Text Floyd Kory 2017 Interpersonal Communication Third Editi
Text Floyd Kory 2017 Interpersonal Communication Third Edition
Text Floyd, Kory (2017). Interpersonal Communication. Third Edition. McGraw Hill, New York. ISBN: Chapter ten 1. Are all of your Facebook friends truly your friends? Explain. 2. How do you define the word friend? Do friendships differ by sex? Explain. 3. What makes a family? (Give your own definition and examples). 4. What is your theory about why the divorce rate in the United States is so much higher than in the rest of the world? 5. Discuss Rawlins’s Six Stages of Friendship. In your own words, explain stage #4. 1. Define interpersonal conflict and distinguish it from intrapersonal conflict. 2. When are avoiding or accommodating the best strategies for dealing with conflict? 3. Identify ways in which conflict can be harmful and beneficial. 4. Define and discuss French and Raven’s five forms of power. 5. Discuss situations in which each of Blake and Mouton’s five strategies might be the best option for 6. Chapter Twelve 1. List and describe the defining elements of deception. 2. Why is it so distressing to find out someone has lied to you? 3. Define the four common forms of lying included in this chapter: falsification, exaggeration, omission, equivocation. 4. Identify and discuss reliable behavioral clues to deception. 5. Discuss the Fact or Fiction story, “Most people can’t look you in the eye while lying."
Paper For Above instruction
Interpersonal communication is an essential aspect of human interaction that influences personal relationships, social dynamics, and societal structures. Floyd and Kory’s 2017 edition provides a comprehensive exploration of these topics, emphasizing the complexity and nuances that define how individuals connect and communicate with each other. This paper addresses various prompts from Chapter Ten and Twelve, exploring modern social friendships, family definitions, the dynamics of divorce, friendship stages, conflict management, power relations, and deception.
Are all Facebook friends truly friends?
The question of whether all Facebook friends are genuinely friends is increasingly relevant in the digital age. Social media platforms have expanded the scope of friendship beyond traditional boundaries, enabling users to maintain vast networks of acquaintances and acquaintanceships that often lack the depth and intimacy characteristic of true friendship. According to Kory (2017), the distinction between casual acquaintances and genuine friends hinges on emotional closeness, mutual support, and trust—elements that are often absent in online connections with many Facebook contacts. While some Facebook friends may reciprocate support and shared experiences, many serve as superficial connections that do not meet the personal criteria for true friendship (Ellison, Steinfield, & Lampe, 2011).
Defining friendship and its differences by sex
Friendship is commonly defined as a voluntary interpersonal relationship characterized by affection, trust, and mutual understanding. Kory (2017) emphasizes that friendships are built on communication, shared interests, and emotional support. Notably, research suggests that friendships can differ by sex; women often develop friendships based on emotional sharing and relational closeness, while men tend to focus on shared activities and physicality. These differing approaches reflect socialized gender roles and communication patterns, although individual variations are common (Rubin, 1982). Understanding these differences aids in appreciating the diverse ways people form and maintain friendships across genders.
What makes a family? An individual perspective
Family is a social construct with fluid boundaries, shaped by cultural, personal, and legal definitions. Personally, I define family as a supportive unit comprising individuals linked by blood, marriage, or committed relationships who provide emotional, financial, and social support. For example, my family includes biological relatives, as well as chosen family members who fulfill familial roles through caregiving and companionship. The essence of family resides in the bonds of love, loyalty, and shared life experiences, transcending blood ties when necessary (Floyd & Kory, 2017).
Exploring the high divorce rate in the United States
The United States exhibits a notably high divorce rate compared to other nations, possibly attributable to cultural, social, and economic factors. A theory posits that individualism and the pursuit of personal fulfillment often take precedence over long-term commitments, leading to increased marital dissatisfaction and dissolution (Amato, 2010). Additionally, economic independence—particularly among women—reduces financial dependency on spouses, making divorce a more accessible option. The societal acceptance of divorce and changing gender roles also contribute to this trend. These elements collectively explain the higher prevalence of divorce within the American context.
Rawlins’s Six Stages of Friendship
Rawlins’s model delineates six stages that describe the evolution of friendship, beginning with role-limited interactions and progressing toward deep, intimate bonds. Stage four, which I interpret as the 'nurturing phase,' involves active efforts to build trust, share personal experiences, and deepen emotional connections. It signifies a commitment to fostering the relationship and a willingness to invest time and effort, which solidifies trust and enhances intimacy (Rawlins, 1992). This stage represents a pivotal point where friends transition from acquaintances to meaningful confidants.
Interpersonal conflict and conflict management strategies
Interpersonal conflict occurs when two or more individuals experience incompatible goals, values, or behaviors that lead to disagreement or tension. It differs from intrapersonal conflict, which involves internal struggles within an individual. Managing conflict effectively is crucial for healthy relationships. Avoiding or accommodating can be beneficial strategies when the issue is minor, when preserving harmony is essential, or when the relationship is more important than the specific issue (Thomas & Kilmann, 1974). These strategies prevent escalation and facilitate compromise, fostering relational stability.
Harmful and beneficial aspects of conflict
Conflict can harm relationships by creating hostility, misunderstandings, and emotional distress if mishandled. Conversely, it can be beneficial by clarifying issues, fostering growth, and promoting problem-solving. Constructive conflict encourages open communication, promotes mutual understanding, and can strengthen bonds through resolution (Tjosvold, 1991). The key lies in how conflicts are approached—respectfully and collaboratively—turning potential discord into opportunities for relational enhancement.
French and Raven’s five forms of power
French and Raven (1959) identified five bases of social power: coercive, reward, legitimate, referent, and expert power. Coercive power involves the capacity to punish, while reward power depends on the ability to provide benefits. Legitimate power stems from a formal position or role, and referent power arises from admiration and identification with an individual. Expert power is based on knowledge or skills. These power bases influence how individuals influence others and are fundamental in understanding social hierarchies and relationship dynamics (French & Raven, 1959).
Conflict management strategies according to Blake and Mouton
Blake and Mouton (1964) proposed five conflict management strategies: competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, and accommodating. The choice of strategy depends on the context. For instance, collaborating is ideal when both parties seek a win-win outcome, while avoiding might be suitable for trivial issues or when emotions need to settle. Accommodating can maintain harmony when the issue is of low importance to oneself. Each strategy has situational appropriateness, emphasizing the importance of context in conflict resolution.
Deception: defining and understanding
Deception involves intentionally conveying false or misleading information to others. Its defining elements include the intent to deceive, the communication of falsehoods, and the belief that the recipient will accept the false information as true (Floyd & Kory, 2017). Deception can be motivated by self-interest, protection, or social advantage. It disrupts trust and can have serious relational consequences. Recognizing deception requires understanding its forms, cues, and underlying motives.
The distress caused by discovering lies
Discovering that someone has lied causes significant distress because it breaches trust and compromises the foundation of the relationship. Lies can evoke feelings of betrayal, confusion, and hurt, leading individuals to question the honesty and integrity of their partner or friend. The betrayal of trust can have lasting emotional impacts, making it difficult to rebuild confidence and intimacy in the relationship (DePaulo & Kashy, 1998).
Four common forms of lying
Falsification involves creating false information outright; exaggeration amplifies facts beyond the truth; omission leaves out relevant details, and equivocation provides vague or ambiguous responses. Each form serves different deceptive purposes and varies in subtlety and impact. Recognizing these forms is crucial for understanding deception dynamics and maintaining honesty within relationships (Johnson, 2010).
Behavioral clues to deception
Reliable behavioral clues include inconsistent verbal and non-verbal cues, such as avoiding eye contact, nervousness, changes in speech patterns, and contradictory statements. Microexpressions—brief, involuntary facial expressions—may reveal underlying emotions. Additionally, delayed responses or overly elaborate explanations might also indicate deception. Despite these cues, context and baseline behaviors must be considered to accurately interpret signs of lying (Vrij, 2008).
Fact or Fiction: Eye contact and lying
The belief that most people can’t look others in the eye while lying is a common myth. The "Fact or Fiction" story highlights that many individuals maintain eye contact while lying, especially if they are skilled or motivated to deceive. Therefore, while avoidance of eye contact can sometimes signal deception, it should not be solely relied upon as a universal cue, as cultural norms and individual differences significantly influence eye contact behaviors (DePaulo et al., 2003).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the complexities of human relationships require careful understanding of the distinctions between genuine friendship, family ties, conflict management, power dynamics, and deception. Digital platforms redefine social boundaries, while traditional models like Rawlins’s friendship stages and Blake and Mouton’s conflict strategies offer valuable frameworks for enhancing relationship quality. Recognizing the signs and impacts of deception deepens interpersonal understanding and fosters trust, which is essential for healthy and meaningful relationships in both personal and social contexts.
References
- Amato, P. R. (2010). Research on divorce: Continuing findings and new directions. Journal of Marriage and Family, 72(3), 650-666.
- DePaulo, B. M., & Kashy, D. A. (1998). Everyday lies in close and casual relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(1), 63–79.
- DePaulo, B., Kirkendol, S. E., Kashy, D. A., Wyer, M. M., & Epstein, J. A. (2003). Lying in everyday life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(3), 545-557.
- Ellison, N. B., Steinfield, C., & Lampe, C. (2011). Connectivity, intimacy, and social capital: How Facebook use facilitates relationship maintenance. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 16(4), 515-529.
- French, J. R., & Raven, B. (1959). The bases of social power. In D. Cartwright (Ed.), Studies in social power (pp. 150-167). University of Michigan Press.
- Johnson, R. (2010). The psychology of deception. Cambridge University Press.
- Rawlins, W. K. (1992). Friendship matters: Communication, dialectics, and the life course. Aldine de Gruyter.
- Rubin, K. H. (1982). How friendships develop in childhood. In M. R. Lepper, & D. H. Bar-Tal (Eds.), Advances in Motivation and Achievement (pp. 41-86). JAI Press.
- Tjosvold, D. (1991). The conflict-positive organization. Academic Management Journal, 34(2), 465-491.
- Vrij, A. (2008). Detecting lies and deceit: Pitfalls and opportunities. Wiley.