Question 1

Jose dislikes deadlines and often completes work assignments at the last minute. Generally, he likes to "go with the flow" and act spontaneously to situations. Which Myers-Briggs personality trait best describes Jose?

Accepted Answer

The perceiver personality trait is characterized by a more laid-back approach to deadlines and a preference for flexibility and spontaneity. Perceivers are adaptable, open-minded, and dislike strict schedules and routines, preferring instead to make decisions as they go along. This description aligns well with Jose's behavior of completing assignments at the last minute and enjoying going with the flow of situations.

Question 2

The opposite or counterpart of a Myers Briggs' sensor is a(n)

Accepted Answer

According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), sensing (S) and intuition (N) are two opposite ways of perceiving information. Sensors tend to focus on concrete facts and details, while intuitives prefer to interpret patterns and possibilities. Therefore, the counterpart of a sensor is an intuitive.

Question 3

Wanda tends to focus on details and prefers to concentrate on one task at a time. Which Myers-Briggs personality trait best describes Wanda?

Accepted Answer

Sensors tend to focus on concrete details and prefer to take in information through their five senses. They also tend to be more practical and prefer to work on one task at a time, which aligns with Wanda's behavior described in the question.

Question 4

In collectivist cultures, conflict

Accepted Answer

In collectivist cultures, conflict is understood within the context of relationships and the need to preserve "face." As a result, conflicts are often dealt with indirectly and through intermediaries to avoid causing shame or embarrassment to the parties involved. Conflict resolution is also focused on restoring harmony and maintaining strong relationships within the group.

Question 5

Tony approaches conflict with an "I win, you lose" attitude. Which conflict style does this approach represent?

Accepted Answer

Tony is approaching conflict with a competitive attitude of "I win, you lose". Hence, the best choice would be E) competition.

Question 6

Tawana is very good at seeing the big picture. However, when other people discuss the details of a project or the intricacies of a budget spreadsheet, she tends to get bored. Which Myers-Briggs personality trait best describes Tawana?

Accepted Answer

Tawana's ability to see the big picture suggests that she is intuitive. Additionally, her boredom with details suggests that she is not a thinker or a sensor, and her lack of interest in the emotional dynamics of a project suggests that she is not a feeler. It is unclear from the information provided whether she is a perceiver or a judger.

Question 7

In dialectic terms, interpersonal relationships survive when we successfully negotiate the expression versus __________ dialectic.

Accepted Answer

The expression versus privacy dialectic refers to the tension between the desire to share personal information (expression) and the desire to keep some information private (privacy) in interpersonal relationships. Successfully navigating this dialectic is crucial for the survival and health of relationships.

Question 8

Oscar is very outgoing and tends to talk more than others. He enjoys working with other people. Which Myers-Briggs personality trait best describes Oscar?

Accepted Answer

Oscar's outgoing nature and enjoyment of working with others are characteristic of an extrovert according to the Myers-Briggs personality traits.

Question 9

Which step in the A-E-I-O-U Model of Conflict Resolution is represented in the following statement? "If both of us don't make a commitment to working on this full-time, we won't do a good job or get it done on time."

Accepted Answer

This statement is an example of setting clear expectations for outcomes, which aligns with the "Outcomes you expect should be made" step in the A-E-I-O-U Model of Conflict Resolution.

Question 10

In Uncoupling: How Relationships Come Apart, sociologist Diane Vaughan notes that a couple's breakup is rarely sudden. It all begins with

Accepted Answer

According to Diane Vaughan, a couple's breakup does not occur suddenly but rather starts with a secret. Secrets can include an affair, financial infidelity, or other undisclosed issues that erode trust and communication in the relationship.

Question 11

Sharon believes that conflict should be dealt with openly and honestly. She is most likely from what type of culture?

Accepted Answer

Sharon's belief that conflict should be dealt with openly and honestly is a characteristic commonly associated with individualistic cultures, which prioritize personal expression, honesty, and open communication over conformity and group harmony.

Question 12

Which step in the A-E-I-O-U Model of Conflict Resolution is represented in the following statement? "I want to share the responsibility and the work with you."

Accepted Answer

The statement "I want to share the responsibility and the work with you" is an expression of what the speaker would like to happen, which is identifying the "I" in the A-E-I-O-U model. Therefore, the correct answer is C - Identify what you would like to happen.

Question 13

According to Myers-Briggs, we have preferred ways of thinking and behaving that can be divided into four categories. Which category identifies whether we approach the world and its challenges in a structured and organized way?

Accepted Answer

The judger-perceiver category identifies whether we approach the world and its challenges in a structured and organized way. Judgers prefer structure and organization, while perceivers prefer flexibility and spontaneity. The other categories (extrovert-introvert, sensor-intuitive, thinker-feeler, autocrat-abdicrat) do not directly relate to a preference for structure and organization.

Question 14

In dialectic terms, interpersonal relationships survive when we successfully negotiate the integration versus __________ dialectic.

Accepted Answer

The integration versus separation dialectic refers to the tension between the desire for connection and the desire for autonomy. Successful negotiation of this dialectic involves finding a balance between being involved with others while also maintaining independence. Therefore, the opposite of integration is separation, making option C the correct answer.

Question 15

Many people avoid conflict because they do not understand the difference between

Accepted Answer

Understanding the difference between constructive and destructive conflicts is key in avoiding conflicts. Constructive conflicts aim to resolve the issue at hand and improve the relationship, while destructive conflicts only result in harm and damage to the relationship. By knowing the difference, individuals can approach conflicts in a productive and positive manner. The other answer choices may be factors in conflict resolution, but they do not directly address the importance of understanding constructive and destructive conflicts.

Question 16

Dennis is always organized. Because he likes to plan ahead, he develops lengthy "To Do" lists for the tasks he needs to accomplish. Which Myers-Briggs personality trait best reflects Dennis's organizational preferences?

Accepted Answer

The Judging preference in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is characterized by a preference for orderliness, structure, and organization. Those with a Judging preference enjoy planning, making lists, and sticking to schedules. Dennis's preference for planning ahead and developing lengthy "To Do" lists for tasks he needs to accomplish reflects a Judging preference.

Question 17

According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, we have preferred ways of thinking and behaving that can be divided into four categories. Which category identifies how we focus our attention as well as our sources of energy?

Accepted Answer

The extrovert-introvert category identifies how we focus our attention and sources of energy. Extroverts focus their attention on the external world and get energy from social interaction, while introverts focus their attention on their internal world and get energy from solitary activities.

Question 18

Baxter and Montgomery's Relational Dialectics Theory makes a strong case for a(n) _________________ focus when communicating with others.

Accepted Answer

Relational Dialectics Theory emphasizes that a both/and focus is necessary when communicating with others. This means recognizing and balancing contradictory tensions within relationships, such as the tension between openness and confidentiality or the tension between autonomy and connection. By acknowledging and validating these tensions, individuals can better navigate and strengthen their relationships.

Question 19

Dominique suggest a "give a little, get a little" approach to resolving a conflict with his roommate. What conflict style is he using?

Accepted Answer

The "give a little, get a little" approach is a key characteristic of the compromise conflict style, where both parties make concessions in order to reach a solution that works for everyone.

Question 20

Which dialectic is represented in the following example? When children grow up, they may want to remain closely connected to their parents and live an independent life free from parental intrusion.

Accepted Answer

The dialectic represented in the example is integration and separation, as it deals with the tension between the desire for closeness and connection with parents and the desire for independence and freedom from parental intrusion.

Quiz 8: Improving Interpersonal Communication