Interpersonal Communication
This is the definition of Interpersonal Communication (itself).
What is (something like) a distinctive form of communication involving one-or-more persons, usually for the purpose of mutual influence.
OR
The type of communication where two people engage in a conversation, focusing on building and maintaining relationships, rather than simply exchanging information.
Define Power-Distance (according to Hofstede).
Power - Distance refers to the degree to which less powerful members of a society accept and expect unequal distributions of power. It reflects cultural attitudes toward hierarchy, authority, and power relationships in organizations, families, and institutions.
Grider's Lecture: "it can be, in a tight nut-shell, thought of as the distance you must travel to obtain or speak with someone in a position of power."
What is mediated communication, and how does it differ from face-to-face communication?
Unlike face-to-face interactions, this form of communication allows people to connect across time and space through devices like smartphones, computers, and social media.
Open Ended Application Question:
Describe a scenario where individualistic and collectivistic cultural values complement each other in social gatherings, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Setting: neighborhood block party.
Complimenting Individualistic and Collectivistic cultural values:
Jemma prefers to eat the food she brought while going from table to table - saying hello and seeing how people are. Javi sets at a longer, more communal table and enjoys conversation with people near him.
The event flows seamlessly as people move between styles, enjoying both personal choice and shared connection.
What is the format of quiz questions?
Multiple choice, True/False, possibly some fill in the blank.
What are four principals of communication (mentioned in chapter 1 readings), also covered in lecture, that serve as a foundational understanding for our course?
1. Communication is transactional (one cannot not communicate).
2. Communication can be intentional (j/k is rarely a joke).
3. Communication is irreversible (what is communicated can never be uncommunicated or taken back).
4. Communication has a content dimension and a relational dimension.
Example: "Can you pass the salt" is a simple request for salt. (content)
Add tone of voice, emotion in the tone, and power dynamics of the relationship to this request and relational dimensions emerge.
What we say conveys information. How we say it signals the nature of our relationship.
These are the characteristics of Individualism
What is:
Self-Identity: People define themselves as independent individuals rather than as members of a group.
Personal Achievement: Success is measured by individual accomplishments (e.g., career, education, wealth).
Autonomy & Self-Reliance: People are expected to make their own decisions and take responsibility for their actions.
Loose Social Ties: Relationships tend to be voluntary and temporary, with people forming connections based on personal choice rather than duty.
Direct Communication: Emphasis on explicit, clear, and assertive speech.
Examples: United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom.
What is the lack of nonverbal cues in mediated communication, and how can it lead to misunderstandings?
Answer, applied with an example:
A social media argument quickly escalates because users misinterpret each other’s tone and emotional intent, leading to increased hostility.
Open-Ended Application Question: How does decision-making in individualistic cultures prioritize personal initiative, direct communication, and efficiency?
Scenario: At a company brainstorming session in the U.S., team members individually pitch their ideas, and the manager selects the best one. Team members are encouraged to voice independent opinions, and decisions are often made quickly based on personal expertise and merit.
What chapters should I study?
Chapters 1 - 3 + lecture
True or False (and why):
All communication seeks understanding;
More communication is better than less communication;
Communication can solve any problem;
Effective communication is a natural ability.
What is: False.
All communication seeks understanding: not all communication is meant to clarify or inform. Some communication is ritualistic (greetings) or even strategic (negotiating a raise). Some communication is ambiguous (sarcasm, deception).
More communication is better than less communication: Quality matters more than quantity. Over-communicating can lead to confusion, frustration, or information overload. In conflicts, excessive communication without resolution can make things worse. Sometimes, silence or a pause is more effective.
Communication can solve any problem: Some problems go beyond communication—like deep-rooted values, personal beliefs, or external constraints. Even great communication can’t fix irreconcilable differences or structural inequalities on its own. Being other-oriented can work with bridging gaps problems create.
Effective communication is a natural ability: Some people have a natural appreciation for communication, effective communication is a learned skill in active listening, self-awareness, adaptability, and practice. We aren't born natural communicators.
These are the characteristics of Collectivism
Collectivism
Group Identity: People define themselves primarily as members of a group (family, community, organization).
Loyalty & Obligation: A strong sense of duty to in-groups (family, workplace, nation).
Interdependence: Decisions are made with group harmony in mind rather than personal benefit.
Strong Social Ties: Relationships are long-term and deeply embedded, often influencing career, marriage, and social roles.
Indirect Communication: Emphasis on saving face, avoiding conflict, and using context and nonverbal cues to convey meaning.
Examples: Mexico, Japan, South Korea, China.
How does transactional communication emphasize that meaning is co-created between communicators rather than just sent and received?
Answer, applied via an example:
Two neighbors are talking over their fence about their gardens. While one speaks, the other nods, smiles, and responds with follow-up questions, **showing that communication is continuous and shaped by both participants.**
What is a mediated parasocial relationship, and how do media figures create a sense of intimacy with audiences?
Online influencers often create a sense of closeness with their followers by using direct eye contact in videos, personal storytelling, and responding to comments, even though the relationship is one-sided.
How should I study for this quiz?
a) Understand the definitions of the key concepts we've covered in both the readings and lectures.
b) Practice applying these concepts to real-world examples, just like we’ve done in class and in the readings.
c) Review your lecture and reading notes—don’t second-guess yourself! Trust your understanding.
d) Relate the concepts to examples from your own life, or from films, TV shows, and novels, to see how they work in various contexts.
Don't cram-study. Working in the humanities is about understanding and applying ideas, not just memorizing facts.
Breathe, review, and refresh.
Martin Buber's concept of impersonal vs interpersonal focuses on how we treat others and is called:
What is I-It / I-Thou.
I-It: Treating people as objects, roles, or means to an end (ie: a cashier as just a cashier rather than a person).
I-Thou: Engaging with others as unique individuals with value and dignity, fostering genuine connection.
Provide a definition and example of a Mediated Parasocial relationship
Definition: A parasocial relationship is a one-sided relationship that occurs when an individual feels a personal connection with a media figure, such as a celebrity, influencer, or fictional character, despite no real-life interaction.
Example: A fan who watches a talk show host every day might feel like they “know” them personally, even though the host has no awareness of their existence.
There is a large difference between a parasocial relationship fan and a parasocial relationship that crosses into obsession (such as some portions of Baby Reindeer).
How does transactional communication acknowledge that meaning is subjective, depending on a person’s culture, background, and experiences?
Two friends from different backgrounds (cultural, familial, etc.) interpret the same message differently because of past experiences, personal values, and social norms.
This refers to the ongoing nature of communication, emphasizing that it’s simultaneous and dynamic, with both participants influencing the interaction.
What is transactional communication.
How many questions and what is point value for questions?
Roughly 40 questions with bonus questions added in.
Each question will be worth between 0.5 points and 1.0 points (including bonus questions).
How does cognitive complexity contribute to a communicator's ability to adapt in interpersonal interactions
Cognitive complexity allows communicators to recognize and interpret multiple perspectives, which in turn helps them adapt their communication strategies in real-time. Here's how it plays out:
1. Flexibility in Message Construction – Individuals with high cognitive complexity can tailor their messages to suit different situations or audiences, understanding that one-size-fits-all doesn’t work in dynamic interactions.
2. Perspective-Taking – The ability to view situations from others' viewpoints helps communicators adjust their tone, content, and approach based on the emotional state or needs of others.
3. Problem-Solving – People with cognitive complexity are better equipped to resolve misunderstandings or conflicts because they can identify a range of potential causes or solutions, instead of jumping to conclusions or relying on a single interpretation.
4. Nonverbal Awareness – With cognitive complexity, individuals can notice and respond to subtle nonverbal cues allowing a better match with verbal and nonverbal communication to the context.
Imagine you are in a business meeting in a collectivistic culture. What approaches to decision making may in-group members use?
What is:
Consensus-Based Decision Making – Rather than making quick, individual decisions, collectivistic cultures prioritize group harmony and agreement. Decisions are often made gradually through discussions that ensure all voices are heard before reaching a collective agreement.
Hierarchy and Deference to Authority – Many collectivistic cultures have a high-power distance, final decisions may ultimately be guided by senior leaders, even if group discussion is encouraged.
Subordinates often show respect for authority and may hesitate to directly challenge or contradict higher-ranking members.
Indirect Communication and Saving Face – indirect language, diplomacy, or nonverbal cues to express concerns or dissent. Maintaining group cohesion and saving face for oneself and others is a priority, so disagreement is often handled subtly.
Relationship-Driven Negotiation – Decision-making is influenced by long-term relationships rather than just logic or efficiency. Group members may take extra time to build trust and strengthen interpersonal bonds before finalizing a decision.
Collective Responsibility and Group Loyalty – Decisions are not seen as individual wins but as group commitments. Once a decision is made, the entire group takes responsibility, reinforcing loyalty and cooperation among members.
How does uncertainty avoidance shape expectations for deadlines and flexibility, and how might cultural values influence policies?
In low uncertainty avoidance cultures (ie., the U.S.), there is greater comfort with flexibility and open-ended tasks, meaning deadlines may be more negotiable in terms of structure, but personal responsibility (such as meeting deadlines) is still emphasized.
In high uncertainty avoidance cultures (e.g., Japan), structure and predictability are highly valued, so strict deadlines and clear expectations help reduce uncertainty.
However, cultural values (such as respect for hierarchy and social harmony) may lead to variations in late-work policies.
Ultimately, uncertainty avoidance and cultural norms work together to influence how policies on deadlines and late work are created and enforced.
This type of communication occurs when an individual’s message is transmitted through technology but doesn’t allow for immediate interaction or response.
What is asynchronous communication.
Example: pre-recorded podcasts, music played over technology, fully online classes, talk-show television programs, news broadcasts, and more.
Final Jeopardy Question:
What are the steps in the Transactional Model of Communication, and what role does each step play in the communication process?
Sender/Receiver
The person who sends and receives messages. In this model, everyone is both a sender and a receiver at the same time, actively engaging in encoding (sending) and decoding (receiving) messages.
Message
The actual content being communicated—what’s being conveyed from one person to another, through words, gestures, or other symbols.
Channel
The medium or method used to send the message, such as face-to-face conversation, text messages, or emails. It affects how the message is received and understood.
Receiver/Sender
The person who receives and interprets the message. The receiver also provides feedback to the sender, influencing the ongoing flow of communication.
Noise
Any type of interference that disrupts or distorts the message. Noise can be physical (like background sound), psychological (like stress or distraction), or semantic (like misunderstandings of language).
Feedback
The response from the receiver back to the sender, which shows whether the message was understood as intended. Feedback can be immediate or delayed and is crucial for clarity in communication.
Context
The environment and circumstances in which the communication takes place. Context includes factors like cultural influences, the relationship between communicators, and situational aspects that affect the message’s meaning.