Title: “Applying Social Penetration Theory to a Family Conflict: A Case Study”

Choose an interpersonal communication theory that resonates with you. This should
include any theory covered in class. Note: pick carefully! Some theories lend
themselves to case study development, others do not.
 Identify a real-life scenario from your own experiences or from someone in your
social network that you can use as the basis for your case study.
 Write a formal case study that incorporates key concepts from the chosen theory and
provides a thorough analysis of the theory at play in the scenario.
 Your written case study should include:
o Introduction of the theory and its key concepts. Include discussion of past
research that has applied the theory (2-3 pages)
o Description of the real-life scenario and the individuals involved (1-2 pages)
o Analysis of communication dynamics within the scenario, applying the chosen
theory (2-3 pages)
o Discussion of insights gained from applying the theory to the scenario (1-2
pages)
o Conclusion summarizing the key findings and implications for understanding
interpersonal communication (<1 page)