Question 1

The most damaging kind of disconfirming response is disagreeing with the other person.

Accepted Answer

Disagreeing is not necessarily damaging; it can be constructive if done respectfully. The most damaging disconfirming response is ignoring or dismissing the other person's feelings or opinions entirely.

Question 2

Incongruous responses contain two messages that seem to deny or contradict each other.

Accepted Answer

Incongruous responses do contain two messages that seem to deny or contradict each other.

Question 3

When coping with criticism, it isn't a good idea to ask what else is wrong because it just brings up too much material to handle at one time.

Accepted Answer

Asking what else is wrong can be beneficial as it provides a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand, allowing for more effective problem-solving and improvement.

Question 4

Tangential responses are one type of disconfirming message.

Accepted Answer

Tangential responses refer to responses that are off-topic and do not address the original message or question, which can be a type of disconfirming message.

Question 5

When you respond nondefensively to criticism, you can agree with the truth of what the critic is saying.

Accepted Answer

Responding nondefensively to criticism means acknowledging the truth of the criticism without becoming defensive or argumentative. Therefore, it is possible to agree with the truth of what the critic is saying.

Question 6

Messages shaping the communication climate of a relationship can be both verbal and nonverbal.

Accepted Answer

Verbal messages are the explicit messages that we communicate through spoken or written words, while nonverbal messages refer to the implicit messages that we communicate through gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, body posture, etc. Both types of messages can shape the communication climate of a relationship.

Question 7

The Gibb categories define behaviors that can improve or hurt the communication climate.

Accepted Answer

The Gibb categories are a set of communication theories that identify specific communication behaviors that contribute to a positive or negative communication climate. Some of the behaviors include showing empathy, being supportive, and avoiding defensiveness. Other behaviors that can hurt the communication climate include being critical, making personal attacks, and using controlling or manipulative language. By being aware of these categories and actively working to practice positive behaviors, individuals can improve their communication skills and create a more open and positive communication climate.

Question 8

Stating your intentions is an important element of an assertive message.

Accepted Answer

Stating your intentions clearly and directly is key to expressing yourself in an assertive manner. It allows the recipient to understand your goals and desires, and helps to avoid any misinterpretation or confusion.

Question 9

Just recognizing the other person isn't enough to be considered confirming.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Just recognizing the other person isn't enough...

Question 10

Acknowledgment is more confirming than recognition.

Accepted Answer

Acknowledgment involves more than just recognizing someone's existence or contribution. It involves actively confirming and validating their worth or value.

Question 11

A controlling message can be verbal or nonverbal.

Accepted Answer

A controlling message can be conveyed through the tone of voice, body language, and other nonverbal cues, as well as through the actual words spoken.

Question 12

It's okay to reword the assertive message format to suit your own particular style of speaking.

Accepted Answer

The assertive message format is a guideline, but it can be adapted to suit individual communication styles as long as the core message and intention remain clear.

Question 13

INSTRUCTIONS for questions 81-84: Match each statement with the family communication pattern it characterizes.
a.consensual
b.pluralistic
c.protective
d.laissez-faire
-Once a progressive spiral has been established in a relationship, it is likely to continue indefinitely.

Accepted Answer

A progressive spiral, whether positive or negative, in a relationship does not necessarily continue indefinitely. Interventions, communication, and changes in behavior or circumstances can alter the course of the relationship's dynamics.

Question 14

Since ambiguous responses leave your partner unsure of your position, they would likely be interpreted as disconfirming.

Accepted Answer

Ambiguous responses do not provide clear confirmation or agreement, which can create doubt and uncertainty in the mind of the recipient. As a result, they are often interpreted as negative or disconfirming, as they do not provide a clear indication of support or agreement.

Question 15

Perception makes little difference in determining whether a message is disconfirming.

Accepted Answer

Perception plays a significant role in determining whether a message is disconfirming or not, as it is the individual's interpretation and understanding of the message that ultimately determines its impact on them.

Question 16

Whereas acknowledging others means you are interested in their ideas, endorsement means that you agree with them.

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging someone means you are showing interest in their ideas, but endorsement means agreeing with those ideas. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 17

You shouldn't have to repeat the assertive message format if you express yourself clearly in the first place.

Accepted Answer

The answer of You shouldn't have to repeat the assertive...

Question 18

INSTRUCTIONS for questions 81-84: Match each statement with the family communication pattern it characterizes.
a.consensual
b.pluralistic
c.protective
d.laissez-faire
-Defensiveness is often a self-perpetuating cycle.

Accepted Answer

This statement characterizes the consensual family communication pattern, which values open communication and encourages members to express their opinions and feelings. Defensiveness can arise in this pattern as a reaction to differing opinions, but the emphasis on open communication allows for issues to be addressed and resolved.

Question 19

Endorsement is the strongest type of confirming message.

Accepted Answer

Endorsement is the most powerful type of confirming message because it not only confirms the recipient's message but also strengthens it by adding the sender's approval or recommendation.

Question 20

The assertive message format should always be used in the order given in your text for best results.

Accepted Answer

The assertive message format is a guideline rather than a strict rule, and its components can be adapted or reordered to fit the context and ensure effective communication.

Quiz 10: Improving Communication Climates