Transcript SPCH 5402 Advanced Interpersonal Communication

COMM 5402
Advanced Interpersonal
Communication
Spring 2004
Human Need for Explanation
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Need for theory in human mind
3 ways of experience the world
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observer
theorist (observer & explanation)
researcher (theorist & test)
Defining Theory I
Theory differs from
informal everyday
knowledge by being more
explicit, formally
organized, and abstract.
(McGuire, 1989).
Defining Theory II
A theory is a set of interrelated
constructs (concepts), definitions, and
propositions that present a systematic
view of phenomena by specifying
relations among variables, with the
purpose of explaining and predicting
phenomena.
(Kerlinger, 1986).
Theoretical Models
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Units (Variables)
Laws of Interaction
Boundaries
System States
Propositions
Operationalizations
Hypotheses
Questions
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What about Truth? Does research lead
to truth?
What exactly is the difference between
adequacy and validity of a theory?
Why is a preferred theory determined
by consensus and not by validity?
Ideas to keep in mind
1) No a priori limits on what theory is about
2) A theoretical model has to be complete
3) Adequacy = internal logic
4) Validity is determined through research
5) Only testing makes a theory scientific
Preferred Theory
Is a matter of consensus
- consensus about boundaries & scope
- consensus about the internal logic
- consensus about empirical evidence
Standards of a Scientific
Theory
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Explanation
Prediction
Parsimony
Falsefiability
Utility
Description vs. Research
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Descriptions answers questions for the
answer’s sake
Research tests predictions to validate a
theoretical model
Two Goals of Science
Prediction
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focus on outcomes
focus on variable
values
focus on stability &
transition of system
states
Understanding
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focus on
understanding of
causal relationships
among units
Two Paradoxes
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Precision: prediction without
understanding
Power: understanding without
prediction
Assignment
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In your group, think of an example for
the precision paradox and an example
for the power paradox.
Using your examples, determine
whether they really are paradoxes, and
try to resolve them (i.e., explain how
they are possible)
Explaining the Paradoxes
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Precision: deterministic relationships
among units lead to stable associations
between them that can be observed
Power: theoretical models highlight
significant relationships between units
w/o accounting for ALL causal factors or
their interactions
Units defined:
Units are mental
conceptualizations that represent
the parts of a theoretical model
that interact with one another in
specific ways.
Theoretical Models
Unit
Unit
+
Unit
= Laws of Interaction
-
= Boundary
Properties of Units
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Units are things or properties of things
Units are plural, at least in principle
Units can be attributes or variables, i.e., are
categorical or continuous
Units can be real or nominal, i.e., represent
actual or hypothetical constructs
Units can be sophisticated or primitive, i.e.,
are defined or undefined
Exercise: Determined the
properties of these units
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Relational intimacy in a couple
A person’s religious belief
A group’s ethnicity
Family communication patterns
A person’s height
Homework Assignment
Think of a phenomenon in interpersonal
communication that is in need of a
theoretical explanation (i.e., a topic for
your term paper). Write a one
paragraph research proposal answering
the what & why questions.
Due Wednesday!
Laws of Interaction:
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link units of a theory
do NOT imply causality
may be categorical
may be sequential
may be determinant
Types of Interaction:
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linear
curvilinear
recursive
Efficiencies of Laws
High Efficiency
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Low Efficiency
rate of change
covariance
directionality
presenceabsence
Conditions for Causality
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Covariance
Temporal Precedence
Exclusion of Alternatives
Conditions for Causality
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Covariance
Temporal Precedence
Exclusion of Alternatives
Propositions
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A truth statement in regard to the
theoretical model
NOT in regard to reality (i.e., no need for
empirical truth)
Must follow accepted rules of logic
A statement about the relationship among
units
NOT a statement about unit or set
membership.
Propositions & Laws
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equivalent to a law of interaction
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more limited then a law of interaction
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combining two or more laws of
interaction
Empirical Indicators
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Operationalization of a theoretical
construct
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Good Indicators are reliable and valid
Reliability: consistency of measure
Validity: measuring the right thing.
Reliability and Validity
Validity
low
low
Reliability
high
high
Types of Validity in Social
Science
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Face Validity
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Content Validity
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Is the entire concept represented?
Criterion Validity
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Does it make sense?
Does it correlate with other known measures?
Construct Validity
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Does it behave like the construct outside the
model?
Hypothesis:
A hypothesis is a prediction about
the values of units of a theory
(where empirical indicators are
employed for the units in each
proposition) that allow
researchers to assess the validity
of the theoretical model.
Three condition of a good test
of a scientific theory
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A) deducible
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B) improbable
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from the theoretical model
unless theoretical model is “true”
C) verifiable (testable)
Factors:
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Quality of hypotheses
Validity of indicators
Completeness of theoretical model
Hypotheses Testing and
Theory Development
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Extensive Tests: test all strategic
hypotheses
Intensive Tests: test only key
hypotheses
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Inductive Tests: build theory from
empirical
data
Defining Interpersonal
Communication
Interpersonal Communication is any
interaction between two or more
persons who:
* exchange information,
* create meaning,
* exert influence, or
* establish social reality
Intimacy
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A widely used concept in study of
relationships
A variable property of a relationship,
including (among others):
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Closeness & Interdependence
Self-Disclosure
Warmth & Affection
Importance of Intimacy
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Associated with relational development
Associated with relationship quality &
satisfaction
Associated with personal health & well
being (psychological & physical)
Assignment
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Define Intimacy. In 1-2 paragraphs,
write a definition of intimacy that
captures the concept of intimacy how
you would define it for yourself.
Four Approaches to Intimacy
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Life Span Development
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Motivational
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Individual need/ability for intimacy
Equilibrium
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Develop identity  develop intimacy
Dialectic between independence and intimacy
Equity
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Intimacy as fairness and equality
Intimacy in Romantic Dyads
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Three Core Dimensions:
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Intimacy
Love
Commitment
Conceptually distinct, but dependent on
one another
Love Styles (Lee, 1973)
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Primary Styles
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Eros: passionate, intense, powerful
Ludus: playful, non-committal, flirtatious
Storge: comfortable, stable, gradual
Secondary Styles
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Pragma: practical, rational, pragmatic
Mania: manic, obsessive, extreme
Agape: altruistic, devoted, content
Interdependence of Intimacy,
Love, & Commitment
Commitment
LOVE
Intimacy
Validity of the MSIS
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Face Validity?
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Do items seem to capture the concept?
Content Validity?
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Do items cover entire breadths of concept?
Dimensions of the MSIS
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Self-Disclosure (2,4,10)
Affection (3,12, 16)
Satisfaction (11, 14, 17)
Time spend together (1, 7)
Understanding (5, 13)
Feeling Close (6, 9)
Being Supportive (8, 15)
MSIS Population Means
Satisfied Couples
Married
 Males = 153
 Females = 156
Unmarried
 Males = 135
 Females = 139
Dissatisfied Couples
Married
 Males = 125
 Females = 134
Social Penetration Theory
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Relationship Growth = More Intimacy
Intimacy results from Self-Disclosure
Increase Depths of Knowledge of Other
Increase Breadth of Knowledge of Other
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Motivation for Self-Disclosure is
expected outcome (rewards-costs)
Self-Disclosure and Intimacy
Intimate
Relationship
Non-Intimate
Relationship
Four Stages of Exchange
1) orientation
2) exploratory affective exchange
3) affective exchange
4) stable exchange
Social Exchange Theory
(Thibaut & Kelly)
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Terms
O = Perceived Outcome
CL = Comparison Level (Expectation)
CLalt = CL of Alternatives (Expectations for
alternative relationship)
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Predictions
Satisfaction: compare O and CL
Stability: compare O and CLalt
Relationship Outcomes
predicted by Social Exchange
Theory
O > CL
satisfied
unstable
O < CL
dissatisfied
unstable
O > CLalt
satisfied
stable
dissatisfied
stable
Stability
Satisfaction
O < CLalt
Five Aspects of Exchange
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Reward & Cost: Difference or Ratio?
Absolute Rewards and Costs
Immediate Rewards and Costs
Forecast Rewards and Costs
Cumulative Rewards and Costs
Exchange: Profit vs. Equity
Motivation
Profit = an individual’s rewards/cost ratio
Equity = each person’s rewards/costs
ratio is about equal
Exchange: Profit vs. Equity
Motivation
Profit = an individual’s rewards/cost ratio
Equity = each person’s rewards/costs
ratio is about equal
Questions:
 Is self-disclosure motivated by desire
for profit or equity?
 Does it make a difference?
Dyadic Effect
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Dyadic Effect: Observation that selfdisclosure by one person is usually
reciprocated by the other.
Explanations:
 Norm of Reciprocity
 Attributions
Attributions for Self-Disclosure
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Content (cause for SD)
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Self
Other
Relationship (situation?)
Valence:
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Positive
Neutral
Negative
Attributions and Reciprocation
Attribution
Positive
Neutral
Negative
Self
+ SD
+/- SD
- SD
Other
+ SD
+/- SD
- SD
Relationship
+ SD
+/- SD
- SD
Factors Affecting Attributions
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Timing of Self-Disclosure
Social Rules & Norms
Relationship History
Salient Situational Factors
Content of Self-Disclosure
A Model of Reciprocity in
Self-Disclosure
Attributions
SelfDisclosure
Interest in
Relationship
Capacity to
Self-Disclosure
SelfDisclosure
Marriage as Social Transition
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A social transition affects groups of
people rather than individuals
Motives for social transitions are both
psychological and social
The three phases of the marriage as
social transition are: precommitment,
postcommitment, & event
Conditions for Commitment
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On Average, greater pros than cons
(i.e., greater rewards than costs)
Small variability (consistency) of
positive outcomes
Causes for Commitment
Changes
1.
Intrapersonal/Normative
Standards, beliefs, ideals, rules, norms
2.
Dyadic
Agreement, conflict, interdependence,
behavior
3.
Social Network
Reactions from family& friends
4.
Circumstantial
External events, job-related, etc.
Typical Effects of Specific
Causes
1.
Intrapersonal/Normative (7%)
moderate & rapid decrease
2.
Dyadic (64%)
affects all changes, but is generally positive
3.
Social Network (20%)
moderate & rapid decrease
4.
Circumstantial (10%)
moderate decrease
Modeling Marital Intention
Dyadic
factors
Intrapersonal
factors
Decision
to Marry
Network
factors
Circumstantial
factors
Modeling Marital Intention
Intrapersonal
factors
Intimacy
Needs
Dyadic
factors
SelfDisclosure
Decision
to Marry
Circumstantial
factors
Network
factors
Modeling Marital Intention
Dyadic
factors
SelfDisclosure
MSIS
Intrapersonal
factors
Intimacy
Needs
Decision
to Marry
Network
factors
Circumstantial
factors
Components of Social
Exchange
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
equivalence of type of resources
immediacy of exchange of resources
equivalence of value of resources
contingency of exchange
range of resources available for exchange
transferability of obligation to exchange
obligation to initiate exchange
imbalance of exchange
Exchange Rules and Intimacy
1)
2)
3)
4)
exchange becomes more heteromorphic as
intimacy increases
amount of time before return is needed
increases as intimacy increases
need to return resource of equivalent value
decreases as intimacy increases
exchange becomes less contingent as
intimacy increases
Exchange Rules and Intimacy
5)
6)
7)
8)
range of resources that are exchanged
increases as intimacy increases
obligation to exchange resources is more
transferable to another person as intimacy
increases
degree to which persons feel obligated to
initiate in exchange increases as intimacy
increases
degree of acceptable unilateral indebtedness
increases as intimacy increases
Axioms of Social Exchange
Theory
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Social Exchange is one important factor
in all human relationships
Social Exchange is determined by the
Norm of Reciprocity
Norm of Reciprocity varies according to
Intimacy
Social Exchange varies along specific
dimensions (components)
Limitations of Social Exchange
Theory:
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The definitions of exchange rules are
clear only for low intimacy
The definitions for exchange rules are
unclear for high intimacy
Important terms such as resource are
undefined or defined too broadly
The mechanism that is used to compute
and remember balances is undefined
Communal Relationships
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Based on concern for welfare of other
Need is basis for transfer of resources
Receipt of benefit does not create
“debt” or obligation to “return favor”
Characterized by “equality of affect”
Vary in strength
Vary in certainty
Comparing Exchange &
Communal Relationships
Exchange
 Norm of
Reciprocity
 Transfer initiated if
other can
reciprocate
 Relationship is
means for
instrumental goals
Communal
 Norm of Mutual
Responsiveness
 Transfer initiated if
other in need
 Relationship is
intrinsically
rewarding
Relationship Type and
Attraction
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Communal Relationship
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Exchange Relationship
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returned favor decreases attraction
request for returned favor decreases attraction
request for favor increases attraction*
returned favor increases attraction
request for returned favor increases attraction
request for favor decreases attraction
Ergo: Attraction function of met expectations
Features of Women’s Talk
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ask more questions
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engage in conversational maintinance
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verbal minimal responses
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silent protest
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more integrative language
Features of Men’s Talk
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interrupt more
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more challenges & disputes
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ignore others
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control topic
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more declarations and opinions
Cross-Gender
Miscommunication
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Minimal Responses
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Questions
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request for info vs. keeping other talking
Introducing Topics & Topic Shifts
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agreement vs. interest
individual responsibility vs. cooperation
Discussing Problems
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finding solutions vs. empathy
Gender Differences in
Relational Cognition
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Women think more frequently &
complexly about their relationships
Women habitually think & talk about
relationship
Men think & talk about relationship only
during crisis
Women’s well-being more tied to
relationship perceptions than men’s
Gender Differences in
Self-Concept
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Women:
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Relational self-concept
Identity based on friendship & popularity
Femininity indicative of relational orientation
Men:
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Separate self-concept
Identity based on achievement & autonomy
Masculinity based on separate orientation
Linking Gender, Self-concept,
and Communication
Gender based
Socialization
Gender based
Self-Concept
Gender specific
Behavior
The Biological View
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Sexes are inherently different in some
respects due to biological functions
Men are stronger & more aggressive
Women are more verbally fluent
The Theory of Evolution
Life evolves through the dual process of
random mutation and selection, such that
those changes that increase a gene’s (i.e.,
usually its carrier) reproductive success are
passed on to future generations and spread
through the gene pool, whereas changes that
decrease a gene’s (i.e., usually its carrier)
reproductive success are not passed on and
disappear from the gene pool.
Theory of Evolution (Darwin)
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Variation (random change of traits)
Inheritance (passing on of traits to
offspring)
Selection (of advantageous traits)
- Survival
- Reproduction
Inclusive Fitness (Hamilton)
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Evolution understood from the gene’s
perspective(I.e., Selfish Gene)
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Essentially, genes evolve
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Solves “problem” of altruism
Evolved Psychological
Mechanisms
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solve specific recurring problems of
survival or reproduction
takes in limited information
uses decision rules to obtain output
output can be psychological,
physiological, or behavioral
Sex Differences due to
Evolution
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i.e., sex-differences in behavior that are
the result of different reproductive
challenges for the sexes
Parental Investment
Parental Certainty
Parental Investment
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Men = low investment (intercourse)
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Less selective with sex partners
Attraction based on fertility
Women = high investment (pregnancy)
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More selective with sex partners
Attraction based on ability to provide and
loyalty
Parental Certainty
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Men = low certainty
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Sexual jealousy
Les attachment to children
Women = high certainty
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Emotional jealousy
More attachment to children
The Cultural View
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Two communication sub-cultures
Males = rational, work-oriented,
leaders, in public sphere (white male
belief system)
Females = emotional, relationshiporiented, followers, in private sphere
(female belief system)
The Power View
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Influence is central to relationships
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Males view of power = power over
people
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Females view of power = power to
accomplish
The Rhetorical View
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Individuals make personal choices
about:
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Goals
Strategies
Roles
Males and Females differ in the choices
the make (often due to situation)
Comparing the 4 Views
Biological
MORE
LESS
Cultural
Power
Deterministic
Potential for Change
Rhetorical
LESS
MORE
4 Viewpoints on Gender
Differences
1)
Biology
- differences due to evolution
2)
Culture
- two spheres with different belief systems
3)
Power
- different definitions and uses of power
4)
Rhetoric
- different choices made by men & women
Relationship Satisfaction
Conceptualizations/Operationalizations:
 Happiness with relationship/partner
 Psychological intimacy in relationship
 Sexual & physical intimacy
 Interdependence with partner (severity of
loss)
 Adjustment to relationship/partner
 Commitment to relationship/partner
Antecedents to Satisfaction
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Achieving Intimacy (psychological &
physical)
Becoming Interdependent & Adjusting
to it
Meeting or Exceeding Expectations
(Comparison Level)
Satisfaction and
Communication
Intimacy
Communication
Interdependence
Adjustment
Satisfaction
NVC & Satisfaction
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Non-verbal accuracy is associated with
greater marital satisfaction
Married couples are much better at
accurate NVC than stranger couples
Women are more accurate encoders of
nonverbal affect, especially positive
affect using the visual channel
NVC of Dissatisfied Partners
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More difficulty conveying positive affect
More difficulty decoding neutral affect
More difficulty predicting NVC success
Less positive on neutral affect
More use of negative affect
The Relationship between NVC
and Satisfaction
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Do better nonverbal communication
skills lead to greater satisfaction? How
so?
Does greater satisfaction lead to better
nonverbal communication? How so?
Defining Understanding
Three Levels of Understanding
1.
Being able to predict other’s behavior
2.
Being able to explain processes that
lead to behavior (rational
understanding)
3.
Being able to experience other’s
thoughts and feelings (empathetic
understanding)
The Role of Understanding?
Communication
Understanding
Intimacy
Interdependence
Adjustment
Satisfaction
Marriage Types
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Traditionals: high interdependence,
conventional ideology, engage conflict

Independents: high interdependence,
unconventional ideology, engage
conflict

Separates: low interdependence,
conventional ideology, avoid conflict
Marital Types and Verbal
Communication
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Traditionals & Independents
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more fondness
more pleasantness
Separates
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less fondness
less pleasantness
Marital Satisfaction and Verbal
Communication by Gender
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Husbands’ Satisfaction
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Wives’ responsiveness
Wives’ use of we-ness
Husbands’ fondness of wives
Husbands’ use of we-ness
Wives’ Satisfaction
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Wives’ fondness of husbands
Wives use of we-ness
Relational Maintenance
Strategies
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Positivity
Openness
Assurances
Network
Sharing Tasks
Predicting Relational Maintenance
Strategy Use
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Gender
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Females use more
Social Exchange
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
Benefit-ratio predicts maintenance
strategies
Equity: curvilinear relationship
Interdependence: linear relationship
Benefits-Ratio and
Maintenance Strategy Use
Interdependence
Strategy
Use
Equity
Benefits Ratio
Marriage Beliefs
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Marriages are determined by 3
underlying beliefs
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ideology
interdependence
conflict style (avoidance)
Marriage Types
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Traditionals: high interdependence,
conventional ideology, engage conflict

Independents: high interdependence,
unconventional ideology, engage
conflict

Separates: low interdependence,
conventional ideology, avoid conflict
Marriage Types and Conflict
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Traditionals = validators
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Independents=volatile

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validate each other, problem solvers
emotional, expressive, like to fight
Separates=avoiders

usually don’t bother to complain
Marital Types and Verbal
Communication
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Traditionals & Independents
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more fondness
more pleasantness
Separates
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
less fondness
less pleasantness
Marital Satisfaction and Verbal
Communication by Gender

Husbands’ Satisfaction





Wives’ responsiveness
Wives’ use of we-ness
Husbands’ fondness of wives
Husbands’ use of we-ness
Wives’ Satisfaction


Wives’ fondness of husbands
Wives use of we-ness
Attachment
The Strong Bond between Infant &
Primary Care Giver
 Innate (shared with many other animals)
 Necessary for Survival & Development
 Characterized by Multi-Stage Reaction to
Separation
Attachment (cont.)

Necessary for Survival & Development



Secure Base Function
Save Haven Function
Characterized by Multi-Stage Reaction
to Separation:

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

Protest
Despair
Detachment
Rebound from Detachment
Ainsworth’s Attachment Styles
(determined by Strange Situation)
1.
Secure
- briefly upset, then happy & satisfied
2.
Avoidant
- no emotional response, then avoid mother
3.
Anxious/Ambivalent
- very upset, then initially avoidant
PCG’s Behavior and Infant’s
Attachment Style
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

Reliably Available 
Secure Attachment
Reliably Unavailable 
Avoidant Attachment
Unreliably Available/Over Involved
 Anxious/Ambivalent Attachment
Kobak’s Attachment
Dimensions
Secure
Secure
Dismissing
Preoccupied
Dismissing
Avoidant
Preoccupied
Insecure
Bartholomew’s Four
Attachment Styles
Model of Self
+
+
Model
Of Other
_
_
Secure
Preoccupied
Dismissive
Fearful
Avoidant
Comparing Infant and Adult
Attachment
Infant



Complementary
Parent or Other
Adult
Exploration System
easily overwhelmed
Adult



Reciprocal
Peer & Sexual
Partner
Separation has to be
sever to elicit
attachment like
reaction
A Model of Attachment
Transmission
Attachment
Attachment
Model
Model
Child
Partner
PCG
Child
Cognitive Representations
of Attachment
General Attachment Model
Relationship Type
Attachment Model
Relationship Specific
Attachment Model
A Model of Attachment
Transmission II
Parental
Attachment
General
Attachment
Model
Model
Relationship
Attachment
Model
Child
PCG
Child
Partner
Reinforcing Existing Attachment
Models



Independence of General Attachment
Model (AM) from Relationship AM
Selection of Partner with congruent AM
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy


Own Behavior elicits Response from
Partner consistent with AM
Relationship Experience reinforces AM
Attachment, Communication &
Satisfaction I
Attachment
Satisfaction
Communication
Attachment, Communication &
Satisfaction II
Attachment
Satisfaction
Communication
Attachment and Nonverbal
Communication

Positive Model of Self


Positive Model of Other



Less Anxiety
More Intimacy
More Affiliation
Fearful Avoidance

Less Fluency
Attachment and Nonverbal
Communication
Secures
-more intimacy
-more affiliation
-less anxiety?
-more fluency
Preoccupieds
-more intimacy
-more affiliation
-more anxiety?
-more fluency
Dismissives
-less intimacy
-less affiliation
-less anxiety?
-more fluency
Fearful Avoidants
-less intimacy
-less affiliation
-more anxiety?
-less fluency
Schemas
Associative Networks of memory nodes
Schemas’ Impact on Cognition
(Information Processing)

Bias how we perceive and interpret the
world around us:




what
what
what
what
we pay attention to
we discount
we memorize
other info we access
Synesthesia I
Synesthesia II
Important Schemas

Self




Attributes: personality, features,
tendencies…
Affect & Motivations: emotions, goals,…
Personal History
Others

Like self, only less extensive
Relationship Schemas



Cognitive Representations of
Relationships
Associate Networks that contain
declarative and procedural knowledge
of self, the other, and the relationship
between self & other.
Knowledge includes: attributes,
motives, emotions, relationship history,
& interpersonal scripts
Self, Other, & Relationship
Schemas
Self
Relationship
Other
Models of Relationships
General
Type
Self
Rel.
Other
Self
Rel.
Other
Specific
Self
Rel.
Other
Close Relationship Beliefs

Intimacy


External Factors


Security, network, finances, similarity, kids
Passion


Trust, respect, communication, coping, support,
acceptance, love, friendship, compromise
Sex, vitality
Individuality

Independence, equity
Model Congruency and
Relationship Satisfaction


Relationship satisfaction NOT correlated
with belief strength
Relationship satisfaction correlated with
overlap between relationship type and
relationship specific beliefs
Conclusions About
Relationship Models

Relationship Type Models



Relationship Specific Models



well developed, based on socialization
idealistic representations
Well developed, based on experience
realistic representations
Both types play role in information
processing
Relationship Models and
Information Processing



Models are important for controlled
processing
Models are important for automatic
processing
Models guide behavior (directly &
indirectly)
Relational Model Theory

Only four relational models are bases of
all social behavior

Models are generative

Models are pervasive

Models are universal
Communal Sharing



no distinction between self and other
Need/ability based distribution of
resources
categorical system
Authority Ranking



hierarchical distinction between self and
other
status based distribution of resources
ordinal system
Equality Matching



self and partner distinct, but on equal
level socially
even (i.e., in kind) distribution of
resources
interval system
Market Pricing



self and partner distinct but equal,
although inequalities might result from
behavior
market based distribution of resources
ratio system
Asocial & Null Relationships



Alternatives available if persons interact
with others without perceiving a
relationship
Asocial = awareness and use of relational
models for ends unrelated or antithetical
to relationship
Null = failure to perceive other as
potential relationship partner
Elementary Features of Relational
Models
1)
2)
3)
4)
Models are morally obligating
Violations of models are sanctioned
Actualization of models intrinsically enjoyable
Models operate in disparate domains in diverse
cultures
5) Models form an ordered set in terms of relations
and operations that define structures
6) Models exist in more primitive mammalian and
other animal life
Predictions Regarding the
Universality of Relational
Models
1) Models emerge spontaneously
regardless of culture (teaching)
2) Models are externalized (not
internalized)
3) In novel situations, people use models
to organize social life
Predictions Regarding the
Acquisition of Relational Models
1) Models are acquired in a predetermined
sequence
2) Uses of newly acquired models are learned
and fine tuned through experimentation
3) Much like language, acquisition of relational
models independent of general intelligence
The Role of Culture
For any given relationship culture
determines which relational model (or
combination of models) applies to which
specific relationship domain.