Final Exam - Interpersonal Communication

action model

one-way communication; a sender delivers a message to a receiver

interaction model

back-and-forth exchange; taking turns like “ping-pong”

transaction model

simultaneous sending/receiving; real-time conversation

interpersonal communication

transactional, human communication involving mutual influence for the purpose of managing relationships

internal attribution

cause is something about the person

external attribution

cause is due to circumstances

individualism vs collectivism

independent goals vs. group goals

high vs low context

direct communication vs. relying on context

masculine vs feminine values

competition vs. cooperation/emotion

uncertainty tolerance

comfort with ambiguity vs. need for structure

power distance

equal power vs. strict hierarchy

secure attachment

comfortable with closeness and independence

anxious attachment

seeks reassurance, worries about being left

avoidant attachment

prefers distance, uncomfortable with emotional intimacy

relational listening style

focus on feelings/emotions

analytical listening style

seeks facts, withholds judgement, considers all sides

critical listening style

evaluates, spots inconsistencies

task-oriented listening style

wants action steps, efficiency, brief/clear messages

denotation

literal/dictionary meaning

connotation

personal/attitudinal associations

emblems

nonverbal gestures with a specific, direct verbal translation that are widely understood within a particular culture or group.

affect displays

nonverbal cues that communicate emotional states or feelings, often through facial expressions, gestures, and body language

pseudoconflict

misunderstanding - people think they disagree but actually don’t

simple conflict

clear difference in goals or ideas

ego conflict

when conflict becomes personal or about self-esteem rather than the issue

avoidance conflict style

backing off or staying quiet to dodge conflict

accommodation conflict style

giving in to the other person’s wishes

competition conflict style

trying to win at other’s expense

compromise conflict style

finding middle ground; each giving something up

collaboration conflict style

seeking a win-win solution through open discussion and respect

social exchange theory

we make relationship decisions by weighing costs and rewards

social penetration theory

relationships deepen through self-disclosure

intimacy

emotional closeness, trust and feeling connected; a component of the triangular theory of love

passion

physical attraction, excitement; a component of the triangular theory of love

commitment

loyalty, long-term decision to stay in a relationship; a component of the triangular theory of love

cohesion

emotional bonding and togetherness

adaptability

ability to change roles and adjust to new demands

consensual family communication

high conversation, high conformity; open discussion is allowed, but members are still expected to follow the same decisions/values

pluralistic family communication

high conversation, low conformity; lots of discussion and members are free to hold different views

protective family communication

low conversation, high conformity; little discussion and members are expected to follow parents rules/values

laissez-faire family communication

low conversation, low conformity; minimal interaction and individuals make their own choices with little guidance