Group 2
All groups should consider (1) the type of relationships, (2) examples of the transactional model, (3) the continuum of
interpersonal communication (relational history, rules, and uniqueness), and (4) the dark and bright side of
interpersonal communication. We will discuss these topics and all groups will need to contribute.
All groups should also consider this discussion question, which will be posed at the close of our movie analysis: How
could these media representations impact how individuals really engage in interpersonal communication? Media are
examples of those “guideposts” we discussed---is this a good example? Why or why not?
Your group will analyze the examples of interpersonal communication based on two specific topics, listed below.
REMEMBER: The goal is to analyze characters in the film based on your group’s assigned topic and the way it intersects
with INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION.
As you view the movie and consider your topic, also consider these questions to guide your analysis:
Close Relationships
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What were some examples of role relationships vs. close relationships? Any overlapping?
Any examples of patterned communication? Labeling? (Remember, both of these deal with framing close
relationships as cognitive constructs)
What were some examples of relational culture among friends? Family? Romantic relationships?
Were there any examples of gossip? Would you classify it as good gossip or bad gossip? Explain.
Were there any examples of the dialectics associated with close relationships?
Were there any examples of social exchange (costs vs. rewards)?
How was communication used to build (or maintain) a relationship?
Were there any examples of a relationship forming or coming apart (based on Knapp’s model)?
What examples of relational scripts did you see?
Technology
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How was technology used to communicate?
o Did it impact conflict? Self-disclosure?
How did technology impact relationships?
Were there any examples of the bright side of technology? The dark side?
Were there instances where face-to-face communication would have been more useful than technology?
Vice versa? Explain your answer.
Notice that you are expected to go BEYOND simple “yes” or “no” responses. Provide detail and examples. Also, keep in
mind that there will be multiple examples of interpersonal communication. You will need to make notes on more than
one encounter. I will collect your notes at the end of the movie analysis. Include dates to show which notes you took
during each part of the analysis.