Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

While we may admire competence in others, it is not necessary to appear flawless ourselves in order to be attractive. In fact, vulnerability and imperfection can make us more relatable and endearing to others.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Research in social psychology has shown that we tend to feel more attracted to people who are similar to us, especially in important areas such as values, beliefs, and goals. This is known as the similarity-attraction hypothesis. When we perceive that someone is similar to us, we may feel more comfortable, understood, and validated in our own beliefs and values, which can increase our attraction to them.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of We like people who like us,even when...

Question 4

Considering context is a primary means for categorizing interpersonal relationships.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Considering context is a primary means for...

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

People with low self-esteem often feel inadequate and imperfect themselves, so they may seek out partners who appear flawless or "perfect" in some way as a way to compensate for their own perceived shortcomings. They may also feel more comfortable with someone they perceive as being "above" them in some way, as it reinforces their negative self-image.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Small talk typically occurs during the initiating...

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Partners in long-term successful relationships often share similar values, beliefs, and goals, which helps them maintain a strong emotional connection. However, they may also have differences in personality, interests, and habits, which can keep the relationship interesting and challenging. Balancing similarities and differences can promote harmony and growth in the relationship.

Question 8

Differences strengthen a relationship when they are complementary.

Accepted Answer

Differences can bring a diverse set of skills, perspectives, and interests to a relationship, making it more interesting and dynamic. However, if differences are too extreme or incompatible, they can create conflict and weaken the relationship. Therefore, complementary differences that enhance and balance each other can strengthen a relationship.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Initiating is the first step in forming a relationship and can be applicable to any type of relationship, such as personal, professional, or social.

Question 10

We are attracted to others we believe are like us,even if they behave in an offensive manner.

Accepted Answer

The answer of We are attracted to others we believe...

Question 11

The initiating stage of interpersonal relationships is brief.

Accepted Answer

The initiating stage of interpersonal relationships is typically brief, consisting of initial impressions and exchanges of basic information.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

An interpersonal relationship is defined as an association between two or more individuals in which they communicate and interact with each other, and meet each other's social needs to a certain degree. This can range from casual acquaintances to close romantic partners, and the level of social need fulfillment can vary depending on the relationship.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

During the initiating stage of interpersonal relationships, communication is typically characterized by short, superficial exchanges rather than lengthy conversations, as individuals are just beginning to get to know each other.

Question 14

Reciprocal liking builds attractiveness.

Accepted Answer

When someone likes us, it tends to make us like them more in return, which can increase their attractiveness to us. This is known as reciprocal liking.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

The study found that appearance was particularly important during the early stages of a relationship, but its importance decreased over time as other factors became more important in maintaining the relationship.

Question 16

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.

Accepted Answer

Social exchange theory posits that individuals will seek out relationships in which they receive a positive balance of rewards and costs, meaning that what they gain from the relationship is equal to or greater than what they put into it.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Social circles merge and the relational partners...

Question 18

Social exchange theory suggests that self-disclosure is exchanged between partners in a semi-economic manner.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Social exchange theory suggests that self-disclosure is...

Question 19

The experimenting stage of interpersonal relationships is characterized by the exchange of biographical information and "niceties."

Accepted Answer

During the experimenting stage, individuals share basic information about themselves and engage in small talk and polite conversation, also known as "niceties."

Question 20

Frequent contact increases the likelihood of friendship developing.

Accepted Answer

Frequent contact allows individuals to get to know each other better and build trust, leading to the potential development of a friendship.

Quiz 8: Communication and Relational Dynamics