Question 1

The central concept of relational dialectics theory is:

Accepted Answer

Relational dialectics theory focuses on the tensions and contradictions in personal relationships, and discourse is central to understanding how these tensions are managed and negotiated.

Question 2

When attempting to capture the complexity of relationships as seen through the lens of dialectical flux, personal relationships are found to be ________.

Accepted Answer

Dialectical flux refers to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of relationships, which often makes them complex and messy rather than predictable or straightforward.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT one of the dialectical tensions that Baxter and Montgomery address?

Accepted Answer

Judgment - acceptance is not one of the dialectical tensions addressed by Baxter and Montgomery. They focus on tensions like revelation-concealment, inclusion-seclusion, and conventionality-uniqueness.

Question 4

According to Leslie Baxter, which of the following statements is true about the four "links" that are formed in the utterance chain that create an utterance's meaning, in the context of a relationship between the speaker and the listener?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Leslie Baxter, which of the...

Question 5

Within any given relationship, Baxter regards the discursive struggle between ________ as foundational.

Accepted Answer

Connection and autonomy are foundational to any given relationship because they represent the two opposing forces that must be balanced in order for a relationship to be healthy. Connection refers to the emotional bond between two people, while autonomy refers to the individual needs and desires of each person. A healthy relationship is one in which both connection and autonomy are respected and balanced.

Question 6

Which of the following forms of synchronic interplay replaces an expected discourse with an alternative discourse?

Accepted Answer

Countering involves replacing an expected discourse with an alternative discourse, offering a different perspective or argument.

Question 7

________ is defined as the belief that communication creates, sustains, and alters relationships and the social world.

Accepted Answer

The constitutive approach is the belief that communication is not just a tool for exchanging information but is fundamental in creating, sustaining, and altering relationships and the social world.

Question 8

The unpredictable, unfinalizable, indeterminate nature of personal relationships is called:

Accepted Answer

A dialectical flux refers to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of personal relationships, highlighting their unpredictability and indeterminacy.

Question 9

Bakhtin believed that:

Accepted Answer

Bakhtin's theory of dialogism emphasizes the importance of dialectical tension, where opposing forces or ideas coexist and interact, providing opportunities for growth and understanding in relationships.

Question 10

Baxter and Montgomery's general purpose in developing the dialectical perspective was to discover scientific laws that will explain and predict behaviors that take place between friends and lovers.

Accepted Answer

Baxter and Montgomery's dialectical perspective focuses on understanding the dynamic and contradictory nature of interpersonal relationships, not on discovering scientific laws for predicting behaviors.

Question 11

Baxter and Montgomery believed that relationships improve as self-disclosure and openness increase and uncertainty decreases.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Baxter and Montgomery believed that relationships improve...

Question 12

No relationship can exist by definition unless the parties sacrifice some individual autonomy.

Accepted Answer

In relationships, individuals often compromise or adjust their personal autonomy to accommodate the needs and desires of the other party, which is a fundamental aspect of forming a connection or partnership.

Question 13

Leslie Baxter no longer prefers the word "contradictions" because it may tempt people to think she's talking about psychological conflict between different desires.

Accepted Answer

Leslie Baxter, a communication scholar, prefers the term "dialectics" over "contradictions" to emphasize the dynamic interplay of opposing forces in relationships rather than implying internal psychological conflict.

Question 14

In the context of dialectical flux, the chaotic jumble of competing voices is far removed from such idyllic notions of communication as a one-way route to interpersonal closeness, shared meaning, or increased certainty.

Accepted Answer

Dialectical flux refers to the dynamic and often contradictory nature of communication, where multiple voices and perspectives interact, contrasting with the simplistic idea of communication as a straightforward path to understanding and closeness.

Question 15

Baxter believes that communication is an insignificant aspect of a couple's relationship.

Accepted Answer

Baxter's research emphasizes the importance of communication in maintaining and negotiating relationships, particularly through the concept of relational dialectics.

Question 16

Memories of aesthetic moments are likely to support relational parties through the turbulence that goes with the territory of any close relationship.

Accepted Answer

Aesthetic memories can evoke positive emotions and shared experiences, which can strengthen bonds and provide comfort during challenging times in relationships.

Question 17

From a dialectical standpoint, it is better if one partner is dominant and charts the course for a relationship.

Accepted Answer

Dialectical perspectives emphasize balance and negotiation between opposing forces, suggesting that mutual influence and shared decision-making are healthier for relationships.

Question 18

A(n) ________ is defined as a fleeting sense of unity through a profound respect for disparate voices in dialogue.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A(n) ________ is defined as a fleeting...

Question 19

________ are defined as the central building blocks of meaning making, where utterances are linked to competing discourses near and far away, already spoken and not.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ________ are defined as the central building...

Question 20

According to Russian philosopher Mikhail Bakhtin, without ________ there is no relationship.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Russian philosopher Mikhail Bakhtin, without...

Quiz 11: Relational Dialectics Theory