CH-6 Communication, Conflict, and Power in Our Relationships – Exploring Marriages and Families : Exam Guide

Chapter 6: Communication, Conflict, and Power in Our Relationships Part I: Multiple Choice Questions Learning Objective 6.1: What are four general concepts that summarize communication? 1. Communication: A. includes solo construction of meaning. B. does not rely upon symbols. C. is a transactional process. D. is similar across cultures. E. is a micro-level rather than macro-level issue. Answer: C Rationale: Only C is part of the definition. The other statements are false. Learning Objective 6.2: How does communication vary across racial and ethnic groups, and among social classes? 2. A study that asked Black- and White-sounding telephone callers to inquire about an advertised apartment for rent found: A. Black-sounding callers were more likely to be told the apartment was already rented. B. the landlords could not identify the race of the caller. C. the landlords quoted a higher rent price for White-sounding callers. D. several of the landlords cursed the Black-sounding callers. E. the landlords were more likely to ask the Black-sounding callers to apply in person. Answer: A Rationale: Only A is correct; the other answer categories were not findings of the research. 3. With respect to social class differences in communication: A. the working class is more likely to use SAE. B. the middle class uses more words of simple coordination such as “like” or “but” and uses fewer pronouns. C. President Obama sometimes “breaks code.” D. people with different levels of education communicate differently, but few differences have been noted by income or occupational prestige. E. the middle class tends to use more AAE than does the working class. Answer: C Rationale: President Obama sometimes gives speeches with two different linguistic styles: one for a mostly upper-middle-class White audience in which he closely follows SAE, and one for an audience comprised of Black working-class “brothers,” in which his accent, word choice, and tone all differ. 4. SAE refers to: A. Safe American Experience. B. Standard American English. C. Solitary Action Escape. D. Sapir-Allison Experiment. E. Saving Active listening Experience. Answer: B Rationale: Only B is correct; the other terms are made up. Learning Objective 6.3: What is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis? 5. Language shapes our culture, and at the same time, our culture shapes our language. This is known as: A. the regulating language hypothesis. B. resource theory. C. personal power. D. the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. E. the Janson-Glick finding. Answer: D Rationale: Only D is correct; the other terms are either made up or refer to something else. 6. Which of the following is the best example of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis? A. Women more readily disclose personal information than do men. B. Alaska Native groups have many words in their language for snow. C. The English language has a lack of precision. D. There are several distinct types of conflict. E. Reward power comes from the ability to offer material or nonmaterial benefit to achieve your goal. Answer: B Rationale: Their culture influences language. Snow is very important to their culture and can be soft, crunchy, wet, melting, or powdery, to name just a few descriptors, and how Alaska Native groups are able to use this snow depends on the type. 7. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis suggests that: A. language shapes our culture, and at the same time, our culture shapes our language. B. men and women communicate differently because they have been socialized differently. C. in an individualist culture like China, emphasis is placed on getting to know one another before engaging in a transaction. D. conflict can be both positive and negative. E. bypassing can enhance verbal communication if both partners are willing. Answer: A Rationale: This is the definition provided in the text. The other answers refer to other issues. Learning Objective 6.4: What are the six dimensions of culture that can affect communication styles? 8. In a high-context culture emphasis is placed on ______________ ,whereas in a low- context culture emphasis is placed on ______________ . A. personal achievement; the needs of the group B. stereotypical male values of assertiveness and material success; stereotypical female virtues of caring for others and modesty C. the power in the hands of the few; a decentralized power structure D. short-term time orientation; long-term time orientation E. indirect and nonverbal communication; direct and explicit communication Answer: E Rationale: In high-context cultures like Japan or Latin America, emphasis is placed on indirect and nonverbal communication. People may want to get to know one another well before engaging in any transactions. In a low-context culture like the United States or Germany, communication is more direct. People do not know each other well so more emphasis is placed on formal transactions. 9. The United States is an example of a ______________ culture. A. centralized power and masculine B. high-context and low ambiguity C. individualist and centralized power D. long-term and high-context E. low-context and individualist Answer: E Rationale: In a low-context culture communication is more direct. An individualist culture values personal achievement and independence. 10. There are six dimensions of culture that can affect communication styles. Which is NOT one of them? A. open vs. closed cultures B. masculine vs. feminine cultures C. short-term vs. long-term time orientation D. individualist vs. collectivist cultures E. centralized vs. decentralized power Answer: A Rationale: Only A is false. The other categories are among the six dimensions of culture that affect communication styles. Learning Objective 6.5: What are the components of listening? 11. Listening: A. is the same as hearing. B. is a cyclical process that involves receiving messages, understanding, conflict, evaluation, and self-disclosure. C. is far easier than hearing. D. is the process of giving thoughtful attention to what we hear. E. involves the eyes, nose, and feet, according to the Chinese. Answer: D Rationale: This is the definition provided in the text. The other answers are false. 12. There are five stages in listening. Which is NOT one of them? A. eye contact B. receiving C. understanding D. remembering E. evaluation Answer: A Rationale: Only Answer A is not one of the five stages. Learning Objective 6.6: What are some barriers to verbal communication? 13. Ella and Cristobal are involved in “the spoken exchange of thoughts, feelings, or other messages,” which is the definition of: A. regulating communication. B. verbal communication. C. Whorf communication. D. regulating couples. E. self-disclosure. Answer: B Rationale: This is the definition provided in the text. The other answer categories have different meanings. 14. There are several specific barriers to understanding verbal communication. Which is the best example of “polarization”? A. “It’s all your fault.” B. “You’re pregnant? I thought you never wanted children?” C. “Why do you always drink too much when we go out?” D. “I couldn’t care less.” E. “I love you.” Answer: A Rationale: Polarization is the process of speaking in extremes, or seeing the world in black and white terms. 15. There are several specific barriers to understanding verbal communication. Which is the best example of “static evaluation”? A. “It’s all your fault.” B. “You’re pregnant? I thought you never wanted children.” C. “Why do you always drink too much when we go out?” D. “I couldn’t care less.” E. “I love you.” Answer: B Rationale: Static evaluation refers to statements that do not allow for change. 16. Luis often makes statements in the extremes: “You always do this….” “You never do that…” This is an example of what type of barrier to verbal communication? A. bypassing B. biased language C. decentralized power D. static evaluation E. polarization Answer: E Rationale: Polarization is the process of speaking in extremes, or seeing the world in black and white terms. Learning Objective 6.7: How can we improve our verbal communication? 17. There are several ways that we can improve our verbal communication. Which is NOT one of these? A. Describe your own feelings rather than evaluate the behavior of others. B. Solve problems rather than try to control others. C. Be genuine rather than manipulative. D. Present yourself as an equal rather than a superior. E. Remain detached rather than getting emotionally involved. Answer: E Rationale: Empathize rather than remain detached to improve communication. Learning Objective 6.8: What do we mean by the phrase “actions speak louder than words”? 18. An awkward silence, a grimace, holding hands, and a smile are all examples of: A. bypassing. B. empathy. C. nonverbal communication. D. value conflict. E. the Janson-Glick hypothesis. Answer: C Rationale: This is the definition provided in the text. The other answer categories have different meanings or are made up. 19. The phrase “actions speak louder than words” refers to: A. men and women have different speech patterns resulting from the way they have been socialized. B. verbal communication patterns vary across social classes. C. actions are more important than active listening. D. nonverbal communication is often more believable than verbal communication when the two are in conflict. E. the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. Answer: D Rationale: This is the definition provided in the text. The other answer categories refer to other issues. Learning Objective 6.9: How are means of electronic communication changing the face of communication? 20. As of 2009 ______________ million people had a Myspace or Facebook account. A. 9 million B. 28 million C. 47 million D. 95 million E. 125 million Answer: E Rationale: 125 is the correct number. 21. Electronic communication: A. offers us fewer relationships with more depth. B. brings more informality into our written and spoken word. C. is likely a passing fad. D. offers us less control over our messages. E. is optional at most universities. Answer: B Rationale: Only B is true; the others are false. Learning Objective 6.10: How do men and women’s communication styles differ? 22. Tamara and Kent are at a party and you decide this is the perfect place to conduct your sociology experiment for your research paper. You want to know if there are any differences in communication styles by sex. In your observation that night you probably witnessed all of the following EXCEPT: A. Women tended to smile more often and express a wider range of emotions. B. Women did the most talking and interrupted more often. C. Men occupied more personal space. D. Men initiated topics more often. E. Men told more jokes. Answer: B Rationale: Only B is false; the others are true. 23. Why do men and women communicate differently? A. There is a mix of biological and social reasons. B. There are biological reasons only. C. There are social reasons only. Answer: A Rationale: Reasons are most related to biology and socialization. 24. Which of the following might explain sex differences in communication? A. Men have been socialized to be more protective and therefore they let women talk more and ask more questions. B. Certain regions of the prefrontal brain area are activated differently; both hemispheres are activated in women when they perform language tasks whereas only the left hemisphere is activated in men. C. Different hormones in males and females help men articulate words more carefully. D. Peer pressure from group sports encourages men to build consensus and be more accommodating, and these traits carry over into conversation. E. The spinal cord shape differs for men and women, and the top of the spinal cord affects language development. Answer: B Rationale: Brain research shows differences in prefrontal brain areas in communication. 25. Which of the following represents a sex difference in communication? A. Compared to women, men tend to express more nonverbal communication such as smiling and other facial expressions. B. Men maintain more eye contact than do women. C. Women are more polite in tone and are more likely to show interest and concern. D. Men use more qualifying, tentative statements, which add an element of uncertainty. E. Men ask a greater number of questions than do women. Answer: C Rationale: Only C is true, the other statements are false. Learning Objective 6.11: How does self-disclosure benefit intimate relationships? 26. Telling your partner something private about yourself that he or she would not otherwise know is called: A. regulation. B. nonregulated couples. C. information gathering (IG). D. self-disclosure. E. an open relationship. Answer: D Rationale: This is the definition provided in the text. The other answers refer to other issues. 27. With respect to self-disclosure: A. for self-disclosure to benefit a relationship there must be reciprocity and support. B. engaging in self-disclosure virtually guarantees the success of a relationship. C. it often causes ego conflict. D. men are more likely to disclose personal information than are women. E. no verbal communication is more powerful than verbal communication. Answer: A Rationale: Both partners should feel free to be honest with each other and supportive of the feelings being shared. Learning Objective 6.12: What are four types of conflict? 28. Which of the following statements about conflict is FALSE? A. Conflict occurs when members of the group disagree over two or more options to make a decision, solve a problem, or achieve a goal. B. Individuals who are involved in conflict have some degree of dependence on the other person. C. Culture influences the issues that people fight about and how they experience conflict. D. In a collectivist culture, conflict is likely to involve breaking the group rules or norms in some way. E. Conflict is unhealthy in a relationship. Answer: E Rationale: Conflict is a normal and expected part of relationships. 29. Content conflict occurs when: A. we falsely perceive that our partner is interfering with our goal or has incompatible goals. B. partners have differing opinions on subjects that reflect personal values or issues of right and wrong. C. individuals believe that they must win at all costs to save face. D. there are disagreements about information. E. partners do not understand the point that their partner is trying to make. Answer: D Rationale: Content conflict occurs when we disagree about information. This type of conflict can also be easy to resolve if the correct information is readily available. 30. Which is the most difficult type of conflict to resolve? A. regulated conflict B. unregulated conflict C. ego conflict D. value conflict E. violent conflict Answer: C Rationale: Ego conflict may be among the most difficult type of conflicts to resolve because it arises when individuals believe they must win at all costs to save face. 31. Xuan and Suong have different opinions about how to discipline their children, ages 6 and 8. Xuan believes that you should never spank children, but Suong sees spanking as an appropriate punishment when their children misbehave. This difference is causing conflict in their marriage. What type of conflict are they experiencing? A. regulated conflict B. unregulated conflict C. ego conflict D. value conflict E. violent conflict Answer: D Rationale: Value conflict results from differing opinions on subjects that relate to personal values and to issues of right or wrong. 32. Alain and Lili are a couple who use communication to promote closeness and intimacy, and who try to use constructive comments even during arguments. They are an example of a/an: A. nonregulated couple. B. overtly mis regulated couple. C. regulated couple. D. deregulated couple. E. sub regulated couple. Answer: C Rationale: Regulating couples generally use communication to promote closeness and intimacy and use constructive comments even during arguments. Learning Objective 6.13: What theories explain the distribution of power and decision making in relationships? 33. There are at least six sources of power. Which is NOT one of them? A. informational power B. expert power C. legitimate power D. reward power E. safeguard power Answer: E Rationale: Only E is not one of the six sources of power. 34. Debra and Thomas, who married one another in their early 50s, are having a number of discussions about issues such as their division of labor, decision making for major purchases, and other decisions in their relationship. This is called: A. intimate partner power. B. personal power. C. reward power. D. regulated power. E. unregulated power. Answer: A Rationale: Intimate partner power (sometimes known as conjugal power) involves decision making among intimate partners, their division of labor, and their sense of entitlement. 35. With respect to theories of power: A. resource theory’s predictions have been supported by research. B. “doing gender” suggests that we reproduce power differentials among men and women simply because they are so ingrained in us. C. the theories of power are largely irrelevant in gay male relationships, although they do operate in lesbian relationships. D. relative love and need theory focuses on micro-level factors associated with power. E. the principle of least interest is more applicable to same-sex relationships compared to heterosexual relationships. Answer: B Rationale: Only B is true; the other answers are false. Part II: True – False Questions 1. An interactive process using symbols like words and gestures that include both sending and receiving messages is called communication. Answer: True 2. Communication is an interactive transaction. Answer: True 3. Linguists have documented substantial differences between Standard American English (SAE) and African American English (AAE), but few social class differences. Answer: False 4. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis is the concept that language shapes our culture, and at the same time, our culture shapes our language. Answer: True 5. The process of giving thoughtful attention to what we hear is called the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. Answer: False 6. The United States is an individualist, high-context country. Answer: False 7. Feminine cultures are more likely to see compromise and negotiation as useful communication tools, where masculine cultures may see these tools as signs of weakness. Answer: True 8. Active listening is extremely attentive listening, where the listener has good eye contact and body language, and encourages the other person to continue talking. Answer: True 9. The spoken exchange of thoughts, feelings, or other messages is verbal communication. Answer: True 10. Anusha told her partner, “You always forget to unload the dishwasher.” This is an example of a static evaluation. Answer: False 11. One way to improve verbal communication is to describe your own feelings rather than evaluate the behavior of others. Answer: True 12. Nonverbal communication is communicating without words, by using gestures, expressions, and body language. Answer: True 13. Verbal communication is generally more believable than nonverbal communication when the two are in conflict. Answer: False 14. Electronic communication has led to more relationships with less depth. Answer: True 15. Electronic communication provides a modern-day example of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. Answer: True 16. Scarlett and Jake are having a conversation. If they represent an average heterosexual couple, Scarlett is more likely to interrupt Jake, ask more questions, and successfully initiate more topics than is Jake. Answer: False 17. Compared to women, men’s nonverbal communication and verbal communication are more direct, assertive, authoritative, and absolute. Answer: True 18. In the opening vignette, many of the people interviewed believe that men and women communicate differently. Answer: True 19. Carman told her boyfriend something private about herself that he would not otherwise know, and this is referred to as self-disclosure. Answer: True 20. Conflict is when members of the group disagree over two or more options to make a decision, solve a problem, or achieve a goal. Answer: True 21. Pseudo conflict is a type of conflict where individuals disagree about information. Answer: False 22. A type of conflict that results from differing opinions on subjects that relate to personal values and issues of right or wrong is called an ego conflict. Answer: False 23. When Serge and Sasha argue, Sasha usually just says, “Whatever you say.” This is an example of a collaborating conflict style. Answer: False 24. Evan and Julie are a cohabiting couple who have many negative communication exchanges. They are an example of a regulating couple. Answer: False 25. Lucas has decided to go to graduate school next year. He has the autonomy to make that decision for himself. This is an example of social power. Answer: False 26. Social power is a type of power that involves decision making among intimate partners about their division of labor and their sense of entitlement. Answer: False 27. Resource theory is a theory of power that suggests that the spouse with the most prestigious or highest-paying job can use that advantage to generate more power in the relationship, and thereby influence decision making. Answer: True 28. A theory of power that suggests the partner with the least commitment to the relationship has the most power is known as the relative love and need theory. Answer: False 29. Doing gender is a theory of power that suggests that we take power differentials among men and women for granted and continue to reproduce them. Answer: True 30. Power operates in same-sex relationships as well as in heterosexual ones, although there are a few differences. Answer: True Part III: Short Answer/Fill in the Blank Questions: 1. List the four general concepts of communication. Answer: It is a transaction; it is a process; it includes a co-construction of meanings; it uses symbols. 2. SAE and AAE stand for ______________ . Answer: Standard American English and African American English 3. What does it mean to “break code”? Answer: Being able to weave in and out of SAE when it suits your interests. 4. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis suggests ______________ . Answer: language shapes our culture, and at the same time, our culture shapes our language. 5. Provide two examples of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. Answer: 1. Speakers of languages without specific tenses for past, present, and future may perceive time differently. 2. Cultures with extensive vocabulary for snow might be more attuned to subtle differences in snow conditions. 6. Communication experts have discovered at least six cultural orientations. List four of these. Answer: Individualist vs. Collectivist; High-Context vs. Low-Context; Masculine vs. Feminine; Centralized vs. Decentralized Power; High vs. Low Ambiguity; Short-Term vs. Long-Term Orientation. 7. List two cultural orientations identified with the United States. Answer: Individualist and Low-Context 8. The process of giving thoughtful attention to what we hear is called: Answer: listening 9. What are the five stages of the listening process? Answer: receiving, understanding, remembering, evaluation, responding 10. List the barriers to understanding verbal communication. Answer: bypassing, lack of precision, overgeneralizing, static evaluation, polarization. 11. List four ways that we can improve our verbal communication. Answer: Describe your own feelings rather than regulate the behavior of others; solve problems rather than try to control others; be genuine rather than manipulative; empathize rather than remain detached; be flexible rather than rigid; present yourself as equal rather than superior. 12. A smile, eye contact, a grimace, and other forms of communication without words are called: Answer: nonverbal communication 13. What do we mean by the phrase “actions speak louder than words”? Answer: Nonverbal communication is often more believable than verbal communication when the two are in conflict. Answer: Nonverbal communication is often more believable than verbal communication when the two are in conflict. 14. How is electronic communication changing the nature of communication more generally? Answer: Informality is the new norm; our writing influences our speech; we have volume control over our messages; we have more relationships with less depth; we can live in the moment. 15. Why do men and women communicate differently? Answer: Social reasons: men and women are socialized differently and experience different cultures. Biological reasons: certain regions of the prefrontal brain area are activated differently during language tasks. 17. List the four types of conflict: Answer: pseudo conflict, content conflict, value conflict, ego conflict. 18. What type of conflict resolution is considered win-win as we attempt to satisfy both our own needs and those of our partner? Answer: collaborating 19. List and define the three types of power. Answer: Personal power is the degree of autonomy a person has to exercise his or her will. Social power is the ability to exercise your will over another person. Intimate partner power involves decision-making among intimate partners, their division of labor, and their sense of entitlement. 20. List the theories of power: Answer: Resource theory; principle of least interest; relative love and need Theory; Doing Gender Part IV Essay Questions: 1. How does communication vary across racial and ethnic groups, and across social classes? Answer: Communication varies across racial and ethnic groups and social classes due to differences in cultural norms, values, language proficiency, and socio-economic factors. Racial and ethnic groups may have unique communication styles influenced by their cultural backgrounds, such as directness or indirectness in speech, use of gestures, and non-verbal cues. Social classes can affect communication through language use (formal vs. informal), levels of education impacting vocabulary and articulation, and differing perceptions of power dynamics in conversations. 2. Describe the six different cultural orientations, explaining how they influence communication. Answer: The six cultural orientations are: • High-context cultures: Emphasize indirect communication, relying on context and non-verbal cues (e.g., East Asian cultures). • Low-context cultures: Value explicit and direct communication, with less emphasis on context (e.g., Western cultures). • Collectivist cultures: Prioritize group harmony and consensus, affecting communication styles to maintain relationships (e.g., many Asian, African, and Latin American cultures). • Individualist cultures: Focus on individual achievements and direct expression of opinions, influencing assertiveness in communication (e.g., Western cultures). • High-power distance cultures: Accept and expect hierarchical structures, affecting communication by emphasizing respect for authority (e.g., many Asian and Latin American cultures). • Low-power distance cultures: Prefer equality and reduced hierarchical distinctions, leading to more egalitarian communication styles (e.g., Scandinavian and some Western cultures). These orientations influence communication by shaping expectations of language use, directness, formality, and the importance of relationships versus tasks. 3. What is verbal communication, and what are some barriers to understanding verbal communication? Answer: Verbal communication involves the use of spoken words to convey meaning, intentions, and emotions. Barriers to understanding verbal communication include: • Language barriers: Differences in language proficiency, dialects, and accents can hinder understanding. • Ambiguity and vagueness: Words and phrases may have multiple interpretations or lack clarity. • Cultural differences: Different interpretations of words, idioms, and metaphors based on cultural backgrounds. • Non-verbal cues: Misinterpretation of gestures, facial expressions, and body language can affect understanding. • Emotional barriers: Emotional states of the communicator or listener can influence comprehension. • Noise and physical barriers: Environmental factors like background noise or distance can disrupt verbal communication. Addressing these barriers requires awareness, active listening, clarification, and sensitivity to cultural and contextual factors influencing communication. 4. Describe the ways that verbal communication be improved. Answer: Verbal communication can be enhanced through several strategies: • Clarity and conciseness: Use clear and straightforward language to avoid ambiguity. • Active listening: Pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues to understand the speaker's message fully. • Empathy and respect: Acknowledge and validate the speaker's perspective to foster trust and open dialogue. • Feedback: Provide constructive feedback to clarify understanding and ensure mutual comprehension. • Adaptability: Adjust communication style based on the audience's preferences and cultural context. • Body language: Use appropriate gestures and facial expressions to reinforce verbal messages. By employing these strategies, communicators can improve the effectiveness and impact of their verbal interactions. 5. How are electronic means of communication changing the face of communication? Answer: Electronic communication has revolutionized interpersonal interactions in several ways: • Instantaneous communication: Enables real-time exchanges regardless of geographical location, enhancing efficiency and connectivity. • Global reach: Facilitates communication across borders and cultures, promoting cultural exchange and international collaboration. • Diverse platforms: Offers various mediums (e.g., email, social media, video calls) catering to different communication needs and preferences. • Information dissemination: Allows rapid sharing of news, information, and ideas, shaping public discourse and social movements. • Challenges: Introduces concerns about privacy, authenticity of information, and potential for miscommunication due to lack of non-verbal cues. Overall, electronic communication has profoundly transformed how individuals, organizations, and societies interact and communicate. 6. Do men and women communicate differently? Compare and contrast sex differences in communication. Answer: Men and women often exhibit differences in communication styles influenced by socialization, biology, and cultural norms: • Communication goals: Men may prioritize status and independence, using language to assert dominance or achieve goals. Women often emphasize connection and rapport, seeking consensus and emotional support. • Conversation patterns: Men tend to engage in competitive or informational exchanges, while women often use communication to build relationships through sharing experiences and emotions. • Non-verbal communication: Women typically show greater sensitivity to non-verbal cues like facial expressions and tone of voice, whereas men may focus more on explicit verbal content. • Conflict resolution: Men may approach conflict with a focus on problem-solving and maintaining independence, while women may seek compromise and emotional validation. However, these differences are not universal and can vary significantly based on individual personalities, cultural backgrounds, and contexts. Recognizing and understanding these nuances can foster better communication and relationships between individuals of different sexes. 7. Describe the four types of conflict and give an example of each. Answer: Conflict can be categorized into four types based on the level of assertiveness and cooperation involved: • 1. Avoidance: This occurs when one or both parties ignore or evade the conflict. Example: Two coworkers avoid discussing their differing opinions on a project to maintain harmony. • 2. Accommodation: In this type, one party prioritizes maintaining relationships over asserting their own needs. Example: A couple decides to go to a restaurant one person prefers, despite the other wanting a different cuisine, to avoid arguing. • 3. Competition: Here, parties assert their own needs and goals at the expense of others'. Example: Siblings arguing over who gets to use the family car first without considering each other's schedules. • 4. Collaboration: This involves high assertiveness and cooperation, aiming for a win-win solution. Example: Business partners discuss and negotiate a compromise that satisfies both their financial goals and personal values. Each type of conflict management style can impact relationships differently, influencing outcomes and satisfaction levels for those involved. 8. Discuss the difference between regulated and nonregulated couples. What techniques do nonregulated couples use? Answer: Regulated and nonregulated couples differ in how they manage conflicts and maintain their relationships: • Regulated couples: These couples effectively manage conflict through constructive communication, compromise, and problem-solving techniques. They prioritize understanding each other's perspectives and finding mutually agreeable solutions. • Nonregulated couples: These couples struggle more with conflict resolution and may exhibit patterns of escalation, withdrawal, or unresolved issues. Techniques used by nonregulated couples often include: • Avoidance: Ignoring or downplaying issues to maintain temporary peace. • Escalation: Allowing conflicts to intensify without resolution, leading to heightened emotional responses. • Negative communication patterns: Using criticism, defensiveness, contempt, or stonewalling during conflicts. • Unproductive strategies: Such as blaming, avoiding responsibility, or refusing to engage in productive dialogue. Nonregulated couples may benefit from learning effective communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, and techniques to foster mutual understanding and respect. Addressing underlying issues and improving emotional regulation can lead to healthier relationship dynamics over time. 9. Describe the types of power and the six sources of power. Give an example of each. Answer: Types of Power: Power refers to the ability to influence others and achieve objectives. There are five main types of power: 1. Coercive Power: This power is based on fear and the ability to punish or harm others. Example: A manager threatens to reduce an employee's hours if they do not meet performance targets. 2. Reward Power: This type of power comes from the ability to provide rewards or incentives. Example: A teacher offers extra credit points to students who submit their assignments early. 3. Legitimate Power: Also known as formal authority, this power derives from a person's position or role within an organization. Example: A CEO has legitimate power over employees within the company due to their position. 4. Referent Power: This power arises from others' admiration, respect, or identification with the person. Example: A celebrity endorses a product, influencing their fans to purchase it based on their admiration for the celebrity. 5. Expert Power: This power stems from a person's knowledge, skills, or expertise in a particular area. Example: A doctor's recommendations carry weight due to their expertise in medicine and healthcare. Six Sources of Power: Apart from these types, French and Raven (1959) proposed six sources of power: 1. Informational Power: Power derived from possessing valuable information. Example: A data analyst holds informational power by providing critical insights that influence decision-making. 2. Connection Power: Power gained through relationships, networking, and alliances. Example: A sales manager has connection power due to their extensive network of contacts in the industry. 3. Referential Power: Power attained by association with influential or respected individuals or groups. Example: A spokesperson gains referential power by being associated with a renowned charity organization. 4. Expertise Power: Similar to expert power, but specifically focused on the depth and relevance of knowledge. Example: An IT specialist has expertise power when advising on complex technological solutions. 5. Charismatic Power: Power stemming from charisma, charm, and personal appeal. Example: A motivational speaker holds charismatic power over their audience through inspiring speeches. 6. Reward Power: As previously mentioned, power derived from the ability to provide rewards or incentives. Example: A manager has reward power by offering bonuses for outstanding performance. Understanding these sources of power helps individuals and organizations navigate influence dynamics effectively. 10. Compare and contrast the theories of power. Which makes the most sense to you and why? Answer: Theories of power vary in their perspectives on how power operates and is exercised within social contexts. Two prominent theories include: Structural Theory of Power: This theory emphasizes power as embedded within social structures and institutions. It suggests that power is not just held by individuals but is distributed across systems that shape relationships and outcomes. Structural theorists argue that power dynamics are influenced by factors like economic resources, political systems, and cultural norms. Examples include Marxist theories focusing on class-based power dynamics and feminist theories examining power through gendered structures. Relational Theory of Power: In contrast, relational theories view power as relational and context-dependent. This perspective highlights that power arises from interactions between individuals or groups, where one party's ability to influence others depends on the social and interpersonal context. Relational theorists emphasize dynamics like negotiation, persuasion, and resistance within relationships as central to understanding power. Examples include theories of power in interpersonal relationships, organizational settings, and cultural contexts. Comparison and Contrast: •Both theories recognize that power is multifaceted and operates through various mechanisms. •Structural theory tends to focus on broader societal structures and systemic inequalities, while relational theory examines power dynamics in specific social interactions. •Structural theory critiques inequalities rooted in systemic factors like class, race, and gender, whereas relational theory explores how power is negotiated and contested in everyday interactions. •Relational theory allows for flexibility and adaptation in understanding power dynamics across different contexts, while structural theory provides a framework for analysing larger patterns of power distribution and social change. Preference: The relational theory of power makes more sense to me personally because it acknowledges the complexity and fluidity of power dynamics in interpersonal relationships and social interactions. It emphasizes the importance of context, communication, and agency in understanding how power operates and can be challenged or transformed. This perspective resonates with my belief that power is not merely a static possession but a dynamic force shaped by relational processes and interactions within diverse social settings. Test Bank for Exploring Marriages and Families Karen T. Seccombe 9780205915194, 9780134708201, 9780133807776