Question 1

Vague language, also known as _________ language, forms the basis for many misunderstandings.

Accepted Answer

Abstract language lacks specificity and detail, making it more prone to misunderstandings compared to concrete language.

Question 2

Abstract language is often conceptualized as a(n) ________, with highly abstract language at the top and increasingly more specific language on the lower levels.

Accepted Answer

Abstract language is often conceptualized as a "ladder," with highly abstract language at the top and more specific language on the lower levels, illustrating the progression from general to specific.

Question 3

Sometimes, the use of abstract language isn't intentional; rather, it stems from the assumption that others see things the same way we do. This is known as the

Accepted Answer

D

Question 4

One type of abstract language, ____________, involves words or phrases that gain their meaning by comparison.

Accepted Answer

Relative language involves words or phrases that gain their meaning through comparison, distinguishing it from other types of language by its comparative nature.

Question 5

Two types of abstract language include ________ language and ________ language.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Two types of abstract language include ________...

Question 6

Within abstract language, _________ terms are interpreted in different ways by different people, based on each person's own experiences and preferences.

Accepted Answer

Relative terms are interpreted differently by different people because their meanings can change based on individual perspectives and experiences.

Question 7

Max wanted to stop by a friend's house on the way home from work. When his wife asked how long he would be, he replied, "Just a little while." Three hours later, he came home to an angry woman. The misunderstanding created here was a function of _______ language.

Accepted Answer

The misunderstanding arose because "Just a little while" is a relative term; its meaning can vary greatly from one person to another. Max's idea of "a little while" was different from his wife's, leading to the conflict.

Question 8

Language that implies a situation or person is always the same is also known as ________ language.

Accepted Answer

Static language implies that a situation or person is unchanging and constant, suggesting no variation over time.

Question 9

"Andrea is always late!" This statement is an example of ________ language.

Accepted Answer

The statement "Andrea is always late!" is an example of static language because it labels Andrea's behavior as unchanging over time, suggesting that she is always late without acknowledging any variation or change in her behavior.

Question 10

"You are never home!" is to ________ language as "You have been working a lot this week, and I miss you" is to ________ language.

Accepted Answer

The first statement, "You are never home!" uses static language because it makes an absolute statement that doesn't allow for exceptions or variations. The second statement, "You have been working a lot this week, and I miss you," uses descriptive language because it describes specific behavior and expresses feelings without making absolute judgments.

Question 11

Sometimes, static language also includes exaggerations of the behavior's frequency. This is also known as the

Accepted Answer

The term "fallacy of overgeneralization" refers to the cognitive bias or error of applying a general rule too broadly. In the context of static language and exaggerations of behavior's frequency, it implies incorrectly assuming that a behavior always occurs in a certain way, based on limited instances. This overgeneralization can lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentations of behavior patterns.

Question 12

To avoid misunderstandings, replace abstract terms with ________ terms and include specific examples that describe what happened and when it occurred.

Accepted Answer

Concrete terms are specific and provide clarity, making them effective in avoiding misunderstandings by replacing abstract terms.

Question 13

_________ occurs when we blame someone else for our own feelings.

Accepted Answer

The fallacy of causation occurs when we incorrectly attribute the cause of our feelings or behaviors to an external source, such as blaming someone else for how we feel.

Question 14

After his dog used the carpet for a restroom, Jake screamed, "You make me so mad!" This is an example of the

Accepted Answer

Jake's statement implies that his dog's action directly causes his anger, which is an example of the fallacy of causation, assuming that one event causes another without sufficient proof.

Question 15

When we use ________ language, it implies the other person is to blame for our feelings or the situation.

Accepted Answer

Using "you" language often implies blame towards the other person, suggesting that they are responsible for the speaker's feelings or the situation, which can lead to defensive reactions.

Question 16

Debra turned left at the light and was hit by an oncoming car. Her husband, Derek, responded with, "You scared me so much! Why didn't you look where you were going?"
This is an example of a(n) ________ statement.

Accepted Answer

Derek's statement is focused on Debra's actions and implies blame, which is characteristic of a "you" statement. These types of statements often focus on the behavior of the other person and can come across as accusatory.

Question 17

Language that takes responsibility for the impact the other person's behavior has on you, rather than scolding or placing blame, is called ________ language.

Accepted Answer

"I" language focuses on expressing one's own feelings and thoughts without blaming the other person, promoting more constructive and empathetic communication.

Question 18

Debra turned left at the light and was hit by an oncoming car. Her husband, Derek, responded with, "I was so scared when I found out you were hurt. What happened?"
This is an example of a(n) ________ statement.

Accepted Answer

Derek's response is focused on his own feelings and perspective, making it an "I" statement. He expresses his emotions about the situation without blaming or focusing on Debra's actions.

Question 19

An effective I-statement includes three basic elements: a behavioral description, an emotional description, and a(n)

Accepted Answer

An effective I-statement includes a behavioral description (describing the specific behavior that is causing an issue), an emotional description (expressing how the behavior makes the speaker feel), and a consequence (explaining the effects or outcomes of the behavior). This structure helps in communicating feelings and needs without blaming or criticizing the listener.

Question 20

Within an I-statement, a(n) ________ description is a clear, specific, and factual description of a person's behavior.

Accepted Answer

A behavioral description within an I-statement specifically refers to a clear, specific, and factual description of a person's behavior, focusing on observable actions rather than interpretations or judgments.

Quiz 9: Verbal and Nonverbal Communication