List and explain the five factors that influence relationship formation, providing an example for each

What will be an ideal response?


1. Personality traits: We look for personalities that are similar to ours. These personalities emerge as we get to know one another; sometimes we find we've misperceived the other's personality, which can cause the relationship formation to halt. Example: As an agreeable person, I was attracted to a friend with a similar personality, but I found later than she was actually neurotic, which was so difficult for me to manage that I ended the friendship.
2. Physical appearance: We're attracted to people who are physically attractive, even for friendships and business relationships. Example: Numerous studies—often replicated on TV news magazine shows, such as ABC's 20/20—show that more attractive people earn higher grades, are hired more frequently over equally qualified others, and even earn higher tips than those who are not as physically blessed.
3. Similarity-Complementarity: We're attracted to people who have more things in common with us (similarity), ranging from shared demographics to shared physical characteristics. But we're also attracted to those whose strengths balance our weaknesses (complementarity). Example: My best friend and I are the same age and gender, and have similar senses of humor (similarity); however, she is high strung, while I am easy-going, opposite traits that work to offset each others' weaknesses (complementarity).
4. Proximity: We develop relationships with people who are near us, either physically or psychologically. Example: My best friend and I were in the same grade at school and went to the same college after we graduated. Now that we live apart, we have to use mail, the phone, and electronic communication to remain psychologically close.
5. Technology: We exchange many electronic messages every day, proving that we are using CMC to facilitate interpersonal relationships. Example: I have reignited old friendships through Facebook.

Communication & Mass Media

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Which of the following statements about the ethics of public speaking is true? As

ethical speakers we _____. A) can be more persuasive if we omit information that doesn't support our argument B) can expect to achieve an ideal degree of objectivity if we research properly C) must eliminate our personal feelings when we speak about issues D) cannot be completely neutral toward ideas we know or care about

Communication & Mass Media

New terms are those that are invented when a convenient term does not already

exist. Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Communication & Mass Media

"I think group work is just terrific," gushed Lucy after a particularly harmonious and productive group meeting. "Yes," replied Marla, "but you also have to realize that group work has its disadvantages, including

A. less information and knowledge available than an individual would have." B. less chance of comprehending and remembering information." C. the potential for agreement with an idea just to avoid conflict." D. less chance of understanding your interpersonal behavior and communication style."

Communication & Mass Media

According to your textbook, the "tools" you use to prepare and

deliver a presentation are called a. theories. b. strategies. c. skills. d. principles. e. tactics.

Communication & Mass Media