Give an example of the difference between the content and relational levels of interpersonal communication, using dialogue to show your understanding. (Label the content messages and the relational messages in your answer.)
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: Answers will vary, but must show understanding of the content level as what the message is about, and the relational level as how the message is said.
Example:
Girlfriend: Oh, I hate my haircut!
Boyfriend: I think it looks good.
Girlfriend: What do you mean, "It looks good."
Boyfriend: I mean it looks good.
Girlfriend: So you hate it.
Boyfriend: I said it looks GOOD.
Girlfriend: I can tell you hate it.
Boyfriend: What are you talking about?! I SAID IT LOOKS GOOD!
Girlfriend: But you're looking at me with that "I hate it" look.
Boyfriend: Fine. Don't listen to a word I say.
In this dialogue Girlfriend doesn't accept Boyfriend's content level of the message "I think it looks good," but focuses on the nonverbal relational level (his facial expression). Boyfriend becomes frustrated that she doesn't accept his content level ("Don't listen to a word I say.")
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Explain the concept of audience psychographics. Be sure to include all four types discussed
in Chapter 10. What will be an ideal response?
What is the best resource for finding information from the legislative, executive, or judicial branches of the government?
a. New York Times and Washington Post b. selected books c. reports from public and private agencies d. THOMAS website
List five methods for decision making and problem solving
1. ________________________ 4. _______________________ 2. ________________________ 5. _______________________ 3. ________________________
Which factor leads to positive attribution of individual credibility?
a) biased content b) perceived differences c) objective content d) literal presentation