Communication Is Transactional

Social Psychology (10th Edition)
10th Edition
ISBN:9780134641287
Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Publisher:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Chapter1: Introducing Social Psychology
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ1
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Your textbook states (textbook reference is included in photo attached) that the nature of transactional communication is rather like dancing with partners. Explain what this statement means and why it is true.

Communication Is Transactional
As we saw in the transactional model, communica-
tors create meaning through their interaction with
one another. Perhaps the most important conse-
quence of communication's transactional nature is
mutual influence. To put it simply, communication Like dancing, communication is a transactional
isn't something we do to others; rather, it is an activ- you do with others, not to them. How would-
ity we do with them.
Communication is like dancing with a part- partner?
the nature of the communication transaction
relationships? In what ways is it similar to d
ner: No matter how skilled you are, success de-
pends on the other person's behavior as well as
your own. In communication and in dancing, the partners must adapt to
and coordinate with each other. Further, relational communication–like
dancing-is a unique creation that arises from how the partners interact.
The way you dance probably varies from one partner to another because
of its cooperative, transactional nature. Likewise, the way you communi-
cate almost certainly varies with different partners. That's why compe-
tent communicators score high in adaptability, as you'll read later in this
chapter.
Psychologist Kenneth Gergen (1991) expresses the transactional nature
of communication well when he points out how our success depends on in-
teraction with others. As he says, "one cannot be 'attractive' without others
who are attracted, a 'leader' without others willing to follow, or a 'loving
person' without others to affirm with appreciation" (p. 158).
Transcribed Image Text:Communication Is Transactional As we saw in the transactional model, communica- tors create meaning through their interaction with one another. Perhaps the most important conse- quence of communication's transactional nature is mutual influence. To put it simply, communication Like dancing, communication is a transactional isn't something we do to others; rather, it is an activ- you do with others, not to them. How would- ity we do with them. Communication is like dancing with a part- partner? the nature of the communication transaction relationships? In what ways is it similar to d ner: No matter how skilled you are, success de- pends on the other person's behavior as well as your own. In communication and in dancing, the partners must adapt to and coordinate with each other. Further, relational communication–like dancing-is a unique creation that arises from how the partners interact. The way you dance probably varies from one partner to another because of its cooperative, transactional nature. Likewise, the way you communi- cate almost certainly varies with different partners. That's why compe- tent communicators score high in adaptability, as you'll read later in this chapter. Psychologist Kenneth Gergen (1991) expresses the transactional nature of communication well when he points out how our success depends on in- teraction with others. As he says, "one cannot be 'attractive' without others who are attracted, a 'leader' without others willing to follow, or a 'loving person' without others to affirm with appreciation" (p. 158).
CHAPTER 1 INTERPERSONAL PROCESS
13
ace,
for
0).
els
es
1 Like dancing, communication is a transactional process that
you do with others, not to them. How would you describe
-
the nature of the communication transactions in your close
relationships? In what ways is it similar to dancing with a
partner?
Transcribed Image Text:CHAPTER 1 INTERPERSONAL PROCESS 13 ace, for 0). els es 1 Like dancing, communication is a transactional process that you do with others, not to them. How would you describe - the nature of the communication transactions in your close relationships? In what ways is it similar to dancing with a partner?
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