Family Communication Patterns

Please use black text.

Section 1: Use Resource #1 in the lesson to complete this section.

After reading the case scenarios, choose one and answer the following questions.

1. Case Scenario____________________ (5 points)

a. Where did the characters learn their communication style? (5 points)

b. Identify the communication roadblocks these barriers present in the

scenario. To review the communication roadblocks, read the information
found in lesson 3.3. (5 points)

Section 2: Use Resource #2 in the lesson to complete this section.

Read the course resource information on vertical and level communication. Answer the
following questions based on that information.

2. After reviewing level and vertical communication, what style of communicator

are you? (5 points)

Vertical___________

Level_____________

3. Which style do you see most frequently in your family's communication? (level
or vertical) ___________ (5 points)

4. Give two examples of how vertical communication might be used by family

members when communicating. (5 points per answer total of 10 points)

A.

B.

5. Are your family members free to communicate their real feelings to one
another? _____ (5 points)

a. Why or why not? (5 points)

6. Identify two methods of level communication you would feel comfortable using
with your family. (5 points each answer total of 10)

A.

B.

Our main source in learning about communication is our family. Family influence will
greatly impact our communication and relationships outside our family.

Choose the letter to the answer that best describes your family's communication style.
Label this assignment:

Section 3 Family Survey: Use Resource #3 in the lesson to complete this section.

(Total of 35 points or 3 points per answer)

1. How would you describe the communication "condition" at home?

A. open communication____
B. closed communication_____

2. Within your family, how do the members feel toward one another?

A. connected___
B. separated_____

3. The conversations at home tend to center around which topics?

A. people____
B. facts____
C. feelings____
D. ideas____

4. To whom would you rather talk?

A. a parent____
B. brother or sister____
C. a relative____
D. a friend____
E. no one____

5. How often do your family members get together to talk about concerns?

A. daily____
B. several times a week____
C. only if there is a problem____
D. never____
6. When does your family spend time together just talking?

A. after school___
B. at mealtime___
C. late evenings___
D. on weekends___
E. never___

7. How would you describe your family's ability to handle change?

A. goes with the flow____

B. very stressful____
C. get mad____
D. resist change_____

8. Who makes the major decisions in the family?

A. father____
B. mother____
C. the children____
D. the grandparents____
E. it depends____

9. Are family members free to disagree with one another?

A. yes____
B. no____

10. How would you describe the overall tone of the conversation style at home?

A. quiet____
B. harsh/ shouting____
C. argumentative____
D. critical_____

11. Are there topics at home that are off limits for discussion?

A. yes____
B. no____

12. Do family members value each other's opinions?

A. yes____
B. no_____

Section 4:
13. From the information above, write a short (at least 5 sentences) summary on
HOW your family communicates. Include the effect their communication style has
had on your communication style. (10 points)