Interpersonal Communications Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Why is it hard but necessary to define communication?

Because it can be defined in many different ways.

What does it mean when we say that communication is dynamic?

It has the power to effect (cause or prevent) change in our relationships.

What does it mean when we say that communication is transactional?

We participate in all parts all the time; it can be intentional and unintentional.

What does it mean when we say that communication is processual?

Communication is a process with steps, methods, and ways to accomplish it. Signup and view all the answers

What is meaning in communication?

The significance that the sender and the receiver each attach to a message. Signup and view all the answers

What does shared meaning refer to?

When the receiver's interpretation of the message aligns with the speaker's intentions. Signup and view all the answers

What is noise in communication?

Any stimulus that interferes with shared meaning. Signup and view all the answers

What are external noises?

Sights, sounds, and other stimuli that distract from intended meaning. Signup and view all the answers

What are internal noises?

Thoughts and feelings that interfere with interpreting meaning. Signup and view all the answers

What are semantic noises?

Distractions caused by the speaker's words that interfere with meaning. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when we say interpersonal communication is situated?

It occurs within a specific communication setting that affects message production and interpretation. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when we say interpersonal communication is indexical?

It's a measure of trust, control, and degree of intimacy. Signup and view all the answers

What is trust in the context of interpersonal communication?

The extent to which partners in a relationship rely on and have faith in each other. Signup and view all the answers

What does control mean in interpersonal communication?

The extent to which each person has power or is 'in charge' in the relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What is intimacy in the context of interpersonal communication?

The degree of emotional closeness, acceptance, and disclosure in a relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What is rhetorical sensitivity?

Adapting our communication to the demands of the situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is empathy?

Identifying the emotional and interpretive states of another. Signup and view all the answers

What is perspective taking?

Empathizing by using knowledge of another's circumstances to understand their feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What is empathetic responsiveness?

Empathizing by personally experiencing an emotional response parallel to another's display of emotion. Signup and view all the answers

What is sympathetic responsiveness?

Empathizing by feeling concern or sorrow for another without identifying with their specific emotion. Signup and view all the answers

What are the guidelines for improving listening?

Identify the speaker's purpose, interpret nonverbal cues, and ask clarifying questions. Signup and view all the answers

What are effective response skills in listening?

Provide back-channel cues, wait for the message to complete, and respond to previous messages. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Social Penetration Theory?

The premise that self-disclosure is integral to all stages of relationships, changing over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is communication competence?

Another person's perception that your messages are effective and appropriate. Signup and view all the answers

What are effective messages?

Messages that achieve the interaction goals of you and your partner. Signup and view all the answers

What are appropriate messages?

Messages that conform to the social, relational, and ethical expectations of the situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a social network?

A group of individuals connected by friendship, family ties, or common interests. Signup and view all the answers

What is interactivity in communication?

The ability of a communication tool to facilitate social interaction. Signup and view all the answers

What is temporal structure in communication?

The time it takes to send and receive messages or time that elapses during communication. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining Communication

Communication is challenging to define due to multiple interpretations and perspectives.

Dynamic Nature of Communication

Communication influences relationships, potentially leading to permanent and irreversible changes.

Transactional Communication

Involves simultaneous participation from all parties, encompassing both intentional and unintentional communication efforts.

Processual Aspects

Communication is a structured process comprising distinct steps and methods.

Meaning in Communication

Significance varies between sender and receiver, impacting the message's interpretation.

Shared Meaning

Occurs when the listener's understanding aligns with the sender’s intentions and feelings.

Noise in Communication

Any distraction that disrupts the shared meaning between sender and receiver.

Types of Noise

External Noise: Sensory distractions diverting attention from the intended message.
Internal Noise: Personal thoughts and feelings hindering effective interpretation.
Semantic Noise: Misunderstandings arising from specific word choices or phrases.

Situated Interpersonal Communication

Contextual setting influences message production, interpretation, and coordination.

Indexical Nature of Interpersonal Communication

Serves as a measure of trust, control, and intimacy levels in a relationship.

Trust in Relationships

Defined as reliance and faith that partners will not intentionally cause harm.

Control in Relationships

Refers to the power dynamics and authority each partner holds within the relationship.

Intimacy Levels

Indicates the emotional closeness and openness shared between individuals.

Rhetorical Sensitivity

Adapting communication style based on situational demands.

Empathy and Its Dimensions

Empathy: Understanding the emotional and interpretative states of others.
Perspective Taking: Using knowledge of a partner's circumstances to grasp their feelings.
Empathetic Responsiveness: Experiencing emotions parallel to someone else's emotional display.
Sympathetic Responsiveness: Feeling compassion for another's distress without aligning with their specific emotions.

Listening Skills

Improve listening by identifying the speaker's purpose, interpreting nonverbal cues, and asking clarifying questions.

Effective Listening Responses

Utilize back-channel cues, wait for completion of messages, and respond to previous topics before transitioning.

Highlights the importance of self-disclosure in relationship development and its evolution over time.

Communication Competence

Others' perceptions of the effectiveness and appropriateness of one's communication within a relationship.

Message Effectiveness

Effective messages achieve interaction goals for both partners.

Message Appropriateness

Appropriately messages meet social, relational, and ethical expectations.

Comprise connected individuals through friendship, family ties, shared interests, and beliefs.

Interactivity

Refers to a communication tool's capability to facilitate social interaction.

Temporal Structure

Defines the time taken to send/receive messages and the duration of communication interactions.

Synchronous Communication

Pertains to real-time exchange of messages.

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Description

Test your understanding of key concepts in interpersonal communication with these flashcards. Each card provides essential definitions and insights into the dynamics and transactional nature of communication. Perfect for students and professionals looking to enhance their communication skills.