Deck 7: Creating a Positive Communication Climate

Question 1

Now that Lindsey has a boyfriend, she has stopped making an effort to keep her female friends. Her best friend, Eileen tried to speak with Lindsey about this, but Lindsey has made it clear that she will spend all of her time with her boyfriend. Since Lindsey is no longer comfortable associating with Eileen, she will not answer her phone or accept text messages. What defense mechanism is Lindsey displaying?

A) Reaction formation.
B) Avoidance.
C) Distancing.
D) Psychological withdrawal.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

________ communication is a person's reaction, either verbal or nonverbal, to a communication situation in which he or she feels personally threatened or uncomfortable.

A) Defensive
B) Judgmental
C) Supportive
D) Hostile

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Sarna needs to ask Marvin a question. Marvin is an executive and considers Sarna to be "only" a clerk. Sarna fears that asking Marvin a question will result in Marvin becoming openly hostile toward Sarna. According to Jack Gibb, Marvin is displaying which type of defensive behavior?

A) Equality
B) Superiority
C) Certainty
D) Evaluation

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Using a one-sided solution to make another person conform to your way of thinking is

A) control.
B) strategy.
C) certainty.
D) neutrality.

Question 5

A biting sense of humor designed to keep people away and to maintain control of a situation is the defense mechanism known as

A) avoidance.
B) distancing.
C) sarcasm.
D) control.

Question 6

Curt is eating dinner with his parents when they start to argue. They are saying hateful things to each other, yet Curt does not dare leave the table. Feeling trapped and uncomfortable, he stares down at his plate counting peas. Which defense mechanism is Curt demonstrating?

A) Avoidance
B) Distancing
C) Psychological withdrawal
D) Reaction formation

Question 7

People who know Paul always think he is mean spirited and arrogant. Little did they know that his cold and aloof attitude is a defense mechanism because he is insecure and is afraid of being criticized. To protect himself, Paul is using the defense mechanism called

A) avoidance.
B) distancing.
C) overly critical communication.
D) reaction formation.

Question 8

The emotional atmosphere relating to the state of mind we bring with us when we engage in the act of communicating is known as

A) the Gibb pairings.
B) Provisionalism theory.
C) the communication climate.
D) the psychological climate.

Question 9

According to Gibb, a person who believes that his/her way is the only way to proceed has a high degree of _____. On the other hand, a person who is willing to explore new ideas and realizes that there can be an alternate solution shows

A) superiority/equality
B) strategy/spontaneity
C) certainty/provisionalism
D) control/problem orientation

Question 10

The defense mechanism called _____ occurs when individuals judge the behavior of others; they compare the accomplishments of others to their own feelings of inadequacy and believe that by criticizing others, their own self-esteem will be enhanced.

A) avoidance
B) sarcasm
C) outdoing others
D) overly critical communication

Question 11

Judging or criticizing the behavior of others is a defense mechanism known as

A) sarcasm.
B) reaction formation.
C) overly critical communication.
D) outdoing others.

Question 12

Amy is furious! She has just found out that her boyfriend went to the car show on Valentine's Day instead of taking her out for a romantic dinner. She wants to confront him and call him a good-for-nothing jerk. Instead, she calms down and explains to him how his actions hurt her. Amy used which Gibb pairing to communicate to her boyfriend?

A) Strategy versus spontaneity
B) Superiority versus equality
C) Control versus problem orientation
D) Evaluation versus description

Question 13

Jack Gibb differentiates between two different types of communication climates. The climate in which one encourages a free and open interaction between individuals is called the

A) defensive climate.
B) evaluative climate.
C) supportive climate.
D) illustrative climate.

Question 14

An email that is insulting, mean spirited, offensive, or makes the reader angry is called a(n)

A) emoticon.
B) flame.
C) outrage.
D) bomb.

Question 15

Debbie is Melanie's age. Like Melanie, she went through a rebellious stage during her teens. There was considerable tension in her household, yet Debbie's family did not assume that the problem was entirely hers. Instead, the whole family participated in counseling sessions. This is an example of taking what approach in Gibb's pairings instead of control?

A) Problem orientation
B) Descriptive
C) Strategy
D) Spontaneity

Question 16

According to the Gibb study, it is better to say what you feel than to prepare a script when trying to resolve a conflict. This pairing is known as

A) evaluation versus description.
B) control versus problem orientation.
C) neutrality versus empathy.
D) strategy versus spontaneity.

Question 17

Annie has worked her way to the top at a major city newspaper and is now a top columnist. During her career she experienced almost abusive treatment from supervisors who wanted to "put her in her place." Now that she is in a position of authority, she feels it is important to treat others with respect. What Gibb pairing does Annie's two experiences describe?

A) Superiority versus equality
B) Certainty versus provisionalism
C) Strategy versus spontaneity
D) Control versus problem orientation

Question 18

The willingness to explore new ideas is known as ________ as opposed to certainty where one person believes that others cannot possibly contribute new knowledge to the situation.

A) evaluative
B) provisionalism
C) descriptive
D) controlling

Question 19

When he heard the jury's guilty verdict, Jerry's heart sank and he wanted to cry. Instead, he kept a stoic face and showed no emotion. This is an example of what type of defense mechanism?

A) Reaction formation
B) Psychological withdrawal
C) Avoidance
D) Distancing

Question 20

Which counteractive behavior to empathy contributes to a defensive climate?

A) Control
B) Superiority
C) Certainty
D) Neutrality

Question 21

________ is the defense mechanism displayed when we retreat from a problem in a relationship.

Question 22

________ is when we behave contrary to the way we feel.

Question 23

Brandon and Megan have been dating for two months. On their dates, they engage in safe, nonthreatening communication that involves little risk. This is known as ________.

Question 24

Name at least five of the eight defense mechanisms listed in this chapter.

Question 25

According to ________, for every identified defensive behavior, there is a counteractive behavior that contributes to a supportive climate.

Question 26

Define a defensive climate, and provide some defensive behaviors from the Gibb pairings as examples.

Question 27

Define a supportive climate and provide some examples of supportive behaviors from the Gibb pairings.

Question 28

The Gibb study identifies six pairings of behaviors that contribute to a defensive/supportive climate. Name the six pairs.

Question 29

Identify several guidelines to follow to avoid sending a defensive flame to an email.

Question 30

Discuss, in two or three sentences, how stepping back can help when we encounter someone else's defensive communication.

Question 31

Evan has no energy to break up with Linda. Although she has left several messages, he refuses to speak or meet with her. Evan is displaying distancing.

Question 32

When we do not confront a problem and are convinced it will just go away by itself, then we are using avoidance.

Question 33

A defensive climate encourages a free and open interaction between individuals.

Question 34

Although defensiveness is an understandable reaction to an uncomfortable situation, learning how to cope with defensive communication, both our own and that of others, can lead to greater confidence as a communicator.

Question 35

Meaningful communication is a result of increased understanding of defensiveness and leads to more meaningful relationships at home, work, and school.

Question 36

Gorhan is in love with Cassandra and wants to move to her city, eight hours away from his hometown. Knowing his mother will react badly to this move, he writes out exactly what he wants to say. His plan backfired in part because he delivered his message in a stiff and unconvincing manner. According to Gibb, this defensive behavior is called control.

Question 37

Reba is at a party and is feeling left out and awkward. Instead of retreating to a corner, Reba is laughing uncontrollably to hide how she really feels. Reba is using reaction formation.

Question 38

A biting sense of humor designed to maintain control and keep people at a distance is called sarcasm.

Question 39

People communicate defensively in an attempt to protect their "public" self.

Question 40

Talking about the weather, the color of paint, or whether the Bulls basketball team is in for a good season are examples of topics used in formula communication.

Question 41

By keeping his commitment to usher at his ex-brother-in-law's wedding but not mingling or socializing, Donald is using a defense mechanism known as psychological withdrawal.

Question 42

Empathy implies indifference toward another individual, whereas neutrality is the ability to look at something from another's perspective.

Question 43

Gibb pairings are differentiated by physical, social, and psychological climates.

Question 44

Outdoing others happens when you compete in a way that says you are better or when you are trying to top the achievement of another.

Question 45

One guideline to follow in order to effectively avoid using email flaming as a defense mechanism is to send a copy of the email to yourself when you send your response.

Question 46

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Avoidance

A) A biting sense of humor designed to keep people at a distance and to maintain control in a situation
B) Constantly topping the achievements of others
C) Emotional atmosphere, which encourages a free and open interaction between individuals
D) A defensive response that communicates "Do not get close to me!"
E) We retreat from a problem in a relationship
F) Behaving contrary to the way we really feel
G) Emotional atmosphere, which inhibits interaction between individuals
H) Feeling uncomfortable in a situation but feel forced to be physically present
I) Verbally judging the behavior of others in an effort to enhance own self-esteem
J) A means of making the other party conform to our way of thinking
K) Engaging in safe, nonthreatening communication that involves little risk to the communicator

Question 47

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Distancing

A) A biting sense of humor designed to keep people at a distance and to maintain control in a situation
B) Constantly topping the achievements of others
C) Emotional atmosphere, which encourages a free and open interaction between individuals
D) A defensive response that communicates "Do not get close to me!"
E) We retreat from a problem in a relationship
F) Behaving contrary to the way we really feel
G) Emotional atmosphere, which inhibits interaction between individuals
H) Feeling uncomfortable in a situation but feel forced to be physically present
I) Verbally judging the behavior of others in an effort to enhance own self-esteem
J) A means of making the other party conform to our way of thinking
K) Engaging in safe, nonthreatening communication that involves little risk to the communicator

Question 48

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Overly critical communication

A) A biting sense of humor designed to keep people at a distance and to maintain control in a situation
B) Constantly topping the achievements of others
C) Emotional atmosphere, which encourages a free and open interaction between individuals
D) A defensive response that communicates "Do not get close to me!"
E) We retreat from a problem in a relationship
F) Behaving contrary to the way we really feel
G) Emotional atmosphere, which inhibits interaction between individuals
H) Feeling uncomfortable in a situation but feel forced to be physically present
I) Verbally judging the behavior of others in an effort to enhance own self-esteem
J) A means of making the other party conform to our way of thinking
K) Engaging in safe, nonthreatening communication that involves little risk to the communicator

Question 49

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Formula communication

A) A biting sense of humor designed to keep people at a distance and to maintain control in a situation
B) Constantly topping the achievements of others
C) Emotional atmosphere, which encourages a free and open interaction between individuals
D) A defensive response that communicates "Do not get close to me!"
E) We retreat from a problem in a relationship
F) Behaving contrary to the way we really feel
G) Emotional atmosphere, which inhibits interaction between individuals
H) Feeling uncomfortable in a situation but feel forced to be physically present
I) Verbally judging the behavior of others in an effort to enhance own self-esteem
J) A means of making the other party conform to our way of thinking
K) Engaging in safe, nonthreatening communication that involves little risk to the communicator

Question 50

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Supportive climate

A) A biting sense of humor designed to keep people at a distance and to maintain control in a situation
B) Constantly topping the achievements of others
C) Emotional atmosphere, which encourages a free and open interaction between individuals
D) A defensive response that communicates "Do not get close to me!"
E) We retreat from a problem in a relationship
F) Behaving contrary to the way we really feel
G) Emotional atmosphere, which inhibits interaction between individuals
H) Feeling uncomfortable in a situation but feel forced to be physically present
I) Verbally judging the behavior of others in an effort to enhance own self-esteem
J) A means of making the other party conform to our way of thinking
K) Engaging in safe, nonthreatening communication that involves little risk to the communicator

Question 51

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Outdoing others

A) A biting sense of humor designed to keep people at a distance and to maintain control in a situation
B) Constantly topping the achievements of others
C) Emotional atmosphere, which encourages a free and open interaction between individuals
D) A defensive response that communicates "Do not get close to me!"
E) We retreat from a problem in a relationship
F) Behaving contrary to the way we really feel
G) Emotional atmosphere, which inhibits interaction between individuals
H) Feeling uncomfortable in a situation but feel forced to be physically present
I) Verbally judging the behavior of others in an effort to enhance own self-esteem
J) A means of making the other party conform to our way of thinking
K) Engaging in safe, nonthreatening communication that involves little risk to the communicator

Question 52

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Defensive climate

A) A biting sense of humor designed to keep people at a distance and to maintain control in a situation
B) Constantly topping the achievements of others
C) Emotional atmosphere, which encourages a free and open interaction between individuals
D) A defensive response that communicates "Do not get close to me!"
E) We retreat from a problem in a relationship
F) Behaving contrary to the way we really feel
G) Emotional atmosphere, which inhibits interaction between individuals
H) Feeling uncomfortable in a situation but feel forced to be physically present
I) Verbally judging the behavior of others in an effort to enhance own self-esteem
J) A means of making the other party conform to our way of thinking
K) Engaging in safe, nonthreatening communication that involves little risk to the communicator

Question 53

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Psychological withdrawal

A) A biting sense of humor designed to keep people at a distance and to maintain control in a situation
B) Constantly topping the achievements of others
C) Emotional atmosphere, which encourages a free and open interaction between individuals
D) A defensive response that communicates "Do not get close to me!"
E) We retreat from a problem in a relationship
F) Behaving contrary to the way we really feel
G) Emotional atmosphere, which inhibits interaction between individuals
H) Feeling uncomfortable in a situation but feel forced to be physically present
I) Verbally judging the behavior of others in an effort to enhance own self-esteem
J) A means of making the other party conform to our way of thinking
K) Engaging in safe, nonthreatening communication that involves little risk to the communicator

Question 54

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Reaction formation

A) A biting sense of humor designed to keep people at a distance and to maintain control in a situation
B) Constantly topping the achievements of others
C) Emotional atmosphere, which encourages a free and open interaction between individuals
D) A defensive response that communicates "Do not get close to me!"
E) We retreat from a problem in a relationship
F) Behaving contrary to the way we really feel
G) Emotional atmosphere, which inhibits interaction between individuals
H) Feeling uncomfortable in a situation but feel forced to be physically present
I) Verbally judging the behavior of others in an effort to enhance own self-esteem
J) A means of making the other party conform to our way of thinking
K) Engaging in safe, nonthreatening communication that involves little risk to the communicator

Question 55

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Sarcasm

A) A biting sense of humor designed to keep people at a distance and to maintain control in a situation
B) Constantly topping the achievements of others
C) Emotional atmosphere, which encourages a free and open interaction between individuals
D) A defensive response that communicates "Do not get close to me!"
E) We retreat from a problem in a relationship
F) Behaving contrary to the way we really feel
G) Emotional atmosphere, which inhibits interaction between individuals
H) Feeling uncomfortable in a situation but feel forced to be physically present
I) Verbally judging the behavior of others in an effort to enhance own self-esteem
J) A means of making the other party conform to our way of thinking
K) Engaging in safe, nonthreatening communication that involves little risk to the communicator

Question 56

Identify, define, and give an example of a defense mechanism that you personally use when communicating with others. Next, explain why you use the defense mechanism. Finally, explain how you can use supportive communication skills to minimize the use of the identified defense mechanism.

Question 57

Define distancing, avoidance, and psychological withdrawal. Give an example of each.

Question 58

Ned received the following "flame" e-mail from Jean, a woman he has been dating for three months. "HOW DARE YOU STAND ME UP, YOU HORRIBLE &*#^!! I waited for you for three hours. You couldn't have made me feel worse if you tried. Who do you think you are? ROT IN #@!&. Even better, I hope you meet the love of your life who treats you the same way you treat me. Have the worst life ever! Jean." How should Ned respond? Write his response below.

Question 59

Explain the term "communication climate." Define the two types of communication climates listed in your text. How can we prevent ourselves from communicating defensively?

Question 60

Identify all six of the "pairings" of behaviors that contribute to a defensive/supportive climate from the Gibb study, and explain three of the pairings in relation to their contribution to climate.