Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

False

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Differentiation in relationships can be positive, as it can lead to increased individuality, growth, and deeper levels of intimacy. While it may involve some temporary discomfort or conflict, it is not necessarily a negative process.

Question 3

Dialectical tensions arise when a relationship is new and tend to disappear after the first two years.

Accepted Answer

Dialectical tensions, which are conflicting desires or needs in a relationship, can arise at any time and persist throughout the lifespan of a relationship. They may shift or change, but they do not necessarily disappear after the first two years of a relationship.

Question 4

The initiating stage of interpersonal relationships is usually brief.

Accepted Answer

The initiating stage of interpersonal relationships involves the first impressions and initial interactions between two people. This stage is usually brief and focused on making a positive impression, establishing common ground, and determining whether or not to pursue further interactions.

Question 5

According to your text, we are more attracted to people who are good at what they do but admit their mistakes.

Accepted Answer

The text states that we are more attracted to people who are competent but also take responsibility for their mistakes.

Question 6

There are two types of relational control: decision control and conversation control.

Accepted Answer

Decision control refers to the ability to make decisions that impact the relationship, while conversation control refers to the ability to direct and steer conversation within the relationship.

Question 7

Immediacy only occurs through nonverbal behavior such as eye contact and facial expressions.

Accepted Answer

Immediacy can also occur through verbal behavior such as tone of voice, use of personal pronouns, and proximity to the listener/audience.

Question 8

Reciprocal liking builds attractiveness.

Accepted Answer

Reciprocal liking refers to the mutual positive feelings between two people. When two people like each other, it can lead to increased attraction and interest. This is because we tend to feel good about ourselves when someone we admire or appreciate also reciprocates those feelings towards us. Therefore, reciprocal liking can build attractiveness.

Question 9

The experimenting stage of interpersonal relationships is characterized by small talk.

Accepted Answer

During the experimenting stage of interpersonal relationships, people typically engage in small talk as a way to explore common interests and get to know each other in a non-threatening way.

Question 10

Metacommunication is communication about communication.

Accepted Answer

Metacommunication is the process of communicating about communication. It involves analyzing the communication process, understanding how it works, and making intentional changes to improve communication.

Question 11

A person can be "too competent." We are generally attracted to those who are talented yet have visible flaws like us.

Accepted Answer

This is because humans tend to feel intimidated or insecure around people who are too perfect or accomplished, which can lead to a lack of relatability or connection. Additionally, flaws and imperfections make a person more human and relatable, making them more appealing to others.

Question 12

The person who exercises the greatest amount of conversational control doesn't always make the decisions in interpersonal relationships.

Accepted Answer

Just because someone has more control in a conversation, it does not necessarily mean they have the power to make decisions in the relationship. Other factors, such as compromise and mutual respect, can also play a role in decision-making.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

The circumscribing stage of interpersonal relationships involves a decrease in communication and a narrowing of the topics discussed, but it does not involve total avoidance of the other person.

Question 14

Differences strengthen a relationship when they are complementary.

Accepted Answer

When differences in a relationship complement each other, they can bring unique perspectives and strengths to the partnership, making it stronger. Instead of causing conflict, differences can enhance the relationship by balancing out each other's weaknesses and bringing new ideas and experiences to the table.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Dialectical tensions are the conflicting pressures that exist in relationships, such as the tension between autonomy and connection, openness and closedness, and predictability and novelty.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

The merging of social circles and forming a new relational identity typically occurs in the integrating stage, not the intensifying stage, of relationships.

Question 17

According to Chapter Eight, we are usually attracted to people who are similar to us.

Accepted Answer

According to Chapter Eight, people are usually attracted to others who are similar to them in terms of interests, values, beliefs, and backgrounds. This is known as the similarity-attraction principle.

Question 18

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 has shown that individuals are more likely to be attracted to others who are similar to them in important areas, such as values, beliefs, and goals. This is known as the similarity-attraction effect.

Question 19

It is impossible to like someone without being immediate with them.

Accepted Answer

It is possible to like someone without being immediate with them. People can develop feelings for others through communication, shared interests or mutual connections, even if they are not physically present with each other.

Question 20

Affinity is defined as the degree to which people like or appreciate one another.

Accepted Answer

This is the definition of affinity.

Quiz 8: Communication and Relational Dynamics