2. Interpersonal Communication Flashcards
What is the role of nonverbal behavior in human communication?
Nonverbal behavior enhances communication by supplementing verbal messages, expressing emotions, conveying relationship dynamics, regulating interactions, and sometimes, concealing or deceiving.
What are the implicit determinants behind the use and interpretation of nonverbal behavior?
The use and understanding of nonverbal behavior are influenced by cultural norms, individual differences, emotions, context, and power dynamics. These factors shape how we express and interpret gestures, expressions, and body language.
What are the major categories of human nonverbal behavior in its three main dimensions (environment, and static and dynamic personal characteristics)?
- Environmental Structures and Conditions:
Physical Environment: Elements like furniture, lighting, and noise.
Spatial Environment: Focuses on social and personal space. - Static Personal Characteristics:
Physical Appearance: Includes physique, attractiveness, and artifacts like clothing. - Dynamic Personal Characteristics:
Body Movement and Position:
Gestures: Speech-independent and speech-related.
Posture: Reflects attention, status, and emotions.
Touching Behavior: Conveys meaning based on context.
Facial Expressions: Display emotions and regulate interactions.
Eye Behavior: Indicates interest, attention, or deception.
Vocal Behavior: Variations in pitch, tone, and rhythm during speech.
Sketch and illustrate the functional taxonomy of nonverbal behavior.
- Regulatory Function: Control or regulate interactions.
Example: Using eye contact to signal turn-taking in a conversation. - Expressive Function: Convey emotions or attitudes.
Example: Smiling to express happiness or nodding to show agreement. - Relational Function: Communicate relationship aspects.
Example: Standing close to someone to indicate intimacy. - Immediacy Function: Create closeness and involvement.
Example: Leaning forward and maintaining eye contact to show interest. - Deceptive Function: Deceive or manipulate.
Example: Faking a smile to hide discomfort. - Substitution Function: Replace verbal communication.
Example: Using hand gestures to indicate directions instead of giving verbal instructions. - Complementary Function: Enhance verbal messages.
Example: Using hand gestures while speaking to emphasize key points.
How does Goffman use the theatrical metaphor of ‘acting’ and ‘roles’ to describe interpersonal communication and the way people present themselves to others?
Social interaction resembles a theatrical performance where individuals, akin to actors on a stage, assume diverse roles dictated by varying contexts. Each role comes with specific expectations and norms, shaping behavior accordingly. Similar to actors, individuals engage in impression management, carefully curating their verbal and nonverbal cues to influence how they are perceived by others, highlighting the performative nature of human interaction.
What is ‘working consensus’ in interpersonal communication and why is it important to achieve it for the interactants?
In interpersonal communication, a “working consensus” is a shared understanding between interactants about interaction norms. It’s crucial for clarity, coordination, mutual respect, efficiency, and comfort during interactions.
Describe the difference between the behaviors while playing a role in front of others as opposed to retreating to ‘backstage’.
Goffman’s concept of front stage and backstage illustrates how individuals manage their social performances. On the front stage, people consciously adhere to societal roles, managing impressions and paying attention to social cues. In contrast, the backstage allows for informal, authentic behavior away from public scrutiny, providing space for relaxation, genuine expression, and informal socializing.
How could you relate the concepts of honesty and integrity to the concept of the Goffmanian dramaturgical roles in communication?
Relating honesty and integrity to Goffman’s dramaturgical roles involves ensuring that self-presentation aligns with reality while maintaining authenticity and ethical standards. This includes being truthful within roles, maintaining integrity in impression management, balancing authenticity with adaptation, considering ethics in front stage performances, and being accountable for self-presentation.
What is the relevance of strokes and ‘hungers’ (needs, drives) in Berne’s theory about human transactions?
In Transactional Analysis (TA), strokes are positive reinforcements individuals receive from others, crucial for self-esteem. ‘Hungers’ represent fundamental needs and drives that motivate behavior. Strokes and ‘hungers’ influence interpersonal dynamics, psychological well-being, and relationships, guiding individuals in effective communication and personal growth within TA.
Describe the three Ego-states (Parent, Adult, Child) that Berne distinguishes.
The Parent ego state reflects learned behaviors from authority figures, divided into Nurturing Parent (NP) and Critical Parent (CP). The Adult ego state is rational and analytical, processing information objectively. The Child ego state encompasses emotional and instinctual behaviors, further divided into Adaptive Child (AC) and Rebellious Child (RC). Understanding these ego states helps in communication and relationship dynamics.
How are the three ego states involved in communication?
In communication, individuals operate from one of three ego states: Parent, Adult, or Child. Complementary transactions occur when communication aligns with the same ego state, fostering understanding. Crossed transactions happen when communication diverges, potentially leading to misunderstandings or conflicts. Awareness of these ego states aids in understanding communication patterns and adjusting styles for effective interaction and conflict resolution.
What are complementary, crossed, angular and duplex transactions?
- Complementary: Stimulus and response align, fostering smooth communication (e.g., Adult-Adult interaction).
- Crossed: Response diverges from the expected, causing miscommunication (e.g., Adult-Child response to an Adult stimulus).
- Angular: Involves three ego states, often seen in complex interactions (e.g., a salesperson using emotional appeal in an Adult-Adult conversation).
- Duplex: Involves four ego states, adding complexity to communication (e.g., Child-Child response in an Adult-Adult conversation).
What are the four life positions for Berne?
- I’m OK, You’re OK: Healthy belief in self and others.
- I’m OK, You’re not OK: Feeling superior to others.
- I’m not OK, You’re OK: Feeling inferior to others.
- I’m not OK, You’re not OK: Negative belief about self and others.
