When Mark asks his co-worker, Jill, “What do you mean?” he’s using which of the following listing methods?
a. Comprehensive
b. Critical
c. Comprehension
d. Therapeutic
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: d. Therapeutic
Explanation:
When Mark asks his co-worker Jill, “What do you mean?”, he is using a therapeutic listing method.
Therapeutic listening refers to the practice of actively listening to someone with the intention to understand their feelings, thoughts, or messages more deeply. It is often used in counseling, coaching, or supportive interpersonal communication. In this context, the question “What do you mean?” is a clarifying prompt that encourages Jill to explain or elaborate her thoughts or feelings more clearly. This method helps in making sure the listener accurately understands the speaker’s message, reduces misunderstandings, and shows empathy and engagement.
Why not the other options?
- a. Comprehensive: This refers to listening that covers a wide range of information or details. It’s about understanding the full scope or breadth of the message, rather than clarifying a specific point.
- b. Critical: Critical listening is focused on evaluating or analyzing the message for logic, validity, or truthfulness. It involves judgment and discerning facts from opinions, rather than seeking clarification.
- c. Comprehension: Comprehension listening focuses on understanding the literal meaning of the message, such as following instructions or learning new information. It’s about grasping content, but it doesn’t specifically involve therapeutic or empathetic engagement.
Summary
When Mark asks “What do you mean?” he is engaging in therapeutic listening—a supportive and clarifying approach aimed at ensuring understanding and encouraging the speaker to explain further. This is especially useful in interpersonal communication to deepen connection and reduce confusion. This differs from comprehensive, critical, or comprehension listening, which have different focuses such as covering all details, evaluating content, or understanding facts, respectively.