Interpersonal Concept Analysis Assignment - 3 Sections

Interpersonal Concept Analysis Assignment words 3 sections

Choose a specific concept related to interpersonal communication that you did not know before taking the class. Do not select broad concepts such as general interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication, or verbal communication, but rather a more specific concept within those categories (e.g., metamessages, perception process, confusing fact and inference, attribution theory, social comparison, self-fulfilling prophecies, looking glass self).

Define the concept as it is described in the textbook. Then, develop a personal or observed definition of this concept in your own words, as if explaining it to a friend.

Provide a detailed example from your own life, a friend's life, or a movie where this concept is exemplified. Describe the situation in depth, including surroundings, dialogue, and interactions between people.

Analyze the example critically: discuss how it demonstrates the concept, whether the outcome was positive or negative, and what you learned from it—about yourself, others, or communication. Reflect on whether your communication behavior was appropriate, met expectations, or has changed since the experience. Consider if different elements might have led to a different outcome and what you might do differently if a similar situation arose again.

Paper For Above instruction

Chosen Concept: Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

The concept of self-fulfilling prophecy refers to the process by which an individual's expectations about a situation or another person influence their behavior in such a way that these expectations are fulfilled. In essence, believing something to be true can lead to behaviors that cause the expected outcome to occur, thereby confirming the original belief. In the textbook, self-fulfilling prophecy is described as a psychological phenomenon where predictions or expectations about a person or event lead to behaviors that make the predictions come true.

Explained in my own words, a self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when our beliefs or expectations about someone or something influence how we behave toward it. These behaviors, whether intentional or subconscious, can influence the other person's responses, ultimately bringing about the expected outcome. It is a cycle of expectation influencing behavior, which then influences the outcome, reinforcing the original expectation.

For example, I recall a situation at work where I believed a coworker was exceedingly disorganized and unreliable based on a few past instances. I anticipated that she would be late for meetings and submit incomplete work. As a result, I subconsciously paid less attention to her updates and hesitated to delegate tasks to her. Interestingly, her behavior did change, and she did become less reliable during that period. This was partly because I communicated my doubts indirectly, and she sensed my skepticism, which affected her confidence and performance. Ultimately, her punctuality and work quality declined, just as I had expected, confirming my initial belief.

This example demonstrates the self-fulfilling prophecy concept clearly. My low expectations influenced my behavior toward her, leading to less trust and support, which negatively impacted her performance. The outcome was unfavorable because my subconscious attitude may have affected her self-confidence and the quality of her work. After reflecting on this, I learned that my perceptions could directly influence others’ behavior and that maintaining an open, non-judgmental attitude might be more beneficial.

In retrospect, my behavior was not entirely appropriate, as I inadvertently contributed to a negative cycle. If I had approached the situation more objectively and with more support, the outcome could have been different. Recognizing the power of expectations has made me more aware of my communication behaviors. Now, I strive to maintain positive, unbiased attitudes toward colleagues to foster better teamwork and avoid unintentionally shaping outcomes through negative expectations.

This experience has shifted my perspective on the importance of mindset and biases in interpersonal communication. It highlights how crucial it is to be mindful of our expectations, as they can influence not only our behaviors but also the reactions and performance of those around us. By actively challenging negative assumptions, we can create more positive interactions that lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

References

• Brougham, D., & Kirsch, T. D. (2022). Interpersonal communication and social psychology. New York: Routledge.
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• Snyder, M., & Cantor, N. (1979). Bright and dark in social judgments: Implications of attribution for social perception. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances in Experimental Social Psychology (pp. 219-266). Academic Press.
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