CHAPTER 7: COMMUNICATING IN INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. _________________ involves interaction between people who are part of a close and irreplaceable relationship in which they treat each other as unique individuals.
2. Interpersonal communication
3. Dyadic communication
4. Content messages
5. Metacommunication
   

Answer: A
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Defining Interpersonal Communication

Objective: 7.1: Explain what makes some communication interpersonal.

1. Which of the following encounters exemplifies interpersonal communication?
2. You buy a coffee on your way to your morning class and say “thank you” to the barista as he hands you your drink.
3. During class, you discuss course concepts with a group of other students you just met.
4. 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.
5. Later that night, you post an impassioned and opinionated comment to a news site online.
   

Answer: C
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Defining Interpersonal Communication

Objective: 7.1: Explain what makes some communication interpersonal.

1. Which of the following statements is true?
2. All conversations will involve interpersonal communication.
3. Online conversations may or may not be interpersonal, depending on how well you know the person.
4. All task-related communication is interpersonal.
5. Interpersonal and intrapersonal communication are the same.

Answer: B

Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Defining Interpersonal Communication

Objective: 7.1: Explain what makes some communication interpersonal.

1. Which scenario best suggests interpersonal communication?
2. A conversation Jon and Andrea are having, two months before their wedding, about where to go for their honeymoon.
3. 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.
4. An online conversation Jon and Andrea are having, a day after they met at the gym, about fixing up a date.
5. A conversation Jon and Andrea are having at the gym which she has just joined.

Answer: A

Blooms: Analyzing

A-head: Defining Interpersonal Communication

Objective: 7.1: Explain what makes some communication interpersonal.

1. Interpersonal communication is most likely to occur between _______________.
2. a doctor having an initial talk with a new patient about personal health issues
3. a financial adviser with important information to share and her clients
4. a college professor and a group of prospective students
5. a father and his youngest son, discussing potential options for college

Answer: D

Blooms: Analyzing

A-head: Defining Interpersonal Communication

Objective: 7.1: Explain what makes some communication interpersonal.

1. 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?
2. It demonstrates interpersonal communication that was task-oriented.
3. It demonstrates interpersonal communication that was not task-oriented.
4. It demonstrates task-oriented communication that was not interpersonal.
5. It demonstrates communication that was neither interpersonal nor task-oriented.

Answer: C

Blooms: Analyzing

A-head: Defining Interpersonal Communication

Objective: 7.1: Explain what makes some communication interpersonal.

1. If a relationship can be described as interpersonal, we can be confident that _______________.
2. despite ups and downs, there will never be another one quite like it
3. it will not have faults
4. it will tend to focus on emotions most of the time
5. it cannot occur online

Answer: A

Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Defining Interpersonal Communication

Objective: 7.1: Explain what makes some communication interpersonal.

1. A _____________ focuses on the subject being discussed.
2. contextual message
3. qualitative message
4. content message
5. relational message
   

Answer: C
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Relational Messages

Objective: 7.2: Categorize and explain types of relational messages.

1. A _____________ conveys the affective and social relationship between two or more individuals.
2. contextual message
3. qualitative message
4. content message
5. relational message
   

Answer: D
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Relational Messages

Objective: 7.2: Categorize and explain types of relational messages.

1. The degree to which we like or appreciate others is known as ________________.
2. affinity
3. respect
4. immediacy
5. control
   

Answer: A
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Relational Messages

Objective: 7.2: Categorize and explain types of relational messages.

1. Communication scholars use the term ____________ to describe the degree of interest and attraction we feel toward and communicate to others.
2. affinity
3. respect
4. immediacy
5. control
   

Answer: C
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Relational Messages

Objective: 7.2: Categorize and explain types of relational messages.

1. 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?
2. affinity
3. respect
4. immediacy
5. control

Answer: D
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Relational Messages

Objective: 7.2: Categorize and explain types of relational messages.

1. Karen holds Kelly in really high esteem, but she doesn’t really like her. What dimension of relational messages does this exemplify?
2. affinity
3. respect
4. immediacy
5. control
   

Answer: B
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Relational Messages

Objective: 7.2: Categorize and explain types of relational messages.

1. 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?
2. affinity
3. respect
4. immediacy
5. control
   

Answer: A
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Relational Messages

Objective: 7.2: Categorize and explain types of relational messages.

1. 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?
2. 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.
3. Grant’s friend Justin notices him in line.
4. Justin tells Grant, “Cindy and I were just having a rough time.”
5. Grant puts his hand on Justin’s shoulder and tells him, “Any time. You’re a good friend.”
   

Answer: D
Blooms: Analyzing

A-head: Relational Messages

Objective: 7.2: Categorize and explain types of relational messages.

1. 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?
2. After a friendly smile, they quickly hug and greet each other.
3. Zachary begins talking about his dog.
4. He places his hand on Isabella’s back affectionately.
5. Isabella responds by putting her hand on his arm.
   

Answer: B
Blooms: Analyzing

A-head: Relational Messages

Objective: 7.2: Categorize and explain types of relational messages.

1. Social scientists use the term ________________ to describe messages that refer to other messages.
2. interpersonal communication
3. content messages
4. relational messages
5. metacommunication
   

Answer: D
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Metacommunication

Objective: 7.3: Evaluate the advantages and potential pitfalls of engaging in metacommunication.

1. 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 ________________.
2. affinity
3. control
4. immediacy
5. metacommunication
   

Answer: D
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Metacommunication

Objective: 7.3: Evaluate the advantages and potential pitfalls of engaging in metacommunication.

1. 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?

1. 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.
2. Grant’s friend Justin notices him in line and greets him by giving him a high-five.
3. 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.”
4. Grant puts his hand on Justin’s shoulder.
   

Answer: C
Blooms: Analyzing

A-head: Metacommunication

Objective: 7.3: Evaluate the advantages and potential pitfalls of engaging in metacommunication.

1. Michaela tells Sean, “I get worried when we don’t talk about the problems we are having.” This is an example of ________________.
2. control
3. respect
4. immediacy
5. metacommunication
   

Answer: D
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Metacommunication

Objective: 7.3: Evaluate the advantages and potential pitfalls of engaging in metacommunication.

1. Which of the following statements is an example of metacommunication?
2. “Can you pick up dinner on your way home from work?”
3. “Please try to do the dishes after dinner.”
4. “I wish you’d ask me how my day was when we’re having dinner.”
5. “I’m going to be home late, so please start dinner without me.”
   

Answer: C
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Metacommunication

Objective: 7.3: Evaluate the advantages and potential pitfalls of engaging in metacommunication.

1. Which option best applies to metacommunication?
2. It often gets at underlying meanings.
3. It is always interpersonal.
4. It is always indirect.
5. It is often task-related.

Answer: A

Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Metacommunication

Objective: 7.3: Evaluate the advantages and potential pitfalls of engaging in metacommunication.

1. The process of deliberately revealing information about oneself that is significant and that would not normally be known by others is called _______________.
2. affirmation
3. expression
4. immediacy
5. self-disclosure
   

Answer: D
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Self-Disclosure in Close Relationships

Objective: 7.4: Describe two models of self-disclosure, and apply tips for self-disclosing effectively.

1. The social penetration model is used to describe which two dimensions of communication?
2. interpersonal and intercultural
3. breadth and depth
4. depth and height
5. personal and interpersonal
   

Answer: B
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Self-Disclosure in Close Relationships

Objective: 7.4: Describe two models of self-disclosure, and apply tips for self-disclosing effectively.

1. The Johari Window is a way of representing how _______________ operates.
2. self-consciousness
3. self-awareness
4. intimacy
5. self-disclosure
   

Answer: D
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Self-Disclosure in Close Relationships

Objective: 7.4: Describe two models of self-disclosure, and apply tips for self-disclosing effectively.

1. When considering the social penetration model, disclosures are considered deep if they are ________________.
2. significant or private
3. significant or interesting
4. personal or private
5. relevant or personal
   

Answer: A
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Self-Disclosure in Close Relationships

Objective: 7.4: Describe two models of self-disclosure, and apply tips for self-disclosing effectively.

1. The area in the Johari Window that represents information of which you are unaware but that the other person knows is the ________________.
2. open area
3. blind area
4. hidden area
5. unknown area
   

Answer: B
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Self-Disclosure in Close Relationships

Objective: 7.4: Describe two models of self-disclosure, and apply tips for self-disclosing effectively.

1. Interpersonal relationships of any depth are virtually impossible if the individuals involved do not have much of a(n) ________________.
2. open area
3. blind area
4. hidden area
5. unknown area
   

Answer: A
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Self-Disclosure in Close Relationships

Objective: 7.4: Describe two models of self-disclosure, and apply tips for self-disclosing effectively.

1. 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?
2. The open area
3. The blind area
4. The hidden area
5. The unknown area

Answer: B
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Self-Disclosure in Close Relationships

Objective: 7.4: Describe two models of self-disclosure, and apply tips for self-disclosing effectively.

1. 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?
2. It has depth, but not much breadth.
3. It has breadth, but not much depth.
4. It’s in the open area.
5. It’s in the hidden area.
   

Answer: B
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Self-Disclosure in Close Relationships

Objective: 7.4: Describe two models of self-disclosure, and apply tips for self-disclosing effectively.

1. 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?
2. It is casual.
3. It shows the Goldilocks principle.
4. It has become passionate.
5. It has become intimate.
   

Answer: D
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Self-Disclosure in Close Relationships

Objective: 7.4: Describe two models of self-disclosure, and apply tips for self-disclosing effectively.

1. 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?
2. Their talks about politics, their lifestyles, and their interests.
3. Their talks about how they feel about friends and family.
4. Christie’s revelation about the pain and resentment she felt when her parents split.
5. 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.
   

Answer: D
Blooms: Analyzing

A-head: Self-Disclosure in Close Relationships

Objective: 7.4: Describe two models of self-disclosure, and apply tips for self-disclosing effectively.

1. 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?
2. Their talks about politics, their lifestyles, and their interests.
3. Their talks about how they feel about friends and family.
4. Christie’s revelation about the pain and resentment she felt when her parents split.
5. 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.
   

Answer: A
Blooms: Analyzing

A-head: Self-Disclosure in Close Relationships

Objective: 7.4: Describe two models of self-disclosure, and apply tips for self-disclosing effectively.

1. The term _______________ refers to episodes in which people snub those around them by paying attention to their phones instead.
2. phubbing
3. snubbing
4. ghosting
5. diminishing

Answer: A
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Interpersonal Communication Online

Objective: 7.5: Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of online interpersonal communication.

1. Choose the most correct statement regarding online communication.
2. Online relationships cannot be interpersonal.
3. Online communication will always diminish the quantity and quality of interpersonal communication.
4. Mediated communication is more genuine than face-to-face communication because of its asynchronous nature.
5. Dating couples who talk frequently via phone feel more loving, committed, and confident about their relationship than couples who don’t.

Answer: D
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Interpersonal Communication Online

Objective: 7.5: Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of online interpersonal communication.

1. 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?
2. Online communication helps people stay connected.
3. Online communication can feel nonthreatening.
4. Online communication can be validating.
5. Online communication has a pause option.

Answer: B
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Interpersonal Communication Online

Objective: 7.5: Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of online interpersonal communication.

1. Which statement is correct?
2. The presence of mobile devices has no effect on closeness, connection, and conversation quality during personal face-to-face discussions.
3. Asynchronous messages require an immediate response.
4. 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.
5. For extraverts, mediated channels typically make it easier to build close relationships.

Answer: C

Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Interpersonal Communication Online

Objective: 7.5: Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of online interpersonal communication.

1. 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 felt isolated. Which feature of online communication does this scenario best evoke?
2. Online communication has a pause option.
3. Online communication can be validating.
4. Online communication helps people stay connected.
5. Online communication can be overwhelming.

Answer: D

Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Interpersonal Communication Online

Objective: 7.5: Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of online interpersonal communication.

1. Many forms of online communication are _______________, meaning that they allow you to think about messages and then reply when you are ready.
2. interpersonal
3. asynchronous
4. dyadic
5. validating

Answer: B

Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Interpersonal Communication Online

Objective: 7.5: Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of online interpersonal communication.

1. The term _______________ refers to the emotional tone of a relationship.
2. communication climate
3. recognition
4. hidden area
5. spiral

Answer: A
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Confirming and Disconfirming Messages

Objective: 7.6: Describe confirming and disconfirming messages and their impact on communication climates.

1. Messages that show you are valued are called _______________.
2. compliments
3. disconfirming responses
4. confirming responses
5. positive communication climates
   

Answer: C
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Confirming and Disconfirming Messages

Objective: 7.6: Describe confirming and disconfirming messages and their impact on communication climates.

1. Messages that deny the value of others have been labeled _______________.
2. insults
3. disconfirming responses
4. confirming responses
5. negative communication climates
   

Answer: B
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Confirming and Disconfirming Messages

Objective: 7.6: Describe confirming and disconfirming messages and their impact on communication climates.

1. “When you don’t let me say what’s on my mind, I get frustrated.” This is an example of _______________.
2. evaluative communication
3. a disconfirming response
4. a confirming responses
5. descriptive communication
   

Answer: D
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Confirming and Disconfirming Messages

Objective: 7.6: Describe confirming and disconfirming messages and their impact on communication climates.

1. “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_______________.
2. superior communication
3. a confirming response
4. manipulative communication
5. descriptive communication
   

Answer: A
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Confirming and Disconfirming Messages

Objective: 7.6: Describe confirming and disconfirming messages and their impact on communication climates.

1. 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. That’s why your parents are upset with you.” Aaron is upset by this. Why?
2. Because she is using a hurtful evaluation.
3. Because she is using confirming messages.
4. Because she is using a manipulative message.
5. Because she is using a dogmatic message.

Answer: A

Blooms: Analyzing

A-head: Confirming and Disconfirming Messages

Objective: 7.6: Describe confirming and disconfirming messages and their impact on communication climates.

1. 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?
2. Because she wasn’t manipulative.
3. Because she wasn’t acting superior.
4. Because she wasn’t being dogmatic.
5. Because she wasn’t being confirming.

Answer: B
Blooms: Analyzing 7

A-head: Confirming and Disconfirming Messages

Objective: 7.6: Describe confirming and disconfirming messages and their impact on communication climates.

1. 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 _____________.
2. “you” language
3. affinity
4. manipulative language
5. restraint
   

Answer: C
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Confirming and Disconfirming Messages

Objective: 7.6: Describe confirming and disconfirming messages and their impact on communication climates.

1. Marie was very unhappy that her food came out cold at the restaurant. She said, “Only an incompetent idiot would bring out food that wasn’t hot.” This is an example of a __________________.
2. manipulative message
3. recognition message
4. dogmatic message
5. restrained message

Answer: C
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Confirming and Disconfirming Messages

Objective: 7.6: Describe confirming and disconfirming messages and their impact on communication climates.

1. Marie was very unhappy that her food came out cold at the restaurant and proceeded to yell at the waiter. Although John was not happy that Marie yelled at the waiter, he told her, “I can understand why you’re upset. That happened to me last week!” This is an example of __________________.
2. recognition
3. “you” language
4. restraint
5. endorsement

Answer: D
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Confirming and Disconfirming Messages

Objective: 7.6: Describe confirming and disconfirming messages and their impact on communication climates.

1. Jake was upset because Dana did not make eye contact or say “hello” when she arrived at a party that Jake was attending. What did Dana fail to do?
2. Recognize Jake.
3. Endorse Jake.
4. Agree with Jake.
5. Acknowledge Jake’s thoughts.

Answer: A
Blooms: Analyzing

A-head: Confirming and Disconfirming Messages

Objective: 7.6: Describe confirming and disconfirming messages and their impact on communication climates.

1. A reciprocating communication pattern in which each person’s message reinforces the other’s is called _______________.
2. a spiral
3. a disconfirming response
4. a confirming response
5. avoidance
   

Answer: A
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Relational Spirals
Objective: 7.7: Distinguish between positive and negative relational spirals.

1. A pattern in which disconfirming messages reinforce one another, often leading to a full-blown argument is called _______________.
2. evaluative communication
3. a disconfirming response
4. dogmatic language
5. an escalatory conflict spiral
   

Answer: D
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Relational Spirals
Objective: 7.7: Distinguish between positive and negative relational spirals.

1. A communication pattern in which the parties slowly reduce their dependence on one another, withdraw, and become less invested in the relationship is called _______________.
2. evaluative communication
3. a disconfirming response
4. an escalatory conflict spiral
5. an avoidance spiral
   

Answer: D
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Relational Spirals
Objective: 7.7: Distinguish between positive and negative relational spirals.

1. Seena and Jack disagree with each other’s plan for the future. Instead of talking about it, they simply have not discussed it, and the reasons for their disagreement have never been communicated. Since their disagreement, they have not spoken much, which is strange because they were great friends. What might best explain this?
2. Evaluative communication
3. Disconfirming responses
4. An escalatory conflict spiral
5. An avoidance spiral
   

Answer: D
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Relational Spirals
Objective: 7.7: Distinguish between positive and negative relational spirals.

1. 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?
2. Evaluative communication
3. Disconfirming responses
4. An escalatory conflict spiral
5. An avoidance spiral
   

Answer: C
Blooms: Understanding

A-head: Relational Spirals
Objective: 7.7: Distinguish between positive and negative relational spirals.

1. 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.
2. interpersonal communication
3. a positive spiral
4. metacommunication
5. a negative spiral

Answer: B
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Relational Spirals
Objective: 7.7: Distinguish between positive and negative relational spirals.

1. 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.
2. 5, 1
3. 2, 20
4. 100, 5
5. 50, 50
   

Answer: A
Blooms: Remembering

A-head: Relational Spirals
Objective: 7.7: Distinguish between positive and negative relational spirals.

SHORT ANSWER

58. What are the four dimensions of relational messages?

Answer: affinity; respect; immediacy; and control.

A-head: Relational Messages

Objective: 7.2: Categorize and explain types of relational messages.

59. What are the four areas of the Johari Window?

Answer: open area; blind area; hidden area; and unknown area.

A-head: Self-Disclosure in Close Relationships

Objective: 7.4: Describe two models of self-disclosure, and apply tips for self-disclosing effectively.

60. Which two ways does the social penetration model show how communication can be more or less disclosing?

Answer: By breadth and depth

A-head: Self-Disclosure in Close Relationships

Objective: 7.4: Describe two models of self-disclosure, and apply tips for self-disclosing effectively.

61. Name the three levels of increasingly confirming communication.

Answer: recognition; acknowledgment; and endorsement.

A-head: Confirming and Disconfirming Messages

Objective: 7.6: Describe confirming and disconfirming messages and their impact on communication climates.

62. Identify two types of negative spirals.

Answer: escalatory conflict spirals and avoidance spirals.

A-head: Relational Spirals
Objective: 7.7: Distinguish between positive and negative relational spirals.

ESSAY QUESTIONS

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

Main point: Metacommunication has both advantages and risks.

Answers must include:
a) Metacommunication describes messages that refer to other messages.
b) Metacommunication is often below the surface and can bring out issues that might otherwise fester or cause misunderstandings.

c) Metacommunication can be used for more than solving problems.

d) Metacommunication can be risky. Discussing problems might be interpreted as a sign that the relationship is in trouble.

Answers may include:
a) Metacommunication is a good way to reinforce positive aspects of a relationship.
b) Positive comments let others know you value their behavior and boost the odds that they will continue those behaviors in the future.

c) Metacommunication is a tool that should be used carefully.

A-head: Metacommunication

Objective: 7.3: Evaluate the advantages and potential pitfalls of engaging in metacommunication.

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

Main point: There are two models of self-disclosure that help explain how self-disclosure occurs.

Answers must include:
a) Acknowledgement of the two cited models: the social penetration model and the Johari Window.
b) The social penetration model shows ways in which communication can be more or less disclosing.
c) The Johari Window represents everything about a person, known and unknown, and how it positions relative awareness, from unknown areas to known areas, through self-disclosure.

Answers may include:
a) The social penetration model is based on the breadth and depth of communication.
b) The Johari Window consists of four areas: open area, blind area, hidden area, and unknown area.

c) Self-disclosure on both sides is necessary for the development of any interpersonal relationship.

A-head: Self-Disclosure in Close Relationships

Objective: 7.4: Describe two models of self-disclosure, and apply tips for self-disclosing effectively.

65. What are some of the advantages of online communication?

Main point: There are benefits of online interpersonal communication.

Answers must include:
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…sometimes.

Answers may include:
a) Adolescents who use online communication typically have more cohesive friendships than other teens.

b) Dating couples who talk frequently via mobile phone feel more loving, committed, and confident about their relationship than couples who don’t.

c) People who are shy may find some messages easier to send than to say aloud.

d) Online communication can convey social support.

e) Online communication allows one to catch mistakes and avoid blurting out something one would regret later.

A-head: Interpersonal Communication Online

Objective: 7.5: Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of online interpersonal communication.

66. What are some of the disadvantages of online communication?

Main point: There are negative aspects of online interpersonal communication.

Answers will vary, must include:
a) Online communication has a pause option…sometimes.
b) Online communication can be distracting.
c) Online communication can be overwhelming.

Answers will vary, may include:
a) Asynchronous electronic communication can feel less spontaneous and more calculated.
b) It can diminish in-person relationships.

c) The mere presence of mobile devices can have a negative effect on closeness, connection, and conversation quality during face-to-face discussions of personal topics.

d) Online communication can encourage quantity over quality.

A-head: Interpersonal Communication Online

Objective: 7.5: Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of online interpersonal communication.

67. Describe what the term “communication climate” means.

Main point: Understanding communication climates can help you avoid negative communication scenarios.

Answers must include:
a) Communication climate refers to the emotional tone of a relationship and is determined by the degree to which people see themselves as valued.

b) It includes confirming messages, which are positive.
c) It also includes disconfirming messages, which deny the value of others and show disrespect.

Answers may include:
a) Confirming responses include: recognition, acknowledgment, and endorsement.
c) Four ways to avoid damaging your relationships: avoid hurtful evaluations; don’t be manipulative; don’t act superior; don’t be dogmatic.

A-head: Confirming and Disconfirming Messages

Objective: 7.6: Describe confirming and disconfirming messages and their impact on communication climates.