Dominance Model

• What is the main assertion of the Dominance Model in mixed gender interaction?

  The male participant is the more dominant figure.
• How do men maintain their dominance in conversations according to the Dominance Model?

  By using conversational tools to assert control.
• What was the focus of Zimmerman and West's 1975 study?

  To investigate interruptions in conversations between men and women.
• How many conversations did Zimmerman and West record for their study?

  11 conversations.
• What was the ratio of male to female interruptions found by Zimmerman and West?

  46 male interruptions to 2 female interruptions.
• What conclusion did Zimmerman and West draw from their findings?

  Men like to be in charge of conversations while women prefer to be submissive.
• What are some evaluation questions for Zimmerman and West's theory?

  • Why might 11 conversations not be enough to draw conclusions?
  • What if there was one loud man in the group? How would their findings have skewed?
  • What else might interruptions be a reflection of, if not dominance?
• What did Pamela Fishman study in her research?

  Fifty-two hours of pre-recorded conversations between young American couples.
• What was Fishman's argument regarding mixed-gender conversations?

  They fail not because men are loud or women are timid, but due to men's responses.
• What term did Fishman use to describe the effort women put into conversations?

  Conversational shitwork.
• How do women use questioning in conversations according to Fishman?

  To gain conversational power and keep male partners engaged.
• What did Fishman theorize about men's responses to women's statements?

  Men often do not respond to declarative statements or respond minimally.
• What did Fishman suggest about women's use of positive feedback?

  It encourages male speakers to engage in conversation.
• How did Geoffrey Beattie's findings contrast with Zimmerman and West's study?

  Women interrupted with equal frequency to men, with slightly more interruptions by men.
• What did Jennifer Coates find to be a characteristic of men's conversations?

  They tend to happen in alternating monologues with one speaker holding the floor for lengthy periods.
• How do men interpret women's conversational style according to Coates?

  As rude intrusions or interruptions due to their turn-taking structure.
• What did Mary Talbot record during her study?

  A double date conversation between two heterosexual couples.
• What are the contrasting views on gender communication presented in the study material?

  • Zimmerman and West: Men dominate conversations through interruptions.
  • Fishman: Women's questioning is a strategy for engagement, not a sign of weakness.
  • Beattie: Women interrupt as frequently as men, challenging dominance theories.
  • Coates: Men's conversations often consist of lengthy monologues, leading to misinterpretation of women's contributions.
  • Talbot: Illustrates the frustration men may feel with women's interjections.