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Beebe/Beebe/Ivy Communication: Principles for a Lifetime, 6e Test Bank
Learning Objective: LO 8.5 Summarize the definition and seven types of interpersonal
conflict; key characteristics of nonconfrontational, confrontational, and cooperative styles
of conflict management; and ways in which people can cooperate in conflict situations by
managing their emotions, managing information, managing goals, and managing the
problem.
Topic: Managing Interpersonal Conflict
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q8.68 What is interpersonal power?
Answer: Interpersonal power is the ability to influence another in the direction one
desires: getting another person to do what you want them to do. Most interactions,
including conflicts, involve some level of power or control. For example, if you ask a
friend if they want to go study with you and they say “no,” you might attempt to use your
interpersonal power and offer to buy them a pizza if they agree to study with you.
Learning Objective: LO 8.5 Summarize the definition and seven types of interpersonal
conflict; key characteristics of nonconfrontational, confrontational, and cooperative styles
of conflict management; and ways in which people can cooperate in conflict situations by
managing their emotions, managing information, managing goals, and managing the
problem.
Topic: Managing Interpersonal Conflict
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q8.69 Distinguish between nonconfrontational, confrontational, and
cooperative styles of conflict management.
Answer: (1) In the nonconfrontational style, participants manage conflict by backing off,
avoiding conflict altogether, or giving in to the other person. This dynamic often creates a
lose-lose situation. (2) A person with a confrontational style of conflict management
wants to dominate others in order to achieve his or her objectives. This means that a
person with a confrontational style will often approach conflict as a win-lose situation and
will often blame others rather than taking responsibility for a conflict. (3) A cooperative
approach involves viewing a conflict as a set of problems to be solved rather than a
competition. Using a cooperative style, it is possible to achieve a win-win solution.
Learning Objective: LO 8.5 Summarize the definition and seven types of interpersonal
conflict; key characteristics of nonconfrontational, confrontational, and cooperative styles
of conflict management; and ways in which people can cooperate in conflict situations by
managing their emotions, managing information, managing goals, and managing the
problem.
Topic: Managing Interpersonal Conflict
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q8.70 What techniques are involved in the cooperative style of managing
conflict?
Answer: The cooperative style fosters a win-win climate by using the techniques of
separating the people from the problem, focusing on shared interests, generating many
Beebe/Beebe/Ivy Communication: Principles for a Lifetime, 6e Test Bank
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
8.4 Fill-in-the-Blank
TB_Q8.71 According to Knapp and Vangelisti, relational escalation occurs in
_____ stages.
Answer: five
Learning Objective: LO 8.2 Identify and describe the stages of relational escalation and
de-escalation.
Topic: Stages of Relationship Development
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
TB_Q8.72 People start depending on each other for self-confirmation in the ____
stage of relational escalation.
Answer: intensification
Learning Objective: LO 8.2 Identify and describe the stages of relational escalation and
de-escalation.
Topic: Stages of Relationship Development
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q8.73 _____ conflict is characterized by a lack of flexibility and may do
damage to a relationship.
Answer: Destructive
Learning Objective: LO 8.5 Summarize the definition and seven types of interpersonal
conflict; key characteristics of nonconfrontational, confrontational, and cooperative styles
of conflict management; and ways in which people can cooperate in conflict situations by
managing their emotions, managing information, managing goals, and managing the
problem.
Topic: Managing Interpersonal Conflict
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q8.74 Intractable conflict is also called ___ conflict.
Answer: irresolvable
Learning Objective: LO 8.5 Summarize the definition and seven types of interpersonal
conflict; key characteristics of nonconfrontational, confrontational, and cooperative styles
of conflict management; and ways in which people can cooperate in conflict situations by
managing their emotions, managing information, managing goals, and managing the
problem.
Topic: Managing Interpersonal Conflict
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q8.75 The term given to romantic relationships that just fade away is _____.
Answer: ghosting
Learning Objective: LO 8.3 Summarize findings on relationship dissolution, including
communication in the on-again/off-again relationship and the postdissolutional
relationship.
Topic: Relationship Dissolution (a.k.a. the Breakup)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q8.76 The relationship formed between dating partners after their romance
ends is called the _____ relationship.
Answer: postdissolutional
Learning Objective: LO 8.3 Summarize findings on relationship dissolution, including
communication in the on-again/off-again relationship and the postdissolutional
relationship.
Topic: Relationship Dissolution (a.k.a. the Breakup)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q8.77 The dialectic that focuses on stability and change is called predictability
versus _____.
Answer: novelty
Learning Objective: LO 8.4 Discuss relational dialectics and three primary tensions in
relationships.
Topic: Tensions in Relationships: The Dialectical Perspective
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q8.78 Heather often insults others and uses profanity in order to get what she
wants. She uses _____ communication.
Answer: aggressive
Learning Objective: LO 8.5 Summarize the definition and seven types of interpersonal
conflict; key characteristics of nonconfrontational, confrontational, and cooperative styles
of conflict management; and ways in which people can cooperate in conflict situations by
managing their emotions, managing information, managing goals, and managing the
problem.
Topic: Managing Interpersonal Conflict
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q8.79 A conflict management style that involves backing off, avoiding conflict,
or giving in to the other person is called a(n) _____ style.
Answer: nonconfrontational
Learning Objective: LO 8.5 Summarize the definition and seven types of interpersonal
conflict; key characteristics of nonconfrontational, confrontational, and cooperative styles
of conflict management; and ways in which people can cooperate in conflict situations by
managing their emotions, managing information, managing goals, and managing the
problem.
Topic: Managing Interpersonal Conflict
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q8.80 During a recent conflict between Bill and Bob, Bill tried to blame Bert,
using Bert as a scapegoat so that Bill could avoid taking responsibility for the
conflict. Bill was using a _____ style.
Answer: confrontational
Learning Objective: LO 8.5 Summarize the definition and seven types of interpersonal
conflict; key characteristics of nonconfrontational, confrontational, and cooperative styles
of conflict management; and ways in which people can cooperate in conflict situations by
managing their emotions, managing information, managing goals, and managing the
problem.
Topic: Managing Interpersonal Conflict
Difficulty Level: Moderate
TB_Q8.81 When a participant in a conflict uses a style that views the conflict as a
set of problems to be solved, rather than a competition, that person is using a
_____ style.
Answer: cooperative
Learning Objective: LO 8.5 Summarize the definition and seven types of interpersonal
conflict; key characteristics of nonconfrontational, confrontational, and cooperative styles
of conflict management; and ways in which people can cooperate in conflict situations by
managing their emotions, managing information, managing goals, and managing the
problem.
Topic: Managing Interpersonal Conflict
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
8.5 Essay Questions
TB_Q8.82 Explain how the five Communication Principles for a Lifetime can help
you enhance your friendships.
Answer: (1) Be aware of your own communication with yourself and others. Knowing
yourself is the first step if you’re trying to make new friends. (2) Effectively use and
interpret verbal messages. Verbal communication tends to deepen and become more
frequent as friendships grow. (3) Effectively use and interpret nonverbal messages. We
also use nonverbal immediacy cues to establish friendships—behaviors that reveal our
liking of other people, such as leaning forward, moving closer, making eye contact,
smiling, and nodding are all effective cues when establishing friendships. (4) Listen and
respond thoughtfully to others. This skill develops a friendship as most of us don’t stay
friends with people who don’t seem to listen to us. (5) Appropriately adapt messages to
others. We communicate differently with different people. Having a wide range of friends
taps into different aspects of your personality, which, in turn, helps you develop your
skills of adaptation.
Learning Objective: LO 8.1 Explain how the five Communication Principles for a Lifetime
apply to interpersonal communication among friends, family members, and colleagues.
Topic: The Importance of Relationships: Friends, Family, and Colleagues
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
TB_Q8.83 Explain each of the five stages of relational de-escalation. Give specific
examples to illustrate each of the stages using Belinda and Matt who have been
married for five years, but their relationship has begun to crumble.
Answer: The first stage involves turmoil and is characterized by increased conflict as
partners find faults in each other. The definition of the relationship loses clarity.
Conversations are tense, difficult, and forced. Matt and Belinda find themselves
wondering what has happened during the last five years. Belinda never realized before
how many annoying habits Matt has. Matt is working longer hours and when he does
come home, their time together is tense.
When the relationship stagnates in the next stage, it loses its vitality and the partners
for self-confirmation. They might also discuss their dissatisfaction within the relationship.
For example, Belinda and Matt’s relationship continues to worsen. They rarely talk and
no longer take joy in one another’s successes or provide comfort for one another.
Belinda finally confronts Matt and asks him if he sees the marriage continuing.
The next stage is individualization. In this stage, couples begin to see their lives more as
“you and I” rather than “we and us.” Physical intimacy is very low or nonexistent and
nonverbal distance increases. Belinda and Matt socialize as individuals, and they
increasingly turn to friends for support, and talk to friends and family members about
their dissatisfaction in the relationship.
In the separation stage, the individuals take intentional steps to eliminate further
interpersonal communication. In Matt and Belinda’s case, if they do attend family
gatherings together their interaction has noticeably changed. Belinda files for divorce,
and Matt moves out of the house.
Finally, in the post-interaction stage individuals engage in “grave dressing” or create
public statements explaining why they broke up. Individuals come to grips with losing the
relationship and begin rebuilding a sense of self-worth. This stage is important because
relationships, even failed ones, have a powerful impact on how we view ourselves. Matt
and Belinda begin to explain to coworkers, friends, and family why their relationship
failed. Belinda begins getting involved in more activities in her church and makes new
friends to help overcome feelings of loneliness and low self-esteem. Their divorce is
finalized.
Learning Objective: LO 8.2 Identify and describe the stages of relational escalation and
de-escalation.
Topic: Stages of Relationship Development
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
TB_Q8.84 Briefly explain the function of “grave dressing.”
Answer: The final level in de-escalation, the post-interaction stage, represents the
lasting effects the relationship has on the self and others. The individuals involved can
find that their sense of self has been badly damaged during the final stages of that
relationship. In working toward regaining a healthy sense of self, a person creates a
public statement (grave dressing) to tell people who ask why the relationship broke up or
why they are no longer friends with someone.
Learning Objective: LO 8.2 Identify and describe the stages of relational escalation and
de-escalation.
Topic: Stages of Relationship Development
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
TB_Q8.85 Explain the openness versus closedness dialectic.
Answer: While one person in a relationship might be comfortable with complete
openness, the other person might connect privacy with their individual identity. One topic
in particular illustrates this concept: the discussion of past relational partners with a
current romantic partner. Differences in partner’s positions might create a tension that
must be addressed for the relationship to flourish.
Learning Objective: LO 8.4 Discuss relational dialectics and three primary tensions in
relationships.
Topic: Tensions in Relationships: The Dialectical Perspective
TB_Q8.86 What is meant by a cooperative style of conflict management? Explain
the four techniques discussed in your book as for using a cooperative style.
Answer: A cooperative style of conflict management is one in which you view conflicts
as a mutual problem that needs to be worked out, rather than as a win-lose situation.
The following techniques are recommended: First, separate the people from the
problem. Think of the disagreement as about the issue rather than as a judgment of the
other person’s character or abilities. Second, focus on shared interests. What do both
people want? What do you both agree on needs to happen? Where do we already
agree? Third, Generate many options to solve the problem. This may be accomplished
through a technique such as brainstorming. Fourth, base your decisions on objective
criteria. What are standards, such as costs, timing, and other factors that you can agree
upon?
Learning Objective: LO 8.5 Summarize the definition and seven types of interpersonal
conflict; key characteristics of nonconfrontational, confrontational, and cooperative styles
of conflict management; and ways in which people can cooperate in conflict situations by
managing their emotions, managing information, managing goals, and managing the
problem.
Topic: Managing Interpersonal Conflict
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
TB_Q8.87 Explain how you might use the conflict management skills of managing
emotions, information, goals, and problems in the following situation: You and
your roommate agreed on a schedule and responsibilities for chores. At first, all
went well. Then gradually, week after week, one excuse after another, your
roommate began to fail to follow through. At first it was no big deal; a dish here, a
sock there. But now your roommate has left dishes in the sink for three days and
hasn’t taken out the trash in a week. The bathroom is a mess, the shower
especially. The last straw was the large blueberry stain in the middle of the living
room floor. You can’t take it anymore; you are furious. You’ve let it slide long
enough and decide to let her know how you feel.
Answer: The first thing to do is to manage your emotions. You don’t want to confront
your roommate when you’re this worked up. Leave the apartment, take a walk, and cool
down. Spend a little time talking to yourself. Maybe something is going on you don’t
know about. When your roommate comes home, indicate that there are some things you
want to talk about and ask about a convenient time to get together. Once the meeting is
arranged, give some thought to what you want to say and how you want to say it. What
do you want to accomplish? You might want to talk with another friend to help clarify the
issues. If there is no one else to talk with, write down some of your ideas to help clarify
the issues.
As you discover shared goals you build the basis for a possible solution to the conflict.
If you have clarified both your goals and your roommate’s, and have identified some
shared goals, you have begun the process of defining the problem. Once you have a
sense of what the problem is, you can begin to analyze the symptoms, effects, and
obstacles that affect your ability to resolve the conflict. You may discover other problems
that lie below the surface and need to be addressed.
Once you have a good grasp of the problem, work with your roommate to generate
objective criteria to help evaluate and choose a solution. Then generate as many
possible ways to solve the problem as the two of you possibly can. Brainstorming might
be a useful technique. Once you have generated a number of possibilities, check them
against your criteria and pick the alternative or alternatives that best meet your goals.
Learning Objective: LO 8.5 Summarize the definition and seven types of interpersonal
conflict; key characteristics of nonconfrontational, confrontational, and cooperative styles
of conflict management; and ways in which people can cooperate in conflict situations by
managing their emotions, managing information, managing goals, and managing the
problem.
Topic: Managing Interpersonal Conflict
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
