Question 1

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 and can be personalized to suit an individual's communication style.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Messages can be communicated through both verbal and nonverbal means and can shape the overall communication climate of a relationship. Verbal messages include spoken words while nonverbal messages include body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Both types of messages play a significant role in shaping the communication dynamic between individuals in a relationship.

Question 3

A supportive climate usually results from the expression of empathy.

Accepted Answer

Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another person, which can help create a supportive environment by demonstrating care and concern for the well-being of others. Therefore, a supportive climate often results from the expression of empathy.

Question 4

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. Depending on the individual's interpretation and perspective, the same message could be seen as either confirming or disconfirming. Therefore, perception is essential in understanding the meaning and impact of a message.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Stating your intentions helps to clearly communicate what you want or need, which can help to avoid misunderstandings and increase the likelihood of getting your needs met.

Question 6

If an attack to our presenting self is justified, we will not react defensively.

Accepted Answer

Even if the attack is justified, it is still possible for us to react defensively due to our emotional response and ego involvement. It takes a certain level of emotional maturity and self-awareness to not react defensively even when faced with justified criticism or feedback.

Question 7

When you decide to acknowledge an accurate criticism, an apology is also necessary.

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging accurate criticism does not always require an apology; it depends on the context and nature of the criticism. Acknowledgment can be a simple agreement or understanding of the point made without necessarily apologizing, especially if the criticism is constructive and not related to a personal fault or mistake.

Question 8

Being ignored is less disconfirming than being dismissed or attacked.

Accepted Answer

Being ignored can be more disconfirming because it implies that a person's presence or contributions are not even worth acknowledging, whereas being dismissed or attacked at least acknowledges their existence or input.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

When a response from one partner is ambiguous, it can leave the other partner unsure of their stance on the issue being discussed. This uncertainty can be interpreted negatively, leading to feelings of disconfirmation.

Question 10

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 11

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 12

What Gibb describes as "spontaneity" means saying the first thing that comes into your mind.

Accepted Answer

Gibb's concept of "spontaneity" refers to being honest and genuine in communication, expressing oneself without inhibition or defensiveness, and actively listening to others without judgment. It does not necessarily involve saying the first thing that comes to mind.

Question 13

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 14

A communication climate has to do with the way people feel about each other as they carry out activities.

Accepted Answer

A communication climate refers to the emotional atmosphere of a group or relationship, including the level of trust, openness, and respect among members. It is shaped by both verbal and nonverbal communication patterns and can greatly impact the effectiveness of communication within a group.

Question 15

Defensiveness is often a self-perpetuating cycle.

Accepted Answer

Defensiveness can lead to a cycle where an individual feels threatened, becomes defensive and resistant to feedback or criticism, and this can further reinforce the belief that they need to protect themselves. This can create an ongoing cycle of defensiveness that can be difficult to break.

Question 16

Tangential responses are one type of disconfirming message.

Accepted Answer

Tangential responses are messages that are related to the topic but are not directly responsive to the question or statement that was previously made. This can be considered a type of disconfirming message as it signals a lack of interest or engagement with the communication partner.

Question 17

Behavior that fits into Gibb's category of "strategy" attempts to manipulate the other into doing what you want.

Accepted Answer

Gibb's category of "strategy" involves attempting to manipulate the other person into doing what you want. This can include tactics such as giving ultimatums, using threats or rewards, or being passive-aggressive.

Question 18

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 19

A spiral is always negative.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. Spirals can be either positive or negative depending on the direction in which they rotate. A counterclockwise rotation is considered a positive spiral, while a clockwise rotation is considered a negative spiral.

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 11: Improving Communication Climates