Question

The dean of nursing criticizes a faculty member about views on academic freedom. The faculty member states, "Are you upset because I believe in academic freedom or because you don't?" The faculty member is using which technique to promote assertive behavior?

1) Standing up for one's basic human rights
2) Delaying assertively
3) Inquiring assertively
4) Responding assertively with irony

Answer 1

The faculty member is using assertive communication by responding with irony to the dean's criticism. This method challenges the criticism while prompting self-reflection, a strategy that reflects confidence and intellectual engagement.

Step-by-step explanation:

The faculty member is using a technique known as assertive communication to promote assertive behavior. This approach is characterized by expressing one's thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in a direct, honest, and appropriate way, which enables individuals to stand up for their personal rights without violating the rights of others. In the given scenario, the faculty member presents a question that reflects both confidence and irony, challenging the dean's criticism by prompting self-reflection rather than adopting a passive or aggressive stance. Responding assertively with irony can be an effective tool in promoting assertive behavior, as it combines confidence with a sharp wit to defuse tension and provoke thought.

For example, in a parallel scenario, an instructor declaring the entire class as failures is using a bold and surprising technique, similar to irony, that might lead to critical thinking and a reconsideration of preconceptions. In both cases, the involved parties are encouraged to reflect on the situation differently, which can lead to a more dynamic and enlightening discussion about the topic at hand.