Instructions
Module 7 Discussion Forum
Discussion Instructions
Part 1
- Provide an original and thorough response to the following prompt
- Write two full paragraphs, paying special attention to grammar, spelling, and sentence structure
- Be sure to draw from and cite the text
Part 2
Post a thorough reply to at least two peers, engaging substantively with some aspect of their introduction.
- Your replies should be at least 3-6 well developed sentences (although longer is fine).
Discussion Prompt
Please choose one of the following prompts to answer:
- Write an original, fictional scene that exemplifies one of the theories discussed in the “Forming and Maintaining Social Bonds” section on pages 175-182. Either in your scene or in a reflection following it, please identify the theory you chose and define it in your own words, being sure to properly cite the book in the process.
- Complete the “Sharpen Your Skills: Friendship Rules” interview and journal/blog on page 188. Post your findings on the discussion board. Either in your journal/blog or in a reflection following it, please draw from course concepts to strengthen your analysis, and cite course concepts to do so.
- Complete “The Competent Communicator” quiz on page 176. Share and reflect on your results, specifically using what you have read about attraction theory on page 175, citing important concepts and theories to strengthen your claims.
For part 2 here is what 2 of the students posted
1) What draws me to my closest friendship is similarity. Janette and I met when I applied for and started working at the same job as she. Janette and I did not instantly become good friends because she had already formed a close relationship with another individual who also worked at the same job. Therefore, upon doing the competent communicator with Janette in mind, on social attraction the score is 24, on physical attraction the score is 24 and task attraction the score is 26. Janette and I started working more together due to schedule changes and during that phase we communicated more. As we communicated we found that we had similar interest. Our religion was the same, our values and language was also. We also found it comical that we are attracted to the same body type of men, “tall and slender.” We have worked together for four years and live in close proximity of each other which allows for us to meet often face to face. Maintaining our bond at times can be difficult because Janette is in a relationship and my relationship is with classwork. But we plan time to meet and stay in contact by texting or taking on the phone.
In relation to attraction theory on the basis of Janette and my relationship I was not trying to form a relationship on the basis of friends. Not because I did not like her or she not me, in fact she had asked on several occasions to hang out but I was content where I was. Obviously I gave in and a social attraction began. We would talk for hours, texting or face to face which led to coffee shops dates or meeting at mine or her home. One of the things I admire about Janette and this is a norm of reciprocity for us both is that we both have task attraction. For instance, if one of our vehicles breaks down we pick each other up and take each other home. And our work ethics are phenomenal when we engage in our task at work. We find each other attracted by appearance and complementarity which works wonderful if we meet a guy and one of being currently single, there is no hesitation, doubt or disappointment when setting one another up. The similarities in social validation keep us stronger, and we together and individually in the process.
Floyd, Kory. Communication Matters. McGraw-Hill, 2018.
2) I decided to focus on my best friend, Sienna, for interpreting interpersonal attraction. When taking “The Competent Communicator” quiz (page 176), I received 27 for social attraction, 25 for physical attraction, and 24 for task attraction. All of my attraction scores are very similar but the highest was social attraction. We met in Disney club and found that we enjoy a lot of the same social events and we have a very similar personality. Our friendship has strengthened because of our social attraction and shared memories that we have created. Since we are attracted to each other for multiple reasons, we work well together in different situations. We are able to talk about hard points in life, help each other with tasks, travel, and get along with each other’s family.
The attraction theory (page 175) is a theory that explains why people are drawn to each other. I believe that people are drawn to each other because they share a commonality that both are passionate about. Interpersonal attraction is the force that draws people together. We are attracted to different types of people for different reasons. It might be because they are attractive, dependable, or have a good personality. I think the best relationships happen when you are attracted to someone for multiple forms of attraction.
Floyd, Kory. Communication Matters. McGraw-Hill, 2018.
