Author Question: What are the differences between symmetrical relationships and nonsymmetrical relationships? (Select ... (Read 34 times)

NguyenJ · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

What are the differences between symmetrical relationships and nonsymmetrical relationships? (Select all that apply.)

a. In a symmetrical relationship, a change in either variable produces a predictable change in the other; in a nonsymmetrical relationship, a change in only one of the variables produces a predictable change.
b. A symmetrical relationship possesses considerably less predictability than does a nonsymmetrical one.
c. A symmetrical relation explains both positive and negative changes in the value of either variable, but a nonsymmetrical one can explain only positive changes in the value of the variables.
d. A symmetrical relationship's variables both have a predictable effect on one another; in a non-symmetrical relationship, this is untrue.
e. A symmetrical relationship is represented by a curve, whereas a nonsymmetrical relationship is represented by a straight line.

Question 2

What is a symmetrical relational statement?

a. As A' changes in value, so does B'; as B' changes in value, so does A'.
b. As A' changes in value, so does B'; as B' changes in value, A' does not.
c. A pair of statements, in which the second is the same as the first, but the order of the variables is reversed.
d. One in which the number of variables is even, not odd.
e. As A' changes in value, so must B' and C'; if both B' and C' change, so must A'; if B' changes and C' does not change, A' may change or remain the same.

stano32 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, D
Relationships may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. A symmetrical relationship is complex and contains two statements, such as if A changes, B will change; if B changes, A will change. The relationship between concepts in a symmetrical relationship is like a two-way street with influence going in both directions. Symmetrical relationships may also be called reciprocal or reversible. In an asymmetrical relationship, if A or changes, then B will or change; however, the reverse is not necessarily true: there may be no indication that if B changes, A will change. An asymmetrical relationship is not reversible (Fawcett, 1999). The relationship between concepts in an asymmetrical relationship is like a one-way street, with influence going only in one direction.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, C
A symmetrical relationship is complex and contains two statements, such as, if A occurs (or changes), B will occur (or change); if B occurs (or changes), A will occur (or change). In an asymmetrical relationship, if A occurs (or changes), then B will occur (or change), but there may be no indication that if B occurs (or changes), A will occur (or change). As one variable in a symmetrical relational statement changes, the other changes, as well.