COMM CH 9

cumulative annoyance

A buildup of repressed irritations that grows as the mental list of grievances we have against our partner grows. For example, Martel's anger about where Louis parks his car is a reaction to several other incidents in which Louis was inconsiderate.

escalation

A dramatic rise in emotional intensity and increasingly negative communication during conflict, such as teasing that inflates to a heated exchange of insults.

pseudo-conflict

A mistaken perception that a conflict exists when it doesn't. For example, Barbara thinks Anne is angry with her because Anne hasn't spoken to her all evening, but Anne is actually worried about a report from her physician.

kitchen-sinking

A response to a conflict in which combatants hurl insults and accusations at each other that have very little to do with the original disagreement. For example, although Mary and Pat are arguing about the budget, Mary adds, "I'm sick of the mess you left in the garage and these papers all over the family room."

serial arguments

A series of unresolved disputes, all having to do with the same issue.

skirting

A way of avoiding conflict by changing the topic or joking about it. For example, Martel tries to evade Louis's criticism about where Martel parked his car by teasing, "I did you a favor. You walked twenty extra steps. Exercise is good for you."

sniping

A way of avoiding conflict by communicating in a negative fashion and then abandoning the encounter by physically leaving the scene or refusing to interact further, such as when Martel answers Louis's criticism about where he parked his car by insulting Louis and stomping out the door.

competition

A way of handling conflict by an open and clear discussion of the goal clash that exists and the pursuit of one's own goals without regard for others' goals. For example, Martel and Louis yell back and forth about whose car should have the driveway parking spot and whose should be parked out front.

avoidance

A way of handling conflict by ignoring it, pretending it isn't really happening, or communicating indirectly about the situation. For example, Martel hides behind the newspaper as Louis shouts, "Your car is blocking mine again. How many times do I have to ask you to park it to the side?"

collaboration

A way of handling conflict by treating it as a mutual problem-solving challenge. For example, Martel and Louis brainstorm ways to solve the problem they have with their shared parking area until they come up with an agreeable solution.

demand-withdraw pattern

A way of handling conflict in which one partner in a relationship demands that his or her goals be met, and the other partner responds by withdrawing from the encounter.

accommodation

A way of handling conflict in which one person abandons his or her goals for the goals of another. For example, Louis gives in to Martel over where they should park their cars: "You can have the driveway. I'm tired of arguing about it."

Which of the following approaches to conflict is the least strategic in terms of achieving or pursuing conflict-related goals? A. reactivity B. competition C. accommodation D. avoidance E. collaboration

A. reactivity

Fran always changes the subject by making jokes when Jenna confronts her about a problem. Fran relies on what type of conflict approach? A. skirting B. sniping C. cumulative annoyance D. pseudo-conflict E. none of the options are correct

A. skirting

chilling effect

An outcome of physical violence in which individuals stop discussing relationship issues out of fear of their partner's negative reactions.

Which of the following is NOT a suggestion for how to collaboratively manage a conflict? A. Attack problems, not people. B. Focus on your own interests. C. Create options before arriving at decisions. D. Critically evaluate solutions. E. None of the options are correct

B. Focus on your own interests.

After obtaining his PhD in nanoscale science, Jaryn is flooded with job offers. Jaryn is enjoying which of the following types of power currency? A. resource currency B. expertise currency C. social network currency D. intimacy currency E. personal currency

B. expertise currency

During a heated conflict Jasmine says, "This relationship isn't working—we should just end this now!" This is an example of which of the following? A. escalation B. sudden-death statement C. dirty secret D. sniping E. none of the options are correct

B. sudden-death statement

Hans considers himself scrappy, and he typically approaches most interpersonal conflicts with a desire to win. Which of the following statements about Hans is least likely to be true? A. Hans likes to have control during a conflict situation. B. Hans is willing to hurt the other person if it means winning. C. Hans is most comfortable employing defensive communication. D. Hans goes head-to-head with others out of respect for them. E. None of the options are correct.

D. Hans goes head-to-head with others out of respect for them.

Which of the following is an example of kitchen-sinking? A. using humor to deflect the tension in a situation B. ending a long-term relationship suddenly during a fight C. avoiding hot-button topics for fear the other person will turn violent D. bringing up a grievance that's unrelated to the current conflict E. cooling off by examining all the good things in the relationship

D. bringing up a grievance that's unrelated to the current conflict

Jamal and Sara cannot decide whose family to spend a holiday with. They decide to invite both families to a central location instead. This is an example of which of the following short-term conflict resolutions? A. separation B. domination C. structural improvements D. integrative agreements E. none of the options are correct

D. integrative agreements

Having extreme physical beauty is an example of which of the following types of power currency? A. resource currency B. expertise currency C. social network currency D. personal currency E. intimacy currency

D. personal currency

When a person believes he or she has a moral obligation to behave in selfless, self-sacrificial ways that quickly end conflicts and assist others, he or she is practicing which of the following? A. conflict avoidance B. kitchen-sinking C. collaboration D. radical pacifism E. none of the options are correct

D. radical pacifism

Which of the following features is a characteristic of most interpersonal conflicts? A. They involve clashes in goals or behaviors. B. They are dynamic. C. They begin with perception. D. They unfold over time as a process. E. All of the options are correct.

E. All of the options are correct.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of power? A. Power is always present. B. Power can be used ethically or unethically. C. Power is granted. D. Power influences most conflicts. E. None of the options are correct.

E. None of the options are correct.

(T/F) A dirty secret is a message that is dishonest in content and is revealed to damage a partner's feelings.

FALSE

(T/F) Married couples who avoid conflict are generally more satisfied in their relationships than couples who confront their issues with each other

FALSE

(T/F) On average, people report less than two conflicts a week

FALSE

(T/F) People who have only moderate power are least likely to use controlling communication in their interpersonal communications.

FALSE

(T/F) People who have substantial power are more inclined to demonstrate it to those with less power.

FALSE

sudden-death statements

Messages, communicated at the height of a conflict, that suddenly declare the end of a relationship, even if that wasn't an option before—for example, "It's over. I never want to see you again."

social network currency

Power that comes from being linked with a network of friends, family, and acquaintances with substantial influence, such as being on a first-name basis with a sports celebrity

resource currency

Power that comes from controlling material items others want or need, such as money, food, or property.

personal currency

Power that comes from personal characteristics that others admire, such as intelligence, physical beauty, charm, communication skill, or humor.

expertise currency

Power that comes from possessing specialized skills or knowledge, such as being able to use CPR if someone stops breathing

intimacy currency

Power that comes from sharing a close bond with someone that no one else shares. For example, you can easily persuade a close friend to change her mind because she is fond of you

(T/F) Collaboration tends to increase relational satisfaction and enhance commitment.

TRUE

(T/F) Demand-withdraw patterns stem from unequal power in relationships.

TRUE

(T/F) Most conflicts occur between people in close relationships

TRUE

(T/F) People who use avoidance endure longer and more frequent conflicts than people who do not avoid conflict.

TRUE

(T/F) Perceptual errors are a common cause of an interpersonal conflict.

TRUE

serial argument process model

The course that serial arguments take is determined by the goals individuals possess, the approaches they adopt for dealing with the conflict, and the consequent perception of whether or not the conflict is resolvable.

Dyadic Power Theory

The idea that people with only moderate power are most likely to use controlling communication.

conflict

The process that occurs when people perceive that they have incompatible goals or that someone is interfering in their ability to achieve their objectives.

dirty secrets

Truthful but destructive messages used deliberately to hurt someone during a conflict. For example, Judith tells her sister, "That boy you like—Craig? I heard him tell Elaine you laugh like a horse."

domination

When one person gets his or her way in a conflict by influencing the other to engage in accommodation and abandon goals. For example, Jane wants to see the new animated film, but Matt refuses by saying that it is either his choice or no movie at all.

structural improvements

When people agree to change the basic rules or understandings that govern their relationship to prevent further conflict.

compromise

When, during a conflict, both parties change their goals to make them compatible. For example, though Matt wants to see the sci-fi thriller and Jane wants to see the new animated film, they agree to go to an adventure comedy.

separation

A sudden withdrawal of one person from an encounter. For example, you walk away from an argument to cool off, or you angrily retreat to your room.

Which of the following is the best example of a complementary power relationship? A. wife to husband B. friend to friend C. teammate to teammate D. child to parent E. none of the options are correct

D. child to parent

(T/F) The "seek outside counsel" suggestion for handling conflict online recommends getting legal advice before sending messages, since written language can be used in court.

FALSE

(T/F) The bond someone has with his or her best friends is best described as personal currency.

FALSE

symmetrical relationships

Relationships characterized by an equal balance of power, such as a business partnership in which the partners co-own their company.

complementary relationships

Relationships characterized by an unequal balance of power, such as a marriage in which one spouse is the decision maker.

reactivity

A way of handling conflict by not pursuing conflict-related goals at all and communicating in an emotionally explosive and negative fashion instead.

power currency

Control over a resource that other people value

(T/F) When using social media to resolve conflicts, both parties are less aware of the consequences of their communication choices.

TRUE

power

The ability to influence or control events and people.

(T/F) A conflict with another person is a one-time-only event.

FALSE

integrative agreements

When, during a conflict, the two sides preserve and attain their goals by developing a creative solution to their problem. For example, because Matt and Jane can't agree on what film to see, they decide they'd both be happier going to a comedy club.