Question 1

Shawn prefers to make all the decisions for the family,but this often causes conflicts with Shera,who also prefers to make all the decisions for the family.This is a ________ relationship.
A) complementary
B) competitive symmetrical
C) submissive symmetrical
D) symmetric

Accepted Answer

In a competitive symmetrical relationship, both partners strive to have equal power and control. This is evident in the conflict between Shawn and Shera, as they both want to make all the decisions for the family. Complementary relationships involve one partner taking the dominant role while the other takes the submissive role. Submissive symmetrical relationships involve both partners deferring to the other and avoiding conflict. A symmetric relationship simply refers to both partners having equal power and control, without necessarily competing or deferring to each other.

Question 2

Which of the following is most likely an example of a relationship of choice?
A) coworkers
B) classmates
C) teammate
D) counsellor

Accepted Answer

A counsellor is someone who is chosen by an individual to form a relationship with. The individual seeking counselling makes a choice to form a relationship with a particular counsellor, unlike coworkers, classmates, and teammates, who are often assigned relationships based on circumstances such as work, school, or sports.

Question 3

Which of the following is most likely an example of a relationship of circumstance?
A) lover
B) friend
C) physician
D) classmate

Accepted Answer

A relationship of circumstance is usually one that forms because of some external situation or circumstance, such as being classmates or colleagues. While it is possible for any type of relationship to be formed due to circumstance, classmate is the most likely option in this list as it is more likely to be based solely on the circumstance of being in the same class or school. The other options suggest a more personal or intentional connection between the individuals involved.

Question 4

When you are assigned a roommate in a dorm,you are initially experiencing
A) a relational de-escalation.
B) a relationship of choice.
C) a relationship of circumstance.
D) a relational escalation.

Accepted Answer

When you are assigned a roommate in a dorm, it is a relationship of circumstance because you did not choose the person as your roommate.

Question 5

A relationship in which both partners want to dominate the other person is called
A) symmetrical.
B) complementary.
C) competitive symmetrical.
D) submissive symmetrical.

Accepted Answer

Competitive symmetrical relationships occur when both partners want to dominate the other person. Both partners strive for control and power in the relationship, leading to a competitive dynamic. This can lead to conflict and a lack of compromise.

Question 6

When one partner in a relationship has more power than the other,the relationship is
A) parallel.
B) complementary.
C) symmetrical.
D) equal.

Accepted Answer

In a complementary relationship, one partner has more power or authority than the other. This is different from an equal relationship where both partners have equal power and influence. Parallel relationships involve separate and independent individuals who come together but do not merge into a single entity. Symmetrical relationships involve partners who have equal power and influence, but this is also not the case in a complementary relationship.

Question 7

You and your friend are both movie buffs.You know that when you get together you will talk about movies you've seen recently.Once a month you will make a date to go to the movies together.This is an example of
A) a shared perception.
B) a relational expectation.
C) a symmetrical relationship.
D) a relationship of circumstance.

Accepted Answer

The fact that you both make a monthly date to go to the movies together shows that there is an expectation in your relationship that you will discuss movies and see them together. This expectation is a relational expectation.

Question 8

Francois and Pierre are brothers who are constantly challenging one another.When deciding what to play,how to play,or when to play,they both believe the other should defer to his judgment.What kind of relationship do they most likely have?
A) competitive symmetrical
B) parallel
C) symmetrical
D) complementary

Accepted Answer

Competitive symmetrical relationships are characterized by both parties striving for control or superiority, often engaging in similar behaviors to outdo each other. In this scenario, both Francois and Pierre are competing for dominance in decision-making, which aligns with the definition of a competitive symmetrical relationship.

Question 9

When you invite another person to have lunch,call the person on the phone,and make an effort to be with that person,you are experiencing a
A) relationship de-escalation.
B) relationship of circumstance.
C) synchronized relationship.
D) relationship of choice.

Accepted Answer

When you invite someone to lunch, make an effort to be with them, and call them on the phone, you have actively chosen to engage in a relationship with that person. This indicates that the relationship is one of choice, rather than circumstance or de-escalation. A synchronized relationship implies that the two parties are already in tune with each other, so it wouldn't be an accurate description based on the given context.

Question 10

An interpersonal relationship in which both partners behave toward power in the same way,either both wanting to dominate or both wanting to submit,is
A) symmetrical.
B) complementary.
C) synchronized.
D) parallel.

Accepted Answer

A symmetrical relationship is one in which both partners behave in the same way toward power. In this case, both partners share a desire for either dominance or submission, creating a balanced power dynamic within the relationship. Complementary relationships, on the other hand, involve partners who have different power needs that complement each other, such as one partner being dominant while the other is submissive. Synchronized and parallel relationships are not commonly used terms in the context of describing power dynamics in relationships.

Question 11

Relationships of circumstance are formed
A) as a result of interpersonally communicating with others.
B) because our lives overlap with others' in some way.
C) because we intentionally develop the relationship.
D) when two people coordinate their interaction.

Accepted Answer

Relationships of circumstance are not intentionally developed or coordinated, but are rather formed because of some shared connection or circumstance, such as living in the same neighborhood, working in the same office, or attending the same school. These relationships are not necessarily based on interpersonal communication, but rather on the fact that our lives overlap with others' in some way.

Question 12

Relationships of choice are formed
A) as a result of interpersonally communicating with others.
B) because our lives overlap with others' in some way.
C) because we seek out and intentionally develop the relationship.
D) when relationships de-escalate.

Accepted Answer

Relationships of choice are formed because we seek out and intentionally develop the relationship.

Question 13

A relationship in which one partner usually dominates and the other submits is a
A) complementary relationship.
B) parallel relationship.
C) symmetrical relationship.
D) submissive symmetrical relationship.

Accepted Answer

In a complementary relationship, one partner usually takes a dominant role while the other takes a submissive role. This type of relationship is often seen as traditional or old-fashioned, with the dominant partner taking on more responsibility and making most of the decisions while the submissive partner supports the dominant partner's decisions and takes on more of a nurturing role. This dynamic can be consensual and healthy as long as both partners are happy with their roles and feel respected by each other.

Question 14

Ultimately,what seems to make relationships the most intimate is
A) physical attraction.
B) our ability to be ourselves with the other person.
C) sexual affinity.
D) choice.

Accepted Answer

Our ability to be ourselves with the other person is what creates the deepest level of intimacy in a relationship. When we feel comfortable enough to express our true selves, including weaknesses and vulnerabilities, we develop trust and connection with our partner. This level of intimacy cannot be achieved through physical attraction or sexual affinity alone, and although choice is important in choosing our partner, it is not what ultimately creates intimacy in a relationship.

Question 15

In terms of power,a relationship is complementary when
A) both partners want power in the relationship.
B) power shifts from one partner to the other.
C) one partner willingly hands over power to the other.
D) neither partner is willing to assume responsibility for power.

Accepted Answer

A complementary relationship is one in which one partner willingly hands over power to the other. This can be based on natural strengths, interests, or preferences, but the key is that there is a balance of power in the relationship that is negotiated and agreed upon by both partners. In a complementary relationship, power can shift from one partner to the other as needed, but it is always done willingly and with respect for each other's needs and desires.

Question 16

An ongoing connection means that
A) interpersonal relationships are transactional.
B) interpersonal intimacy grows.
C) the interpersonal relationship is a dynamic, constantly changing, and evolving process.
D) interpersonal intimacy decreases.

Accepted Answer

An ongoing connection implies that the interpersonal relationship is not static, but rather a constantly evolving and changing process. This suggests that the connection is not just transactional, but rather that interpersonal intimacy can grow over time. The opposite of an ongoing connection would be a relationship that remains stagnant or deteriorates over time, leading to a decrease in intimacy.

Question 17

Interpersonal relationships are
A) those connections we make with other people through interpersonal communication.
B) connections we establish when we communicate with other people.
C) our shared perception of another person.
D) the expectations we bring to a relationship.

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal relationships involve the connections we make with other people through interpersonal communication, which is the process of exchanging information, feelings, and meanings through verbal and nonverbal messages. Therefore, option A is the best choice. Option B is almost correct, but it is not precise enough since communication alone does not guarantee the establishment of relationships. Option C is incorrect because it refers to our perception of another person, which is a part of a relationship but not the whole idea. Option D is also inaccurate because expectations are just one of the factors that define a relationship.

Question 18

Having a(n)________ means interpersonal relationships are transactional.
A) ongoing connection
B) shared perception
C) relational expectation
D) interpersonal intimacy

Accepted Answer

The answer of Having a(n)________ means interpersonal relationships are transactional.
A)...

Question 19

When the decision about where to eat is in question,John usually defers to Phil.On the other hand,when it comes to which movie to see,Phil usually makes the decision.John and Phil's friendship seems to work that way in general.John is the expert and in charge of some things and Phil in others.Which of the following best characterizes John and Phil's friendship?
A) parallel
B) submissive symmetrical
C) complementary
D) symmetrical

Accepted Answer

The answer of When the decision about where to eat...

Question 20

Connections we make with other people as a result of our interpersonal communication with them are
A) intrapersonal relationships.
B) relationships of circumstance.
C) relationships of choice.
D) interpersonal relationships.

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal communication refers to the exchange of information and messages between people. Therefore, the connections that we make with others as a result of this communication are interpersonal relationships. Options A and B are not correct as intrapersonal relationships refer to our connection with ourselves and relationships of circumstance are those that arise as a result of external factors such as working together or living in the same neighborhood. Option C is partially correct as some connections can be made by choice, but not all interpersonal relationships are necessarily chosen.

Quiz 9: Understanding Interpersonal Relationships

Shawn prefers to make all the decisions for the family,but this often causes conflicts with Shera,who also prefers to make all the decisions for the family.This is a ________ relationship.

Which of the following is most likely an example of a relationship of choice?

Which of the following is most likely an example of a relationship of circumstance?

When you are assigned a roommate in a dorm,you are initially experiencing

A relationship in which both partners want to dominate the other person is called

When one partner in a relationship has more power than the other,the relationship is

You and your friend are both movie buffs.You know that when you get together you will talk about movies you've seen recently.Once a month you will make a date to go to the movies together.This is an example of

Francois and Pierre are brothers who are constantly challenging one another.When deciding what to play,how to play,or when to play,they both believe the other should defer to his judgment.What kind of relationship do they most likely have?

When you invite another person to have lunch,call the person on the phone,and make an effort to be with that person,you are experiencing a

An interpersonal relationship in which both partners behave toward power in the same way,either both wanting to dominate or both wanting to submit,is

Relationships of circumstance are formed

Relationships of choice are formed

A relationship in which one partner usually dominates and the other submits is a

Ultimately,what seems to make relationships the most intimate is

In terms of power,a relationship is complementary when

An ongoing connection means that

Interpersonal relationships are

Having a(n) ________ means interpersonal relationships are transactional.

Connections we make with other people as a result of our interpersonal communication with them are