Exam 1 Review Flashcards
What does relational communication focus on?
The expression and interpretations of messages with close relationships
It helps us understand how people interact, build, and maintain relationships.
What are the three types of relationships?
- Role Relationships
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Close Relationships
Each type has distinct characteristics.
Define role relationships.
Functional, task-related, causal, interchangeable, temporary
Involve limited behavioral interdependence.
What characterizes interpersonal relationships?
- Mutual Influence
- Connection at a social or emotional level
- Unique Communication
- Repeated interactions
- Use of maintenance behaviors
Involves communication of support and reciprocity.
What are the key features of close relationships?
- Emotional attachment
- Irreplaceability
- Need fulfillment
They involve lasting connections and emotional closeness.
How does social connection relate to well-being?
Those who are more socially connected and included are happier
Happy people are more social.
Fill in the blank: Rewiring our behaviors, thoughts, and old habits to make us _______.
[happy]
What is miswanting in the context of happiness?
Intuitions and socially acceptable things lead us to believe certain things will make us happy
Example: Believing money will bring happiness.
What are the three roles non-verbal communication can play?
- Repetition/ Reinforcement
- Contradiction
- Substitution
Non-verbal can reinforce or replace verbal messages.
True or False: Communication is inevitable in interpersonal settings.
True
All verbal or nonverbal behaviors convey a message.
List the three types of goals people fulfill through interpersonal communication.
- Self-presentational goals
- Relational goals
- Instrumental goals
Each goal serves a different purpose in communication.
What is the Communication Theory of Identity?
Highlights the role of communication in identity
Identities are influenced by communication and expressed through communication.
What are the four identity frames in the Communication Theory of Identity?
- Personal
- Enactment
- Relationship
- Communal
Each frame represents different aspects of identity development.
Define self-expansion theory.
Examines the development of close relationships after first impressions
Relationships can end if they no longer provide growth opportunities.
What does positive face refer to in Politeness Theory?
Identity validation
We seek acceptance and appreciation of our identity performance.
What are face-threatening acts?
- Authority being questioned
- Disagreements
- Being interrupted
- Appearing unintelligent
- Appearing incompetent
These acts can damage one’s positive face.
What is cognitive dissonance?
Mental discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs or actions contradicting beliefs
People try to reduce this dissonance to achieve consonance.
What are the four types of attraction?
- Physical
- Social
- Task
- Sexual
Each type represents a different aspect of attraction.
What is the Halo Effect?
Finding someone physically attractive leads to finding them attractive in other domains
Opposite of the Horns Effect.
What influences attachment styles?
Childhood experiences
They affect how individuals view themselves and others in relationships.
List the four attachment styles.
- Secure
- Dismissive
- Fearful
- Preoccupied
Each style represents different views on relationships.
What is the proximity effect?
The closer you are to someone physically, the more likely you are to find them attractive
Physical space influences attraction.
What is implicit egotism?
We are attracted to people who are similar to us in surprising ways
It reflects our preferences based on our self-concept.
What does the matching hypothesis suggest?
Very attractive people are more likely to pair up with other very attractive people
Physical attractiveness influences relationship dynamics.
What is complementarity in relationships?
Differences between two people that enhance a relationship rather than harm it.
What are the factors that play a role in sexual attraction?
- Physical appearance
- Proximity
- Similarity
- Familiarity
What is the primary purpose of human sexuality?
To promote reproduction and ensure the survival of the species, while also forming emotional bonds and creating intimacy.
What influences sexuality according to the text?
Genes and environment shape preferences, behaviors, and attractions.
Define uncertainty in the context of relationships.
Lack of predictability and clarity; the act of being uncertain, not knowing.
What are the three types of relational uncertainty?
- Self uncertainty
- Partner uncertainty
- Relationship uncertainty
What is Uncertainty Reduction Theory?
We seek to reduce uncertainty in new interactions by gathering information about others.
List the four uncertainty reduction strategies.
- Passive: observing the other person
- Active: asking a third party
- Interactive: collecting information through direct contact
- Extractive: collecting information through digital resources
What are secret tests in relationships?
Knowledge seeking strategies to determine how committed your partner is to the relationship.
What does Uncertainty Management Theory suggest?
We are not always motivated to reduce uncertainty; we want to learn how to live with the unknown.
What is the reason people engage in information avoidance?
To protect themselves from stress or anxiety, reduce cognitive dissonance, maintain control, or avoid unwanted change.
What is Predicted Outcome Value Theory?
Information seeking about a potential partner is dependent on perceptions of outcome value.
What characterizes a high outcome value in a partner?
A person is perceived to be more rewarding than other potential partners.
What characterizes a low outcome value in a partner?
A person is perceived to be less rewarding than other potential partners.
What does Expectancy Violations Theory describe?
What happens when someone behaves in a way we don’t expect or violates a social norm.
What are the two types of expectancy violations?
- Positive violations: behavior exceeds expectations
- Negative violations: behavior falls short of expectations
What happens when unexpected behavior is neutral?
Responses are based on the personal traits of the person who committed the unexpected behavior.
