Interactive Model and Transactional Model of Communication - Assignment Example

Communication 1011: Midterm Exam 1. Describe two important differences between the interactive model of communication and the transactional model of communication. Interactive model of communication refers to simultaneous or real time exchange of information or message over a defined communication medium where feedback mechanism is provided. On the other hand, the transactional model of communication acknowledges neither creators nor consumers of messages, preferring to label the people associated with the model as communicators who both create and consume messages. The model presumes additional symmetries as well, with each participant creating messages that are received by the other communicator. 2. Identify 2 strategies which may be used to make our perceptions more accurate. One strategy is to put oneself in the other person’s perspective to enable one to empathize and view the situation from the other side of the coin. Secondly, solicit critical information to assess the pros and cons more objectively. 3. Explain the statement, “Meanings are in people, not in words.” There are tendencies to misinterpret meanings when only derived from words or verbal communication due to diversity in culture and in languages. Do enable one to understand the true meaning of messages that people relay, it is more reliable to see the person face-to-face who would express messages both in verbal and nonverbal means. Concurrently, any message that is not understood would be immediately sorted and clarified through immediate feedback mechanisms. 4. Do you think that Johari Window would be a useful tool in the counseling field? Explain why or why not. Johari Window is a simple and useful tool for illustrating and improving self-awareness, and mutual understanding between individuals within a group using a model of four regions: known to self and others, known to others but not to self, unkown to others but known to self, and unknown to self and unknown to others. It is a useful tool in the counseling field because it enables one to discover oneself and the strengths and weaknesses can be addressed for personal development, improving communications, interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, team development and inter-group relationships. 5. Define one of the internal obstacles to listening and explain what you personally do to overcome it. One internal obstacle to listening is possessing a wrong attitude. Attitude simply means a predisposition or a tendency to respond positively or negatively towards a certain idea, object, person, or situation. To overcome this obstacle, one must have an open mind and a willingness to have a positive outlook towards a person or the subject of discussion. 6. Identify and explain 3 types of nonverbal code systems. Posture refers to the position of a specific articulation on body part relative to an adjacent body part, determined by the angle of the joint connecting them. Gestures, on the other hand, are the movement of body parts and the manner of carrying the body; position of the body or limbs; posture. Finally, touch is one of the most powerful nonverbal communication channels which can be used to relay various emotions such as caring, comforting, soothing, and building rapport. It is the sense by which contact of an object with the skin is recognized. It is a palpation with the finger. 7. Define and give an example of reciprocal self-disclosure. Reciprocal self-disclosure means that people mutually respond to one’s accurate self portrayal to others. An example would be when a person wears a name tag; people who come in contact with him or her naturally introduce oneself and give ones name in return. 8. Consider the stages of friendship and romantic relationships. How are waning friendships and deteriorating romantic relationships similar? Think in terms of communication strategies and the reasons for the waning/deterioration. Waning friendships and deteriorating romantic relationships are similar in terms of decreased commitments and intensities in retaining and maintaining interpersonal facets of communications. Both lessen the degree and frequency of communication and commitment to each other. The reasons for waning/deterioration are diverse and could include any and a combination of the following: extracurricular activities, more time spent on work (or study), loss of interest in each other’s company due to discovery of irreconcilable differences, loss of trust and confidence in each other, third party problems, among others. 9. Explain the Social Exchange theory. Include in the explanation a working definition of it and the assumptions about human nature upon which it is based. The Social Exchange theory refers to a social psychological and sociological perspective that explains social change and stability as a process of negotiated exchanges between parties. Social exchange theory posits that all human relationships are formed by the use of a subjective cost-benefit analysis and the comparison of alternatives. For example, when a person perceives the costs of a relationship as outweighing the perceived benefits, then the theory predicts that the person will choose to leave the relationship. 10. Potential conflict starter chosen: (1) “You’re late again. You’re always late. Your lateness is so inconsiderate of my time and my interests.” A. Write an unproductive response, i.e., a response that will aggravate the conflict. Why will this response aggravate the conflict? Discuss the response in terms of communication climate and utilize terms and definitions from your text. Response: ( In a loud tone )“So what if I am late!! You are only looking at your time and interests… what about mine? I have to wake up early just to meet you and attend to your stupid activities. It is always about you – you selfish, inconsiderate freak!” This response would definitely aggravate the conflict because aside from the denunciating and expletive terms, the response attacked the person and not the message alone. The volume is also loud which aggravates the communication climate and could have placed the other person in an embarrassing situation if there are many people who heard the response. B. Write a productive response, i.e., a response that will lessen the conflict. Why will this response lessen the potential conflict? Discuss the response in terms of communication climate and utilize terms and definitions from your text. Response: (In a soft and calm tone) “I am terribly sorry for being late. I know I am very inconsiderate of your time and interest but I did my very best to arrive on time. There was a big accident along the highway and caused a tremendous traffic jam – despite my efforts to arrive on time, the inevitable circumstances prevented me from doing so. Again, sorry and I promise, as long as it can be prevented, I will never be late in the future.” This response will lessen the potential conflict because of the following reasons: (1) the tone is soft and calm (which soothes the other person); (2) it acknowledges what the other person said; (3) it gave a valid reason for being late; and (4) it provided a promise that it would never happen again. Thus, the response was positive in volume, timing and reasons which supported a positive communication climate. Read More