Question 1

According to Maltz and Borker, what is true of men and women's communication styles?

Accepted Answer

Maltz and Borker's research highlights how early play experiences influence later communication styles, noting that boys and girls engage in different types of play that shape their respective communication styles as adults.

Question 2

Which of the following would men be more likely than women to do in conversations?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that women are generally more likely to use disclaimers, tag questions, and hedge words in conversations, as these are often associated with a more collaborative and tentative communication style.

Question 3

Critics of Tannen's work regarding gender and communication question her assumption that:

Accepted Answer

Tannen's work assumes that gender is biologically based, which is a position that is challenged by many critics who argue that gender is socially constructed.

Question 4

According to communication researcher, Deborah Tannen, women tend to use more ________talk while men use more _______ talk.

Accepted Answer

Deborah Tannen's research suggests that women tend to use more rapport talk, which focuses on building relationships and establishing connections. Men, on the other hand, tend to use more report talk, which focuses on sharing information, asserting knowledge, and achieving status.

Question 5

What is an example of using a hedge in conversation?

Accepted Answer

Hedges are words or phrases used to lessen the impact of a statement, making it less direct or assertive. In option B, "I think" and "kind of" are hedges that soften the request.

Question 6

When we want to project an image with our message, which of the three goals of communication are we focusing on?

Accepted Answer

Projecting an image with our message is primarily focused on managing our identity to the audience or recipient. This falls under the goal of identity management in communication.

Question 7

What does the term "genderlects" refer to?

Accepted Answer

Genderlects refer to the fundamental differences in the way men and women communicate. It is based on the idea that men and women have distinct communication styles and patterns that are influenced by their gender.

Question 8

According to your text, which best describes a benefit that good communication can add to a relationship?

Accepted Answer

Good communication can increase emotional intimacy by allowing both partners to express their thoughts and feelings honestly and openly, leading to a deeper understanding and connection between them. Avoiding disagreements is also a benefit, but it is not as significant as the potential for increased emotional intimacy. "Reading" the other person's mind is not possible, and having a template for future fights is not a benefit of good communication.

Question 9

What factor(s) contribute to communication problems for couples?

Accepted Answer

All of these factors can contribute to communication problems for couples. Health problems can affect a person's ability to communicate effectively, while an inability to self-disclose can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of intimacy in relationships. Economic stressors can also cause tension and strain on communication within a relationship.

Question 10

According to communication experts, what type of speech pattern decreases the speaker's perceived assertiveness in speech?

Accepted Answer

Disclaimers, such as "I'm not sure if this is correct, but..." or "This might be a stupid question, but..." can decrease the speaker's perceived assertiveness in speech. This is because disclaimers signal uncertainty and can undermine the speaker's confidence in their own message.

Question 11

When we have a message for someone and want to communicate that message, which of the three goals of communication are we focusing on?

Accepted Answer

When we have a message for someone and want to communicate that message, we are focusing on the goal of getting the job done. This goal involves conveying information, ideas, or instructions clearly and effectively to achieve a specific outcome or result.

Question 12

According to the Onion Theory of communication, what best describes how we reveal ourselves to others?

Accepted Answer

The Onion Theory, or Social Penetration Theory, suggests that we reveal ourselves to others in layers, starting with superficial information and gradually sharing more personal and intimate details as the relationship develops.

Question 13

When we want to maintain the relationship and not offend someone with our message, which of the three goals of communication are we focusing on?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the relationship and not offending someone with our message focuses on the relational goal of communication.

Question 14

Latoya says, "I might be wrong, but I think it is going to rain today." What is this an example of?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Latoya says, "I might be wrong, but...

Question 15

What type of communication skills are women more likely to use?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that women are more likely to use affectively-oriented communication skills, which emphasize empathy, nurturing, and emotional expression. This is often attributed to societal expectations and gender roles assigned to women.

Question 16

What category/style of communication skills do people tend to prefer when they want to discuss strategies or learn more about a topic?

Accepted Answer

When people want to discuss strategies or learn more about a topic, they tend to prefer instrumentally-oriented communication skills, which focus on achieving specific goals and gaining information or knowledge. This type of communication is task-oriented, logical, and focused on problem-solving rather than emotional expression or social status.

Question 17

What best describes the three goals of communication discussed in your chapter?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What best describes the three goals of...

Question 18

What category/style of communication skills are referred to as more comforting and involve a significant amount of listening?

Accepted Answer

Affectively-oriented communication skills are focused on creating a positive emotional atmosphere and building relationships through empathy and active listening. These skills are often used in comforting situations where the goal is to provide emotional support and understanding to the other person. Status-oriented communication skills are focused on asserting power and authority, instrumentally-oriented skills are focused on achieving goals and objectives, and network-oriented skills are focused on building and maintaining professional connections.

Question 19

If someone is trying to weigh his/her options to make a decision about whether to take a new job in a different city, he/she is likely to prefer talking with a friend who has this style of communication.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If someone is trying to weigh his/her...

Question 20

What statement best describes research findings related to gender and communication?

Accepted Answer

Overall, research has found that gender differences in communication are small. While there may be some differences in certain areas, such as aggression or emotionality, these differences do not explain a significant amount of the variation between men and women's communication. Additionally, younger generations seem to show less gender differences in communication than older generations did. The statement that men use more words per day than women is actually a common misconception - research has shown that, on average, women tend to use more words per day than men do.

Quiz 3: Communication: Enriching Your Sexuality