Question 1

_____ theory states that knowing more about a person makes a relationship more likely to develop.

Accepted Answer

The theory that knowing more about a person reduces uncertainty and increases the likelihood of a relationship developing is referred to as uncertainty reduction theory.

Question 2

You are interested in someone you met in class, so you do a Google search and look on Facebook to see if you can find out more about him/her. You are engaged in _____ social information seeking.

Accepted Answer

Passive social information seeking involves looking up information about someone online without interacting with them directly, such as through Google searches or browsing their social media profiles.

Question 3

You are interested in someone you met in class, so you manage to find out which coffee shop that person works at and you make a point of going there when he or she is on duty. You are engaged in _____ social information seeking.

Accepted Answer

The scenario describes the individual actively seeking out information about the person they are interested in by finding out where they work and making a deliberate effort to go there when they are on duty. This is an example of active social information seeking.

Question 4

You are interested in someone you met in class, so you manage to find out which coffee shop that person works at and you make a point of going there when he or she is on duty. You wait until it's that person's turn at the window to order your coffee. You are engaged in _____ social information seeking.

Accepted Answer

The answer of You are interested in someone you met...

Question 5

The phrases "Would you please close the door?" "Close the door" and "Close the doggone door" all communicate the same thing at the _____ level of communication.

Accepted Answer

The level of communication being referred to is the content level, which is the straightforward message communicated by the words themselves. All three phrases communicate the same basic message of requesting that the door be closed, regardless of the tone or word choice used.

Question 6

The phrases "Would you please close the door?" "Close the door" and "Close the doggone door" all communicate something different at the _____ level of communication.

Accepted Answer

The phrases differ in the relationship level of communication, which involves the tone, formality, and emotional context, affecting how the message is perceived in terms of the speaker's attitude and the nature of the relationship with the listener.

Question 7

A major source of relational conflict is

Accepted Answer

Disrespect is a major source of relational conflict because it can lead to feelings of hurt, anger, and resentment.

Question 8

Which of the following messages would constitute metacommunication at the content level?

Accepted Answer

Metacommunication at the content level involves discussing the content or meaning of the message itself, as in clarifying or explaining what was meant, which is what option C does.

Question 9

Which of the following messages would constitute metacommunication at the relational level?

Accepted Answer

Option A communicates not only the literal words, but also a message about the speaker's feelings and expectations for the relationship. This is metacommunication at the relational level. The other options do not have the same level of relational meaning.

Question 10

_____ serves to clarify what we mean when we're speaking to another person.

Accepted Answer

Metacommunication refers to communication about communication, which can include clarifying misunderstandings, explaining our intentions, or discussing the meaning behind our words. It serves to help both parties better understand each other's messages and can improve overall communication effectiveness.

Question 11

People who have interpersonal relationships are generally healthier both mentally and physically.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that maintaining positive relationships with family, friends, and community can have numerous health benefits, including reduced stress, lower risk of chronic diseases, improved cognitive functioning, and increased longevity.

Question 12

We have interpersonal relationships because we want to have them, not because we need to have them.

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal relationships are fundamental to human social existence, fulfilling basic psychological needs such as belonging, love, and social support, which are essential for mental and physical well-being.

Question 13

In personal relationships, we communicate with people based primarily on their social or occupational role.

Accepted Answer

In personal relationships, we communicate with people based on more than just their social or occupational role. We often communicate based on our personal connection, shared interests, and emotional connection.

Question 14

In impersonal relationships, we communicate with people based primarily on their uniqueness.

Accepted Answer

In impersonal relationships, we communicate with people based primarily on their social roles or group membership, rather than their uniqueness as individuals.

Question 15

Our relationships are constantly in process.

Accepted Answer

Our relationships with others are dynamic and constantly changing. Therefore, they are always in process.

Question 16

Our relationships are voluntary.

Accepted Answer

Relationships are formed based on mutual consent and hence are voluntary.

Question 17

Families consist of blood relatives or those adopted into the family through marriage or adoption.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Families consist of blood relatives or those...

Question 18

Our friends often form a voluntaristic family for us.

Accepted Answer

Friends can often feel like family and provide support and care similar to what we receive from our biological families. This is referred to as a voluntaristic family, where people come together based on shared interests, experiences, and values to form a supportive network.

Question 19

Family stories are a way in which families teach family rules to their members.

Accepted Answer

Family stories often contain values, traditions, and norms that are important to the family, and are passed down through the generations to teach family rules to the members.

Question 20

The adage "opposites attract" is more often true than "birds of a feather stick together."

Accepted Answer

Research in social psychology suggests that people are more likely to form and maintain relationships with individuals who are similar to them in terms of attitudes, values, and interests, supporting the adage "birds of a feather stick together" more than "opposites attract."

Quiz 6: Interpersonal Relationships and Civil Communication