Chapter 10 – Social Penetration Theory
10-1
Chapter 10
Social Penetration Theory
Multiple Choice Questions
1. As a “stage” theory, Social Penetration Theory believes relationship development is
2. The “stranger-on-the-train” phenomenon is an example of
3. Which of the following assumptions of Social Penetration Theory is NOT correctly stated?
4. The fact that Social Penetration Theory has spurred hundreds of studies on a variety of
relationships means that it is a highly _____ theory.
5. All of the following statements about self-disclosure are true EXCEPT
10-5
22. The greater the depth of disclosure, the fewer opportunities there are for an individual to be
concerned about feeling vulnerable in a relationship.
23. Social penetration views relationships as being dynamic and changing.
24. Relational communication begins at a superficial level and gets less personal as the
relationship progresses.
25. Most relationships reach the stable exchange level.
26. Depenetration always leads to relational dissolution.
27. Individuals in the affective exchange stage may begin to form private ways of expressing a
relationship’s intimacy, known as personal idioms.
Essay Questions
28. Describe the concept of self-disclosure and its dimensions of breadth and depth. Discuss the
role of self-disclosure in developing relationships.
Answers will vary.
29. Explain how costs and rewards factor into the process of social penetration. How do we use
rewards and costs to make decisions about the future of a relationship?
Answers will vary.
10-6
30. Identify and describe the four stages in the process of social penetration. Provide an
example of a relationship (real or fictional) that evolved through the social penetration process.
Describe the communication changes that took place during these four stages.
Answers will vary.
31. Describe the processes of depenetration and dissolution. What role does communication
play in each of these processes?
Answers will vary.
32. Evaluate Social Penetration Theory using the standard criteria for theory evaluation.
Answers will vary.
33. Apply at least two concepts of Social Penetration Theory (SPT) to an office relationship. Be
sure to describe the features of the relationship and how SPT principles apply to that
relationship.
Answers will vary.
34. Discuss the potential for intercultural influences on Social Penetration Theory. Do you
think culture is a variable that has the potential to influence this theory? Why or why not?
Answers will vary.
35. Compare and contrast Social Penetration Theory with any other theory we have discussed
that deals with interpersonal relationship development. How are these two theories similar?
How are they different? Do you think one is better than the other? Why or why not?
Answers will vary.
36. Discuss various times when we should be cautious in our self-disclosures. Why should
self-disclosure be used sparingly in these instances? What is unique about these situations as
opposed to our intimate relationships with our family, friends, or romantic partners?
Answers will vary.
10-7
37. Define and discuss two assumptions of Social Penetration Theory. In what ways have you
experienced the phenomena they describe? Have you had any relational experiences that seem
to contradict these assumptions?
Answers will vary.
38. How would you use Social Penetration Theory to research some aspect of relational
development? Provide a hypothesis or research question and describe the study you would
conduct to gain insight into this phenomenon.
Answers will vary.