Deck 8: Communication and Relational Dynamics

Question 1

Small talk typically occurs during the initiating stage of an interpersonal relationship.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Hints are more direct than equivocal statements.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Couples who balance their dialectical tensions enjoy both their time apart from each other and their time together.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

One Canadian study found that 15 percent of Grade 11 students said they had sexted, and 36 reported that they had received a sext.

Question 5

The strongest influence on why people disclose seems to be how well they know the other person.

Question 6

Reciprocal liking builds attractiveness.

Question 7

Considering context is a primary means for categorizing interpersonal relationships.

Question 8

Intimacy can come from intellectual sharing alone.

Question 9

Just because we have revealed many different kinds of facts to another person doesn't mean that we have an intimate relationship.

Question 10

Research is now suggesting that the rise of Internet dating services could be behind weaker marriages and a decrease in interracial partnerships.

Question 11

Self-disclosure of personal thoughts and feelings may be inappropriate and risky in the work setting.

Question 12

The terminating stage of an interpersonal relationship can be quite short or drawn out over time.

Question 13

The "Unknown" window of the Johari model represents things about yourself that another knows, but you do not.

Question 14

Self-disclosure tends to draw people closer as long as the messages are perceived to be appropriate.

Question 15

Self-disclosure must be frequent to be effective.

Question 16

A study of truthfulness shows that over half of an individual's daily statements are totally honest.

Question 17

The "Blind" window of the Johari model represents things about yourself that another may know about you, but you do not.

Question 18

Social exchange theory suggests people seek relationships in which the rewards they receive from others are equal to or greater than the costs they encounter.

Question 19

Since they are honest and true, comments to another like "I've always thought you were a bit flaky" have constructive effects in self-disclosure.

Question 20

Constant self-disclosure is a useful goal for those of us trying to improve a relationship.

Question 21

Rather than see relationships in stages, some take the dialectical tensions view and see relationships in terms of a balance between being a couple and maintaining individuality.

Question 22

"I know you're busy; I better let you go." This example describes a hint.

Question 23

To maintain a healthy relationship during the stagnating stage, partners need to balance the need for togetherness with the need for independence.

Question 24

All self-disclosure leads to liking or attractiveness.

Question 25

When it comes to technology, studies have found that satisfied couples negotiate and adhere to rules about cell phone usage as a way to balance connection and independence.

Question 26

Physical intimacy is the best type of relational intimacy.

Question 27

Telling your best friend's secrets to your partner is an example of an unintentional relational transgression.

Question 28

Forgiveness can reduce emotional distress and aggression and also improve cardiovascular functioning.

Question 29

Differentiation in relationships is always negative since it is part of the "coming apart" process.

Question 30

Reciprocity and self-clarification are two benefits of self-disclosure.

Question 31

According to the text, real self-disclosure does not involve attempts at control of the other.

Question 32

Breadth is the first dimension of self-disclosure, involving the range of subjects being discussed.

Question 33

People are judged as attractive in proportion to the amount to which they disclose themselves to others, no matter what the situation.

Question 34

Most lies are told for the benefit of the recipient.

Question 35

The fact that we are attracted to competent people means that we need to appear flawless to others.

Question 36

Relational partners are happiest when they are similar in the amount and content of their self-disclosure.

Question 37

Social exchange theory is a socioeconomic theory of relational development that suggests people seek
relationships in which the rewards they receive from others are equal to or greater than the costs they encounter.

Question 38

"I acted like a selfish jerk." This is an example of an explicit acknowledgement that the transgression was wrong.

Question 39

Not all self-disclosure draws people closer.

Question 40

Many people equivocate rather than tell the truth because it saves face for both the sender and receiver.

Question 41

Dialectical tensions exist in relationships when two incompatible forces or pressures exist at the same time.

Question 42

A damaged relationship is impossible to repair even with a well-considered apology

Question 43

Self-disclosure from both people is necessary for the development of a satisfying relationship.

Question 44

Frequent contact increases the likelihood of friendship developing.

Question 45

A benevolent lie is a lie defined by the teller as not cruel or even helpful to the person to whom it is told.

Question 46

In most instances, the relational stage of bonding involves a significant public action that makes the relationship publicly recognized.

Question 47

Good listening skills are necessary aspects of your self-disclosure skills because you have to listen well to others to match the content and amount of your self-disclosure to theirs.

Question 48

The experimenting stage of interpersonal relationships is characterized by the exchange of biographical information and personal but not intimate comments.

Question 49

Breadth is a dimension of self-disclosure involving a shift from relatively non-revealing messages to more personal ones.

Question 50

Any healthy relationship will go through all the ten stages of relational development, from initiating to terminating.

Question 51

Physical appearance is the primary attraction in speed dating.

Question 52

People sometimes self-disclose to create a good impression.

Question 53

Communication during the initiating stage of interpersonal relationships is characterized by lengthy conversations about the interests of the parties involved.

Question 54

The social penetration model represents both the breadth and the depth of your self-disclosure with another person.

Question 55

An interpersonal relationship is an association in which the parties meet each other's social needs to a greater or lesser degree.

Question 56

People with low self-esteem find "perfect" people more attractive than people who are competent but flawed.

Question 57

If a communicator is truly competent, he/she will be able to resolve the conflicting needs involved in dialectical tensions competently.

Question 58

Research shows that deception threatens relationships.

Question 59

The initiating stage of interpersonal relationships is brief.

Question 60

The circumscribing stage of interpersonal relationships involves extensive avoidance of the other.

Question 61

Privacy management is defined as the choices people make to reveal or conceal information about themselves.

Question 62

Many long-term relationships aren't characterized by a constant exchange of intimate details.

Question 63

In the workplace, socialization refers to how new employees interact with other employees in non-work activities.

Question 64

Some lies are designed to make the relationship grow.

Question 65

We are attracted to others we believe are like us, even if they behave offensively.

Question 66

Withdrawing from your partner is an example of an incremental relational transgression.

Question 67

Differences strengthen a relationship when they are complementary.

Question 68

Attraction to others is greatest when we perceive we are similar to them in a high percentage of important areas like goals and beliefs.

Question 69

Hints, benevolent lies, and equivocations are sometimes ethical alternatives to telling the truth.

Question 70

We like people who like us, even when their liking of us is insincere.

Question 71

The best way to right a wrong is to take responsibility for your transgression.

Question 72

Initiating is the opening stage in all relationships, not just romantic ones.

Question 73

Self-disclosure can have the effect of an attack on the other person.

Question 74

In couples with long-term success, the partners tend to be similar in some ways but different in others.

Question 75

Sharing activities is a dimension of intimacy.

Question 76

Your relationship is likely at risk if you discover your partner has told you serious lies regarding the relationship.

Question 77

Self-disclosure is more effective if used in the context of a positive relationship.

Question 78

One study found that appearance is especially important in the early stages of a relationship.

Question 79

Social circles merge, and the relational partners take on a new relational identity in the intensifying stage of relationships.

Question 80

If faced with a choice to tell the painful truth or deliver an equivocal message, most people will tell the truth.