communication relationship analysis paper

Relationship Analysis Paper

Due date: 11/16/18 in class or on Canvas by 11:00 p.m. 45 points

The relationship analysis paper is an interpersonal communication exercise designed to help you re-

alize the importance of your communication style and various influences on your relationships.

Purpose:

▪ To apply interpersonal communication theories and concepts to your life

▪ To increase your awareness of how you influence and are influenced by others

Procedure:

▪ You must choose a person (friend, colleague, partner etc.) and meet FACE-TO-FACE with

them at least two times for at least 30 minutes each meeting. This should be a time when you

are alone with the person and can talk with them. Watching a movie is not the same as having a

conversation.

▪ The purpose of each meeting is to talk. But be aware of what occurs as you talk. Heighten your

awareness and sensitivity—use all your perceptions.

▪ After each meeting, write down your observations and reactions from the meetings. You should

note your perceptions of the meeting as well as communication principles that were evident.

▪ Concepts and terms from the textbook must be used when writing your paper. If you

incorporate additional sources they need to be cited on works cited page. Use the textbook as

your source for paper and provide works cited page in MLA style.

Outcome:

The final outcome of this activity is a critical analysis of the relationship. It should be 4+ pages in

length. The paper must be typed, with standard 1-inch margins, 12-point font, and must be double-

spaced with works cited page.

The format for the paper:

I. Introduction

The introduction gives an overview of the paper. You should state what kind of relationship you

have with that person (friend or intimate) and where and when the meetings took place.

This is the main material for the analysis of the relationship with that person. Be sure to include

elements from the transactional communication model (e.g. physical / internal context, message

formation, noise etc.).

Describe the relationship and where and when the meetings took place.

A. Meeting 1

B. Meeting 2

II. Analysis

This is the body of the paper. You analyze the relationship based on your observations and past

experiences with that person.

You can compare and contrast the episodes to highlight specific aspects of the relationship (e.g.

nonverbal communication, style of conversation, verbal communication etc.). Show how these

concepts relate to each other, and explain how these concepts shape the relationship.

Support your claims with specific examples from your meetings, and use research from the

textbook. What would you like to improve about the relationship?

III. Evaluation

Summarize your thoughts and feelings by describing the health of this relationship and your role in