Question 1

Changing privacy settings on your profiles, customizing who can see certain updates, and deleting unwanted information about yourself is a form of __________.

Accepted Answer

These actions are examples of reputation management, where individuals take steps to control or influence the perception of their personal brand or identity online.

Question 2

Which quality of most digital communication allows it to serve as a tool for impression management at levels equal or superior to face-to-face communication?

Accepted Answer

Asynchronicity in digital communication allows individuals more control over their interactions, including timing and crafting responses, which can be leveraged for impression management more effectively than in synchronous, face-to-face communication.

Question 3

Your friend asks you what you think of her new ride. You don't like it, but you tell her that it's a definite upgrade from her last car. This response balances your desire to be honest with your desire to __________

Accepted Answer

Maintaining positive face refers to the effort to preserve one's self-esteem or image in the eyes of others. By framing your response in a way that avoids directly criticizing your friend's new car, you are trying to keep the interaction positive and avoid hurting her feelings, thus maintaining her positive face.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for self-disclosure?

Accepted Answer

Self-disclosure involves sharing personal information with others, but it does not require that the information has never been shared before. The key aspects are that it is personal, intentionally communicated, and directed towards another person.

Question 5

True self-disclosure must be __________.

Accepted Answer

True self-disclosure requires honesty to ensure that the information shared is genuine and reflects one's true thoughts, feelings, or experiences.

Question 6

The __________ model examines __________ of self-disclosure.

Accepted Answer

The social penetration theory examines the breadth and depth of self-disclosure, focusing on how relationships develop through the gradual sharing of personal information.

Question 7

Ritualized, stock responses to social situations are called __________.

Accepted Answer

Ritualized, stock responses to social situations are referred to as clichés. These are often predictable or stereotypical phrases or expressions used in common social interactions.

Question 8

Items in the __________ area of the Johari Window become public primarily through self-disclosure.

Accepted Answer

The hidden area of the Johari Window represents information that is known to oneself but not to others. Self-disclosure is the process by which individuals share this information, moving it into the open area where it is known to both themselves and others.

Question 9

You didn't realize how rapidly you speak when you're nervous until your public speaking instructor points it out. What do scholars call information in this part of the Johari Window?

Accepted Answer

The Blind area of the Johari Window refers to information that others know about you but you are unaware of. In this case, your rapid speech when nervous is something your instructor noticed but you did not, making it a part of the Blind area.

Question 10

One person's act of self-disclosure increases the odds that the other person will reveal personal information in an act of __________.

Accepted Answer

Self-disclosure often leads to a reciprocal act of disclosure by the other person, as it creates an environment of trust and openness that encourages sharing personal information.

Question 11

You always look forward to the hair salon. You enjoy talking to your stylist about your opinions and feelings, discussions in which you typically gain some new insight. Which benefit of self-disclosure do you enjoy in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Self-clarification is the benefit you enjoy in this situation because discussing your opinions and feelings with someone else can help you to understand and clarify your own thoughts better.

Question 12

You are careful not to criticize your manager to a coworker who is likely to share your opinion with others. Which guideline for disclosure are you following?

Accepted Answer

You are considering the risk of disclosing information to someone who might share it with others, indicating you are assessing whether the risk is reasonable.

Question 13

You tell a friend about your offer of a better job at another company. This friend shares the information with someone else who informs your current boss. Which risk of disclosure does this scenario illustrate?

Accepted Answer

This scenario illustrates the risk of "Loss of control" because once you share information, you no longer have control over who else learns about it or how it's further disseminated.

Question 14

Which alternative to self-disclosure seeks a desired response from someone, often to spare this person from embarrassment?

Accepted Answer

Hinting is a form of indirect communication where someone tries to convey a message or seek a desired response without stating it explicitly, often used to avoid embarrassment or discomfort for the other person.

Question 15

Research indicates that __________ might be a better alternative to self-disclosure at the workplace, particularly when you have a potentially hurtful thought or feeling that is not being directly questioned.

Accepted Answer

Silence can be a better alternative as it avoids the potential negative consequences of sharing hurtful thoughts or feelings, maintaining professionalism and relationships without resorting to dishonesty.

Question 16

At about 6 or 7 months of age, infants begin to recognize "self" as distinct from surroundings.

Accepted Answer

Around 6 to 7 months, infants start to develop the concept of object permanence and begin to understand that they are separate entities from their environment, marking the early stages of self-recognition.

Question 17

You cannot choose your reference groups.

Accepted Answer

Reference groups are groups that individuals use as a standard for evaluating themselves and their own behavior. People can choose which groups they consider as their reference groups based on their aspirations, values, or social identity.

Question 18

Most Americans have fairly high self-esteem and rate themselves as generally "above average."

Accepted Answer

Studies and surveys, including those in the field of psychology, have consistently shown that a majority of Americans exhibit a phenomenon known as "illusory superiority," where they rate their own qualities and abilities as above average, reflecting a high level of self-esteem.

Question 19

If you're in need of a self-concept change, the best prescription is to surround yourself with significant others who offer you accurate, affirming messages about who you are and who you're becoming.

Accepted Answer

Surrounding yourself with significant others who provide accurate, affirming messages can positively influence your self-concept by reinforcing your strengths and potential, leading to a healthier and more positive view of yourself.

Question 20

Competent communicators are multifaceted people with a variety of roles and identities-all of which are legitimately "you."

Accepted Answer

Competent communicators understand that they embody multiple roles and identities depending on the context and situation, all of which are authentic expressions of their self.

Quiz 4: Interpersonal Communication and the Self