Question 1

Which term refers to the process of getting to know others by gaining more information about them?

Accepted Answer

Uncertainty reduction refers to the process of getting to know others by gaining more information about them. It involves seeking out information through various means such as questioning, observation, and third-party sources.

Question 2

What does relational maintenance refer to?

Accepted Answer

Relational maintenance refers to communication practices and strategies used to keep a relationship operating smoothly and satisfactorily. This can include actions such as expressing affection, showing appreciation, resolving conflicts, and providing support.

Question 3

What is a socioeconomic theory of relational development that suggests people seek relationships in which the rewards they receive from others are equal to or greater than the costs they encounter?

Accepted Answer

The theory described suggests that people engage in social exchange, seeking relationships in which the rewards (positive outcomes, benefits, etc.) they receive from others are equal to or greater than the costs (negative outcomes, drawbacks, etc.) they encounter. This is in line with the social exchange theory of relational development. Option B, relational development, is a broad term that does not specifically encompass this particular theory. Option C, relational maintenance, refers to the efforts people put into maintaining existing relationships rather than seeking new ones. Option D, cost benefit analysis, is related to social exchange theory but is not specific to relational development.

Question 4

Pedro and Rebecca are two ordinary-looking young adults who met last year,developed a friendship and have fallen in love.What is likely to occur in their relationship over the next few years?

Accepted Answer

According to research on the "matching hypothesis," people tend to choose partners who are similar in physical attractiveness to themselves. Therefore, as Pedro and Rebecca spend more time together and get to know each other better, they are likely to view each other as more physically attractive. However, it is important to note that this is not a guarantee and other factors could influence their relationship over the next few years.

Question 5

Symbolic public gestures that show the world that a relationship exists.In what stage of an interpersonal relationship doe these gestures usually occur?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic public gestures that signify the existence of a relationship typically occur in the bonding stage, where partners make public commitments to each other, often formalizing their relationship through marriage, engagement, or a similar commitment.

Question 6

According to social exchange theory,we often seek out people who can give us something specific.What can these people give us?

Accepted Answer

According to social exchange theory, we seek out relationships where the rewards we receive are at least equal to the costs we pay in the relationship. Therefore, the people we seek out can give us rewards that match or exceed what we give them. Option A is partially correct, but it only considers one side of the exchange. Option B is too limiting, as physical rewards can also be sought. Option D is not entirely accurate, as social exchange theory suggests that there is an expectation of mutual exchange.

Question 7

Which term refers to the first stage in relational development,in which the parties express interest in one another?

Accepted Answer

The term that refers to the first stage in relational development, in which the parties express interest in one another, is initiating. This stage involves making initial contact and establishing common ground to start building a relationship.

Question 8

Which stage of interpersonal relationships is an engagement ring an example of?

Accepted Answer

An engagement ring is an example of the intensifying stage of interpersonal relationships, as it represents a deepening of the commitment between two people.

Question 9

"Why don't you go ahead and visit your friends without me this weekend.I'll stick around and catch up on my studies." What relational stage does this statement exemplify?

Accepted Answer

This statement exemplifies the differentiating stage, where the individuals start focusing on their own interests and priorities rather than just being a part of the relationship as a whole. The speaker is prioritizing their studies over spending time with their friends, indicating that they are differentiating themselves from the relationship.

Question 10

Alexis and Jason grew up in the same neighbourhood,went to the same school,had the same group of friends,and went to the same church.As teenagers they developed a relationship and later married in their 20s.Which of the following is likely the reason for their relationship?

Accepted Answer

The fact that Alexis and Jason grew up in the same neighbourhood, went to the same school, had the same group of friends, and went to the same church indicates that they were in close proximity to each other, which likely played a significant role in the development of their relationship. Proximity is a key factor in the formation of relationships, as people are more likely to become familiar and comfortable with those who are physically close to them. Self-disclosure, complementarity, and competence may also be important factors in some relationships, but they are unlikely to have been as important in this particular case as proximity was.

Question 11

Pierre and Jose met in a nursing class and,after chatting a few times,discovered they both enjoy lacrosse.Pierre invited Jose to join him tonight for a team practice.What stage of relational development are Pierre and Jose in?

Accepted Answer

Pierre and Jose are in the experimenting stage, where they are discovering common interests and deciding whether to pursue a deeper relationship.

Question 12

What type of people are we usually attracted to?

Accepted Answer

We are usually attracted to people who are similar to us in terms of interests, values, beliefs, and background. This is known as the "similarity-attraction" principle. Psychologically, it is easier and more comfortable to interact with people who share the same perspectives and experiences as us. Furthermore, shared interests and values form the basis for emotional and intellectual connections, leading to more satisfying and fulfilling relationships.

Question 13

Sean and Sharon have been living together for a year.Recently Sean has started going to the gym again like he did before they moved in together.Sharon is taking an art class.What stage of relational development are Sean and Sharon in?

Accepted Answer

Sean and Sharon are in the differentiating stage, where individuals in a relationship start to re-establish their individual identities and interests, as seen by Sean going to the gym and Sharon taking an art class.

Question 14

Which of the following occurs in the intensifying stage of interpersonal relationships?

Accepted Answer

During the intensifying stage, individuals start to see themselves as a pair, often using terms like "we" to signify their growing closeness and shared identity.

Question 15

Which term refers to the stage of relational development in which the parties begin to take on a single identity?

Accepted Answer

Integrating is the stage in which the parties begin to take on a single identity, merging their interests, social circles, and activities. Bonding refers to the final stage in which the relationship is formalized through public commitment. Intensifying is the stage in which the parties move from superficial conversation to more personal topics. Initiating is the first stage in which the parties become aware of each other's existence and begin to interact.

Question 16

What is a tangible reward in social exchange theory?

Accepted Answer

Tangible rewards are concrete, material benefits that can be measured, such as money, gifts, or possessions. Employment is a tangible reward as it provides a salary, benefits, and other tangible benefits. Friendship, group membership, and social status are considered intangible rewards as they may have some emotional or social value, but they cannot be quantified in the same way as tangible rewards.

Question 17

When do opposites attract?

Accepted Answer

When the differences between two individuals are complementary, it can lead to a strong attraction between them. This is because they may bring out the best in each other and offer traits that the other person lacks. This can create a balance and a sense of completeness in the relationship. Polar opposites may clash too much, and mild differences may not create enough interest or spark. It is also important that both partners are aware of the differences and appreciate them, rather than seeing them as negative qualities.

Question 18

Amki notices Jason,a nurse who works in a different department than her at the hospital.Amki approaches Jason,introduces herself,and shakes his hand.They then proceed to make small talk about the weather.What stage of relational development are Amki and Jason in?

Accepted Answer

Amki and Jason are in the initiating stage of relational development, as they are just getting to know each other and making small talk. The experimenting stage typically involves more exploration and trying to find common interests, while the intensifying and integrating stages involve deeper emotional connection and commitment to the relationship.

Question 19

Philippe is attracted to Burt.Philippe engages Burt in small talk and discovers they both play the guitar.They continue to engage in a conversation,gaining more information about each other.What are they engaged in?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Philippe is attracted to Burt.Philippe engages Burt...

Question 20

Which type of self-disclosure is important in developing relationships?

Accepted Answer

Getting back the same amount and kind of information that you reveal is called reciprocal self-disclosure, and it is an important factor in developing relationships. It indicates a level of trust and openness between individuals. Disclosing private information too early or one-sided self-disclosure can damage the relationship, while disclosing everything about oneself may be overwhelming for the other person.

Quiz 8: Communication and Relational Dynamics