Words are

Words are

a. useless and should be avoided.
b. arbitrary and their meaning is assigned by the receiver.
c. the most important part of communication.
d. helpful only if you chose the right ones.

Answer: B

One way to make words more effective to the listener is to

One way to make words more effective to the listener is to

a. use words that offend but get your point across.
b. use abstract concepts.
c. use equivocal language.
d. adapt to the listeners language patterns.

Answer: D

One way to make words more measurable is to

One way to make words more measurable is to

a. use words such as "doubtful, toss-up, likely, probable, good chance, and unlikely."
b. use abstract concepts.
c. use equivocal language.
d. turn them into numbers.

Answer: D

Semantic misunderstandings arise when

Semantic misunderstandings arise when

a. people assign the same meanings to the same words.
b. people assign different meanings to different words.
c. people assign different meanings to the same words.
d. people assign the same meaning to different words.

Answer: C

Keiko goes overboard in trying to make people like her.

Keiko goes overboard in trying to make people like her.

a. Keiko gave everyone on the team a valentine.
b. Keiko is the biggest kiss-up you ever met.
c. I think Keiko is trying to make my friends like her better than me.
d. I want Keiko to stop trying to outdo everybody else.

Answer: A

Carlos is the most wonderful friend.

Carlos is the most wonderful friend.

a. Carlos has never told anyone about my fear of failing.
b. Carlos listens to me about everything.
c. Carlos is the best listener I've ever met.
d. I can trust Carlos implicitly with all my secrets.

Answer: A

Shannon is worthless as a roommate.

Shannon is worthless as a roommate.

a. Shannon is always gone, so she's really not part of our house.
b. Shannon never does her part around here.
c. Shannon's jobs seldom get done around here.
d. Shannon has attended only one of our six house meetings.

Answer: D

There are a lot of problems associated with freedom.

There are a lot of problems associated with freedom.

a. Freedom carries with it responsibility.
b. Since I moved into my own apartment, I have to pay ten bills.
c. I don't like all the responsibility of living on my own.
d. My economic responsibilities limit my freedom.

Answer: B

He can never do anything because he's always busy.

He can never do anything because he's always busy.

a. He couldn't take me to dinner last night because he had to work.
b. He can never do anything fun because he's always working.
c. He didn't ever take time off to be with me.
d. He works too much so we have a boring life.

Answer: A

Jo's constantly complaining.

Jo's constantly complaining.

a. Jo whines a lot.
b. Jo complains often about the workload.
c. Jo told me three times this week that she feels overworked.
d. Every time we meet, Jo complains about all the work she does.

Answer: C

My sister is a pill.

My sister is a pill.

a. Inference
b. Relative word
c. Abstract words
d. Emotive word
e. Equivocal language



Answer: Emotive word

My grandfather is young.

My grandfather is young.

a. Inference
b. Relative word
c. Abstract words
d. Emotive word
e. Equivocal language



Answer: Relative word

Ian gave a long speech.

Ian gave a long speech.

a. Inference
b. Relative word
c. Abstract words
d. Emotive word
e. Equivocal language



Answer: Relative word

All of the measures I've supported in Congress support security.

All of the measures I've supported in Congress support security. 

a. Inference
b. Relative word
c. Abstract words
d. Emotive word
e. Equivocal language




Answer: Abstract words

He's a real tight-wad.

He's a real tight-wad.

a. Inference
b. Relative word
c. Abstract words
d. Emotive word
e. Equivocal language



Answer: Emotive word

He showed up, so he must agree with the protest.

He showed up, so he must agree with the protest.

a. Inference
b. Relative word
c. Abstract words
d. Emotive word
e. Equivocal language



Answer: Inference

As your governor, I'd improve education in the state.

As your governor, I'd improve education in the state.

a. Inference
b. Relative word
c. Abstract words
d. Emotive word
e. Equivocal language



Answer: Abstract words

When I said I'd always help bail you out, I didn't mean from jail, just that I'd have pay your bills.

When I said I'd always help bail you out, I didn't mean from jail, just that I'd have pay your bills.

a. Inference
b. Relative word
c. Abstract words
d. Emotive word
e. Equivocal language




Answer: Equivocal word

She left the meeting early; she must have been irritated.

She left the meeting early; she must have been irritated. 

a. Inference
b. Relative word
c. Abstract words
d. Emotive word
e. Equivocal language



Answer: Inference

My car is hot (Temperature inside? Overheating? Good-looking? Stolen?)

My car is hot (Temperature inside? Overheating? Good-looking? Stolen?)

a. Inference
b. Relative word
c. Abstract words
d. Emotive word
e. Equivocal language



Answer: Equivocal language

That guy is a real hunk.

That guy is a real hunk.

a. Inference
b. Relative word
c. Abstract words
d. Emotive word
e. Equivocal language



Answer: Emotive words

That place is expensive.

That place is expensive.

a. Inference
b. Relative word
c. Abstract words
d. Emotive word
e. Equivocal language



Answer: Relative word

I have a stomach problem.

I have a stomach problem.

a. Inference
b. Relative word
c. Abstract words
d. Emotive word
e. Equivocal language



Answer: Abstract words

John didn't call so he must be angry.

John didn't call so he must be angry.

a. Inference
b. Relative word
c. Abstract words
d. Emotive word
e. Equivocal language




Answer: Inference

The term used to describe messages that people exchange, verbally or nonverbally, about their relationship is

The term used to describe messages that people exchange, verbally or nonverbally, about their relationship is

A. metacommunication.
B. conversation.
C. miscommunication.
D. discourse.
E. micro communication.

Answer: A

Saying to your partner, "I wish you didn't use that tone of voice with me" is an example of

Saying to your partner, "I wish you didn't use that tone of voice with me" is an example of

A. metadata.
B. relational transgression.
C. the connection-autonomy dialectic.
D. metacommunication.
E. None of these choices are correct.

Answer: D

The degree to which the partners in an interpersonal relationship like or appreciate one another is called

The degree to which the partners in an interpersonal relationship like or appreciate one another is called

A. self-respect.
B. appreciation.
C. the like-love phenomenon.
D. affinity.
E. the communication of honesty.

Answer: D

Which of the strategies for managing dialectical tensions are most effective, according to research?

Which of the strategies for managing dialectical tensions are most effective, according to research?

A. balance
B. integration
C. recalibration
D. reaffirmation
E. b, c, and d are seen as the most productive

Answer: E

The strategy where communicators respond to one end of the dialectical spectrum and ignore the other is

The strategy where communicators respond to one end of the dialectical spectrum and ignore the other is

A. denial.
B. segmentation.
C. recalibration.
D. alternation.
E. disorientation.

Answer: A

In any relationship, the power to determine what will happen in the relationship is a type of relational control called

In any relationship, the power to determine what will happen in the relationship is a type of relational control called

A. conversation control.
B. powerful control.
C. distributional control.
D. context control.
E. decision control.

Answer: E

"I was feeling trapped" is communication that characterizes what dialectical tension?

"I was feeling trapped" is communication that characterizes what dialectical tension?

A. connection-autonomy
B. openness-privacy
C. predictability-novelty
D. win-lose
E. None of these choices are correct.

Answer: A

Maya is getting tired of the Friday night routine of eating out at the same restaurant with her husband. She is struggling with what dialectical tension?

Maya is getting tired of the Friday night routine of eating out at the same restaurant with her husband. She is struggling with what dialectical tension?

A. connection-autonomy
B. openness-privacy
C. predictability-novelty
D. alternation-segmentation
E. None of these choices are correct

Answer: C

Conflicting desires for both intimacy and the lack of it in an interpersonal relationship lead to the

Conflicting desires for both intimacy and the lack of it in an interpersonal relationship lead to the

A. openness-privacy dialectic.
B. predictability-novelty dialectic.
C. cohesion-revolt dialectic.
D. connection-autonomy dialectic.

Answer: A

Agreeing to rules about how often couples will or won't talk and text via cell phones can help to manage which dialectical tension?

Agreeing to rules about how often couples will or won't talk and text via cell phones can help to manage which dialectical tension?

A. connection vs. autonomy
B. openness vs. privacy
C. predictability vs. novelty
D. denial vs. disorientation
E. none of the above

Answer: A

When two opposing or incompatible forces exist simultaneously in an interpersonal relationship, the struggle to achieve these opposing goals creates what is called a

When two opposing or incompatible forces exist simultaneously in an interpersonal relationship, the struggle to achieve these opposing goals creates what is called a

A. dialectical tension.
B. collectivistic tension.
C. differentiating end state.
D. proximity problem.
E. counterfeit goal state.

Answer: A

Which of the following does not typically occur in the intensifying stage of interpersonal relationships?

Which of the following does not typically occur in the intensifying stage of interpersonal relationships?

A. Feelings are expressed nonverbally.
B. The parties spend an increasing amount of time together.
C. The parties begin to take on an identity as a social unit.
D. The parties might take trips together.
E. The parties hint and flirt.

Answer: C

A couple might declare themselves "Facebook official" (or FBO) in which stage of relational development?

A couple might declare themselves "Facebook official" (or FBO) in which stage of relational development?

A. initiating
B. integrating
C. bonding
D. circumscribing
E. intensifying

Answer: B

The stage where partners act in old, familiar ways and no growth occurs is

The stage where partners act in old, familiar ways and no growth occurs is

A. avoiding.
B. differentiation.
C. circumscribing.
D. stagnating.
E. terminating.

Answer: D

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

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

A. integrating
B. differentiating
C. bonding
D. terminating
E. intensifying

Answer: B

According to Knapp's model of interaction stages, symbolic public gestures that show the world that a relationship exists usually occur in which stage in interpersonal relationships?

According to Knapp's model of interaction stages, symbolic public gestures that show the world that a relationship exists usually occur in which stage in interpersonal relationships?

A. circumscribing
B. experimenting
C. bonding
D. intensifying
E. integrating

Answer: C

Molly makes an excuse not to attend a party she knows Jack is invited to. She's most likely in which stage with Jack?

Molly makes an excuse not to attend a party she knows Jack is invited to. She's most likely in which stage with Jack?

A. circumscribing
B. initiating
C. experimenting
D. bonding
E. avoiding

Answer: E

Judith and Natalie work for the same employer and often have lunch together to talk about their current romances, problems with their families, and apartment headaches. Most Saturday afternoons they play tennis together. Which relationship stage do they seem to be in?

Judith and Natalie work for the same employer and often have lunch together to talk about their current romances, problems with their families, and apartment headaches. Most Saturday afternoons they play tennis together. Which relationship stage do they seem to be in?

A. intensifying
B. differentiating
C. bonding
D. circumscribing
E. initiating

Answer: A

The stage where a couple might come up with "our song" is

The stage where a couple might come up with "our song" is

A. integrating.
B. initiating.
C. intensifying.
D. experimenting.
E. bonding.

Answer: A

The best predictor of whether a couple will be friends after reaching the terminating stage is

The best predictor of whether a couple will be friends after reaching the terminating stage is

A. whether they have children.
B. whether they were friends before their emotional involvement.
C. whether they went to counseling.
D. whether communication was positive during the break-up.
E. b and d

Answer: E

The relational dimension of a message

The relational dimension of a message

A. deals with one or more social needs.
B. makes statements about how the parties feel toward one another.
C. are usually expressed nonverbally.
D. All of these choices are correct.
E. None of these choices are correct.

Answer: D

Your roommate says, "It's your turn to take out the trash" in a demanding tone of voice. If you want to find out the relational dimension of the message, you should

Your roommate says, "It's your turn to take out the trash" in a demanding tone of voice. If you want to find out the relational dimension of the message, you should

A. negotiate other ways of dealing with the trash problem.
B. point out how defensive your roommate sounds.
C. use perception checking to see if your roommate is upset with you.
D. remind your roommate nicely that you took the trash out last night.
E. ask your roommate's friends to explain the real problem.

Answer: C

Talking the most, interrupting the other person, and changing the topic most often are all common indicators of

Talking the most, interrupting the other person, and changing the topic most often are all common indicators of

A. powerful control.
B. context control.
C. distributional control.
D. conversation control.
E. decision control.

Answer: D

Speed daters are most influenced by which factor of attraction?

Speed daters are most influenced by which factor of attraction?

A. similarity
B. reciprocal attraction
C. appropriate disclosure
D. appearance
E. complementarity

Answer: D

Social exchange theory suggests that we often seek out people who can give us

Social exchange theory suggests that we often seek out people who can give us

A. relational rewards rather than physical ones.
B. both relational and physical things without demanding anything of us.
C. more self-esteem.
D. something in exchange for what we give them.
E. rewards greater than or equal to the costs we encounter in dealing with them

Answer: E

Which of the following was found to be true about lying in online dating profiles?

Which of the following was found to be true about lying in online dating profiles?

A. The more deceptive a dater's profile was the less likely they were to use "I."
B. Fabricators tend to write shorter self-descriptions.
C. Liars often flip their language, as in "not sad" instead of "happy."
D. b and c
E. all of the above

Answer: E

One of the key differences between marriages that end in separation and those that are restored to their former intimacy is

One of the key differences between marriages that end in separation and those that are restored to their former intimacy is

A. how long the couple remained in the integration stage.
B. how much metacommunication occurs.
C. the types of relational transgressions that happened.
D. the communication that occurs when the partners are unsatisfied.
E. None of these choices are correct.

Answer: D

Relationships

Relationships

A. are constantly changing.
B. can be characterized by dialectical tensions.
C. are affected by culture.
D. typically progress from one stage to another.
E. All of these choices are true about relationships.

Answer: E

Almost every message has

Almost every message has

A. both a content and a relational dimension.
B. relational dimension.
C. an unintentional message.
D. content dimension.
E. no dimensions unless the communicators intend them to.

Answer: A

A couple on their second marriage each share many feelings with each other, but they keep most details of their previous marriages private. They are managing the openness-privacy dialectic with the strategy of

A couple on their second marriage each share many feelings with each other, but they keep most details of their previous marriages private. They are managing the openness-privacy dialectic with the strategy of

A. recalibration.
B. balance.
C. denial.
D. alternation.
E. segmentation.

Answer: E

According to your text, the process of getting to know others by gaining more information about them is called

According to your text, the process of getting to know others by gaining more information about them is called

A. initiating.
B. approach behavior.
C. networking.
D. uncertainty reduction.
E. All of these choices are correct.

Answer: D

A study of 78 Internet dating profiles showed that about __________ percent strayed from the truth on some level.

A study of 78 Internet dating profiles showed that about __________ percent strayed from the truth on some level.

A. 80
B. 50
C. 98
D. 65
E. 20

Answer: A

All of the following are true about similarity research except which one?

All of the following are true about similarity research except which one?

A. For the most part, we like people who are similar to us.
B. Being similar to others can boost your ego.
C. We tend to have stronger dislike for people who are similar to us but offensive.
D. Communication ability is more important to relational happiness than being similar.
E. Attraction is greatest when we're similar to others in areas like goals and beliefs.

Answer: D

According to the text, we are usually attracted to people who

According to the text, we are usually attracted to people who

A. are high self-disclosure.
B. are perfect.
C. like us.
D. approve of us even in ways we know are inaccurate.
E. live far away from us

Answer: C

We are often attracted to people who

We are often attracted to people who

A. we find physically attractive.
B. are different but can satisfy our needs.
C. are similar to us.
D. we interact with frequently.
E. All of these choices are correct.

Answer: E