Communication Studies Flashcards

Why is nonverbal communication important?

It shapes message interpretation, constant behavior, and aids verbal communication.

What is needed for nonverbal behavior to become nonverbal communication?

Behavior must carry symbolic meaning and be intentional.

What are the similarities between nonverbal and verbal communication?

They share governing rules, cultural bounds, and contextual restrictions.

What are the four major influences on nonverbal communication, and what are their examples?

Culture, relationships, familiarity, and gender presentation shape nonverbal communication.

What are nonverbal codes?

Distinct, organized means of expression made up of symbols and rules.

What are the nonverbal codes, and what are their explanations and examples?

Kinesics, paralinguistics, chronemics, proxemics, haptics, and physical appearance.

What are the five functions of nonverbal messages?

Communicating information, regulating interaction, managing intimacy, social control, and service tasks.

How can power or prejudice be expressed through nonverbal communication?

Through structural norms, dress codes, avoidance, and close observation.

What qualities define close relationships?

High intimacy, frequency, intensity, importance, and irreplaceable uniqueness.

Can you define and explain the 5 different theories of relationships?

Attraction, uncertainty reduction, predicted outcome, social exchange, and equity theories.

What is Attraction Theory?

Forces drawing people together based on proximity, attractiveness, and similarity.

What is Uncertainty Reduction Theory?

Early relationship development driven by reducing uncertainty through reciprocal self-disclosure.

What is Predicted Outcome Theory?

Evaluating whether future interactions will be positive before committing.

What is Social Exchange Theory?

Economically modeling relationships by maximizing rewards and minimizing costs.

What is Equity Theory?

Relational satisfaction depends on a fair balance of inputs and outputs.

What is Knapp's Stage Model, and what is the main divide between its two sides?

Relationships move through coming together and coming apart stages.

What is the Turning Point Model, and how do turning points impact relationships?

Couples move toward or away from commitment based on significant events.

How do we initiate romantic relationships vs. friendships, and what is Social Penetration Theory?

Romance relies on flirting, while friendships rely on shared activities and self-disclosure.

How does Relational Dialectics Theory help us understand how we manage relationships, and what are the competing needs?

Managing relationships by balancing autonomy, expressiveness, and change against opposing needs.

How do we end relationships, and do strategies differ for friendships vs. romantic relationships?

Relationships end via sudden death or passing away using distinct disengagement strategies.

What are the different types of aversive communication behaviors in relationships?

Deception, truth bias, jealousy, interpersonal violence, and sexual coercion.

How can laws, social & cultural norms, legal policies, and institutional practices influence close relationships?

They dictate expectations, rights, religious doctrines, and social perceptions.

What are the four stages of listening?

Hearing, understanding, evaluating, and responding.

What is the hearing (or sensing) stage of listening?

The physical stage of detecting sound waves through the ears.

What is the understanding stage of listening?

Interpreting verbal and nonverbal messages associated with detected sounds.

What is the evaluating stage of listening?

Prioritizing messages based on importance and urgency.

What is the responding stage of listening?

Providing simple or elaborate feedback based on message evaluation.

What are the four primary listening styles?

Action-oriented, content-oriented, people-oriented, and time-oriented styles.

What is the action-oriented listening style?

A preference for error-free, organized communication focused on task completion.

What is the content-oriented listening style?

An interest in detailed information, high-quality evidence, and analytical debate.

What is the people-oriented listening style?

Focusing on supportive listening, feelings, and building friendly social ties.

What is the time-oriented listening style?

Emphasizing brief, concise communication to save time.

How do demographic characteristics like gender, age, and nationality affect listening?

Individual differences shape listening behaviors, expectations, and cultural norms.

How does gender affect listening?

Women are often seen as empathetic listeners, while men are seen as task-driven.

How does age affect listening?

Listening capacity evolves across life stages from childhood into full adulthood.

How does nationality or ethnicity affect listening?

Culture dictates nonverbal expressions and respectful behaviors during listening.

What are common barriers to listening and how do they interfere with communication?

Physical noise, psychological states, conflicting objectives, and poor habits.

How do physical and physiological barriers get in the way of listening?

Environmental noise and physical discomfort restrict auditory focus.

How do psychological barriers get in the way of listening?

Mental states and emotions filter out uncomfortable messages.

How do conflicting objectives get in the way of listening?

Differing personal goals cause listeners to filter out broader messages.

How do poor listening habits get in the way of listening?

Ineffective behaviors distract listeners from the actual message.

How do social status, physical appearance, and vocal cues affect listening?

Societal hierarchies and perceived attractiveness create biases in attention.

Which contexts call for different listening styles or behaviors?

Interpersonal, professional, and societal contexts adjust listening expectations.

What are soundscapes and how do they function?

Everyday environmental sounds that establish community identity and shared cues.

What are some ethical choices related to listening?

Deciding what to tune out, when to listen selectively, or engaging collectively.

What is the definition of culture, and what is the definition of intercultural communication?

Culture is shared patterns; intercultural communication occurs between culturally different people.

What is the definition of culture?

Shared patterns of perceptions, values, and behaviors operating within power structures.

What is the definition of intercultural communication?

Communication occurring during interactions between people who are culturally different.

Can you identify and explain the different types of border dwellers?

Border dwellers through travel, socialization, and relationships.

What defines border dwellers through travel, and what challenges do they face?

People moving between cultures who frequently experience culture shock.

How do border dwellers through socialization experience life between cultures?

They navigate multiple social identity categories and adapt to dominant norms.

What makes border dwellers through relationships unique?

They navigate intimate partnerships across cultural lines despite external disapproval.

How do cultural values impact intercultural communication?

They influence behavior across six primary value dimensions.

How do Individualism and Collectivism impact intercultural communication?

Individualism prioritizes independence, while collectivism prioritizes group harmony.

How does Preferred Personality ("to do" vs. "to be") influence communication?

"To do" values work, while "to be" values present experiences.

In what way does the View of Human Nature impact societal frameworks?

Viewing humans as good or evil shapes legal and social rules.

How does the Human-Nature Value orientation affect perspectives on the environment?

It shapes whether humans dominate, serve, or live in harmony with nature.

What is the difference between high power distance and low power distance cultures?

High power expects inequality, whereas low power strives for equality.

How do long-term and short-term orientations differ in their focus?

Long-term focuses on virtue, while short-term emphasizes quick results.

What is the difference between indulgence vs. restraint orientation?

Indulgence permits free gratification, whereas restraint suppresses basic needs.

What characterizes an indulgence orientation?

The free gratification of basic human drives and pursuing personal happiness.

What characterizes a restraint orientation?

Suppressing needs and keeping desires regulated through strict social norms.

How do dialectical approaches function in intercultural communication?

They shift perspective to both/and thinking across six paradoxical pairs.

How does the cultural-individual dialectic function?

It balances shared cultural patterns with unique individual personalities.

What is the role of the personal-contextual dialectic?

It highlights that communication depends on personal preferences and situational contexts.

Why is the differences-similarities dialectic important?

It acknowledges cultural differences while recognizing universal human similarities.

How does the static-dynamic dialectic apply to culture?

It recognizes stable cultural elements alongside continuous evolution.

What does the history/past-present/future dialectic examine?

How historical contexts continually influence current intercultural interactions.

How does the privilege-disadvantage dialectic operate?

It acknowledges experiencing societal privilege and disadvantage simultaneously.

How can you communicate more ethically across cultures?

Avoid the zoo approach and remain open to alternative worldviews.

What is the "zoo approach," and why should it be avoided in intercultural communication?

Viewing people as exotic curiosities, which strips away individual humanity.

Why is openness to alternative worldviews essential for ethical intercultural communication?

It allows respecting diverse perspectives without passing ethnocentric judgments.

What are some ways you can improve your intercultural communication skills?

Increase motivation, expand self-awareness, and avoid rigid stereotypes.

Why is increasing motivation crucial for improving intercultural communication?

Motivation provides the internal desire to connect with different cultures.

How does increasing knowledge of self and others function as a cyclical process?

Interacting with diverse individuals enhances future intercultural interactions.

How do rigid stereotypes negatively impact intercultural interactions?

Stereotypes create generalizations that result in prejudice and negative behaviors.

What is the Individualism vs. Collectivism dimension?

Prioritizing personal independence versus group harmony and cooperation.

What is the Preferred Personality dimension?

Valuing work productivity versus living in the moment.

What is the View of Human Nature dimension?

Considering whether humans are fundamentally good or evil.

What is the Human-Nature Value dimension?

Addressing how a culture views humanity's relationship with nature.

What is the Power Distance dimension?

Measuring how power inequalities are handled within a culture.

What is the Long-term vs. Short-term Orientation dimension?

Reflecting perspectives on truth, time, and future sacrifice.