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35 votes
35 votes
Often people who answer questions with responses like “Whatever you want” or “I don’t care” when asked to make decisions think that they are being helpful because they are being flexible. Why are responses like this not actually leading to meaningful communication?

Select one:

a.
They make the person asking the questions look bossy and controlling.

b.
They provide the person asking the question with no useful information.

c.
Meaningful communication requires that both people speak in a conversation.

d.
These are passive-aggressive responses designed to make the asker uncomfortable.

User Paul Draper
by
2.8k points

2 Answers

17 votes
17 votes

Final answer:

Responses such as "Whatever you want" or "I don’t care" do not facilitate meaningful communication because they fail to provide the asker with useful information. Effective communication requires the sharing of preferences and opinions to support decision-making. Surveys benefit from strategic question designs that elicit either valuable quantitative or qualitative data.

Step-by-step explanation:

When individuals respond with statements such as "Whatever you want" or "I don’t care," they may believe they are being flexible and accommodating, but such responses can be counterproductive to meaningful communication. The correct answer to why these responses do not lead to meaningful communication is b. They provide the person asking the question with no useful information. This is because meaningful communication involves the exchange of ideas, preferences, and opinions, which clarifies understanding and helps in making collective decisions. By not offering a viewpoint, the responder is putting the burden of decision-making on the individual who asked the question without adding any value or direction to the conversation.

When designing surveys or questions, it is essential to ask in a manner that draws out useful information. For instance, asking open-ended questions can elicit more detailed and subjective responses, generating valuable qualitative data. This, in turn, can lead to a more in-depth understanding of the respondent's beliefs, political views, and morals. On the other hand, opting for objective questions can help in gathering quantitative data which is easier to organize. Cultivating an environment where people feel comfortable providing honest answers is key.

User Amjed Omar
by
3.2k points
14 votes
14 votes

Answer:

c.

Meaningful communication requires that both people speak in a conversation.