment style and uses _____ conflict management strategies in his relationship.

A) avoidant;good
B) anxious;good
C) avoidant;poor
D) anxious;poor

Question 49

Simon and his partner,Javed,are on their way home from a party.Javed is upset with Simon because he thinks Simon was flirting with another man at the party.Eventually,Simon notices that Javed is not talking and asks,"You're awfully quiet.Is there something wrong?" Javed answers,"Yes,you are such a two-timing jerk-I saw you flirting with Andy in the kitchen!" Name and provide two examples of constructive conflict resolution strategies that Simon could use in response to Javed's accusation.

Question 50

According to Kurt Lewin,conflict arises when one person pursues his or her goals in such a way that it interferes with the other person's goals.According to the textbook authors,what are the two key implications of this definition for analysis of conflict in intimate relationships?

Question 51

Imagine you are a researcher studying marital conflict.Married couples are videotaped in your lab while they discuss and try to resolve an important marital disagreement.You then code each speaking turn by both partners based on a coding system you have developed.Name four codes (or categories)to which you might assign the observed behaviors,and provide an example of each.

Question 52

If a study is cross-validated,this means that:

A) the data are reliable,but not valid.
B) the same solutions will be found across different datasets.
C) different outcomes have been found across different datasets.
D) the data are valid,but not reliable.

Question 53

What issues do men and women cite as the most common topics of disagreement in their relationships,and which topics may be harder to resolve?

Question 54

The textbook describes a study where researchers collected blood samples from newlywed participants while they discussed an important problem in their marriage.The blood samples were then analyzed for the presence of stress hormones.What is the most important conclusion from this study?

A) Although important,stress hormones were not as predictive of relationship status and quality 10 years later as were the negative behaviors partners displayed during these discussions.
B) Stress hormones were far more predictive of relationship status and quality 10 years later compared to the negative behaviors partners displayed during these discussions.
C) Observable features of conflict (e.g. ,negative statements,criticism)revealed all of the clues needed for predicting the status and quality of the relationship 10 years later.
D) Because they are largely within our conscious awareness,biological responses to conflict (i.e. ,changes in hormone levels)are particularly useful in predicting the status and quality of the relationship 10 years later.

Question 55

Describe how coercion may develop in a romantic relationship,and explain what the implications are for relationship functioning over time.

Question 56

Attachment anxiety is characterized by negative views of _____,whereas attachment avoidance is characterized by negative views of ________.

A) romantic partners;family members
B) family members;romantic partners
C) others;one's self
D) one's self;others

Question 57

Research supports which of the following associations between negative communication and emotional expression?

A) Negative communication is negatively associated with marital satisfaction only when partners are also low in positive emotional expressions.
B) Negative communication is negatively associated with marital satisfaction,particularly when it is accompanied by positive emotional expression.
C) Negative communication is positively associated with marital satisfaction,particularly when it is accompanied by positive emotional expression.
D) Negative communication is positively associated with marital satisfaction in the absence of positive emotional expression.

Question 58

When did psychologists begin to reject the idea that relationship dissolution was primarily due to the personality issues of one individual?

A) 1880s
B) 1930s
C) 1970s
D) 2000s

Question 59

Which of the following statements about the relationship between mismanaged conflict and relationship satisfaction is accurate?

A) Mismanaged conflict inevitably leads to lower relationship satisfaction.
B) Relationship satisfaction only decreases among couples who do not constructively manage conflict.
C) Poor problem-solving skills consistently predict lower levels of relationship satisfaction only when combined with high levels of positive affect.
D) Negative skills have a negative effect on relationship satisfaction only when combined with low levels of positive affect.

Question 60

According to research,anger and poor problem-solving skills _____ levels of relationship satisfaction.

A) predict higher
B) predict lower
C) predict both higher and lower
D) have no association with

Question 61

Rivian's mother was not affectionate to her as she grew up.She was inattentive to her needs and often neglected Rivian.As an adult,Rivian finds staying in a romantic relationship challenging.Her most recent relationship was marked by conflict and ended poorly.How might a psychologist explain Rivian's relationship issues?

Question 62

Sam and Oshrey have been married 9 years and are generally unhappy in their relationship.Izzie and Bowin have been married 8 years and are generally happy in their relationship.Both couples participate in a diary study where every evening they record the events that have taken place in their relationship and rate their relationship satisfaction.Based on the reactivity hypothesis discussed in the text,what differences would you expect to see between Sam and Oshrey's and Izzie and Bowin's diaries?

Question 63

How accurately can relational scholars predict relationship outcomes?

Question 64

Describe how the interactions of unhappy couples (in comparison to happy couples)can be characterized according to Gottman's structural model of marital interaction.

Question 65

Simon and his partner,Javed,are on their way home from a party.Javed is upset with Simon because he thinks Simon was flirting with another man at the party.Eventually,Simon notices that Javed is not talking and asks,"You're awfully quiet,is there something wrong?" Javed answers,"Yes,you are such a two-timing jerk-I saw you flirting with Andy in the kitchen!" Name and provide two examples of destructive conflict resolution strategies that Simon could use in response to Javed's accusation.

Question 66

Describe the associations between stress hormones,negative behaviors,and relationship satisfaction.

Question 67

How does Arthur Schopenhauer's parable of porcupines relate to relationship disagreement?

Question 68

Discuss three different attachment styles and how they relate to relationship conflict.

Question 69

Describe gender differences in the demand/withdraw pattern.

Question 70

One creative approach to studying how partners make sense of the behaviors they send and receive during a disagreement is the talk table.Imagine you are a researcher using this method,and Codruta and Sonia are a couple participating in your study.What instructions would you give to Codruta and Sonia about how to structure their problem-solving discussion?