Question 1

Your sister Brittany just married a man named John, and you and John don't like each other and have nothing in common other than Brittany. However, you still have a(n) _____ relationship with John.

Accepted Answer

An involuntary relationship refers to a relationship that is not chosen or entered into willingly, but rather imposed by circumstances such as family or work. In this case, the relationship between the narrator and John has been imposed by their mutual connection through Brittany's marriage, and they do not have a good relationship or shared interests beyond this.

Question 2

Communication serves a(n) ______ function when you talk with your partner, and your shared meaning becomes part of your relationship.

Accepted Answer

Constitutive function of communication refers to how communication creates and shapes the relationship between people. When you and your partner share meanings through communication, it becomes part of your relationship and shapes the way you interact with each other, hence, the correct answer is option D.

Question 3

The ______ function of communication in a relationship is sometimes described as the "thermometer" gauging the level of trust, intimacy, and control in a relationship.

Accepted Answer

The indexical function of communication refers to how language or communication signals convey information about the context in which they are used, such as the social relationship between the speaker and the listener. In a relationship, the indexical function can act as a "thermometer" by conveying information about the level of trust, intimacy, and control in the relationship. Therefore, the best answer is A) indexical.

Question 4

The ______ function of communication in a relationship refers to the way we use messages to accomplish personal and relationship goals.

Accepted Answer

The instrumental function of communication refers to using messages to accomplish personal and relationship goals, such as conveying information or giving requests. The other options do not accurately describe this function of communication in a relationship.

Question 5

After several dates with Daniel, Amy began to reveal more information about herself-her favorite foods, her opinions on current issues, her problems with family. Amy is demonstrating _________.

Accepted Answer

Amy is demonstrating self-disclosure, which is the process of revealing personal information about oneself to another person. By sharing details about her favorite foods, opinions, and family problems, Amy is disclosing more about herself to Daniel.

Question 6

Eye color, gender, and height could all fall under the _____ pane of the Johari window.

Accepted Answer

The open pane of the Johari window represents information that is known to both the individual and others. Eye color, gender, and height are all visible and known to both the individual and others, so they fall under the open pane. Blind represents information that is unknown to the individual but known to others, secret represents information that is known to the individual but not to others, and unknown represents information that is unknown to both the individual and others.

Question 7

Snoring or nervous mannerisms that your spouse is aware of but you are not aware of might fall under the _____ pane of your Johari window.

Accepted Answer

The blind pane of the Johari window refers to things that others know about us but that we are unaware of, such as nervous mannerisms or snoring that our spouse is aware of but we ourselves may not be. The open pane refers to things that both we and others are aware of, the secret pane refers to things that we know but that we keep hidden from others, and the unknown pane refers to things that no one is aware of yet.

Question 8

Paul knows that he has difficulty distinguishing colors. He does not disclose this information to his friends. This information falls into the _____ quadrant of his Johari window

Accepted Answer

The secret quadrant represents information that is known to the individual but not to others, which is the case with Paul's difficulty distinguishing colors.

Question 9

Tracy knows that Julie gets dark circles under her eyes when she is tired; Julie is not aware of this. The reaction to being tired would fall into the _____ quadrant of Julie's Johari window.

Accepted Answer

The blind quadrant is where others are aware of things about a person that they are not aware of themselves. In this case, Tracy is aware of the dark circles under Julie's eyes when she is tired, but Julie is not aware of this herself, so it falls into the blind quadrant.

Question 10

As you become closer to your relationship partners and learn more about them, your level of ______ declines.

Accepted Answer

As you become closer to someone and learn more about them, you naturally become less uncertain about who they are and how they behave. Therefore, the level of uncertainty declines.

Question 11

Becoming friends with your relational partner's friends is one strategy used to _______ a relationship.

Accepted Answer

Becoming friends with your relational partner's friends is a way to develop a relationship as it can help in building mutual trust and understanding between you and your partner's social circle. This can also lead to a deeper understanding of your partner and their interests, which can further strengthen the relationship.

Question 12

The desire to be open with a partner yet still be closed at times is an example of a(n)

Accepted Answer

The desire to be open with a partner yet still be closed at times is an example of a relational dialectic, which refers to the tension between opposing forces or desires within a relationship. In this case, the opposing desires are the desire for intimacy through open communication and the desire for independence or privacy through closed communication. The two desires are in dialectical tension, meaning they occur simultaneously and often in conflict with one another.

Question 13

Ethan may want Hayley to propose new dating activities such as sky-diving, but Hayley may be more comfortable operating in the routines of their normal dates. This tension is known as the dialectic of __________.

Accepted Answer

The dialectic of certainty refers to the tension between the desire for predictability and stability in a relationship (such as sticking to routine dating activities) and the desire for novelty and change (such as trying new and adventurous activities like sky-diving).

Question 14

Putting less emphasis on a dialectical contradiction is called

Accepted Answer

Reframing involves changing the way a situation or set of facts is viewed or considered, which can include putting less emphasis on dialectical contradictions to alter the perspective or understanding of a situation.

Question 15

Terrell's parents wish him to be more open with them. So he chooses to disclose more about events at school, but not to reveal any more information about his relationship with Sam. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

Topical segmentation refers to the selective disclosure of information based on topics; Terrell is open about school events but not about his relationship, illustrating this concept.

Question 16

The state of a relationship in which people change from a pattern of sharing ideas and feelings to a pattern of mostly small talk is

Accepted Answer

The state of a relationship in which people change from a pattern of sharing deep thoughts, ideas and feelings to a pattern of mostly small talk is called decline. This indicates a decrease in emotional intimacy and connection between the individuals. It can be a warning sign that the relationship requires attention and effort to prevent further deterioration.

Question 17

In the ending stage of a relationship, people may use

Accepted Answer

In the ending stages of a relationship, individuals may employ various strategies to manage the decline or dissolution of the relationship. These strategies can include manipulation (to perhaps try to salvage or extend the relationship), withdrawal (reducing emotional or physical investment in the relationship), and avoidance (actively avoiding contact or communication with the partner). All these strategies reflect different ways people cope with the ending of a relationship.

Question 18

The first sign that a relationship is declining is a subtle indication of

Accepted Answer

Dissatisfaction is often the first sign of a declining relationship. One or both partners may start feeling unhappy or unfulfilled in the relationship, which can lead to disengaging and withdrawal. Manipulation may also occur, but it is typically a result of deeper issues in the relationship that have already caused it to decline.

Question 19

A(n) __________ is any event or occurrence associated with relational change.

Accepted Answer

A turning point is a significant event or occurrence that results in a shift or change in the nature of a relationship. This can include positive events, such as the birth of a child or a major achievement, or negative events, such as infidelity or a major conflict. Turning points can have a lasting impact on a relationship and are often seen as opportunities for growth and development. Withdrawal and exchange refer to specific behaviors within a relationship, while reframing is a cognitive process that involves changing the way one views a situation or problem.

Question 20

Interpersonal needs theory includes

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal needs theory, as proposed by psychologist William Schutz in the 1950s, includes three primary needs: affection (or love), inclusion (or belonging), and control (or the need for some degree of influence in relationships and situations). These needs are thought to drive our interactions and relationships with others.

Quiz 6: Communication in the Life Cycle of Relationships