Question 1

Feedforward tells the speaker what effect she or he is having on listeners.

Accepted Answer

Feedforward is information provided before a task or process, aimed at preparing or guiding actions, not feedback during or after communication.

Question 2

In computer-mediated-communication it is always your turn and you cannot be interrupted.

Accepted Answer

In computer-mediated-communication, individuals communicate through digital devices and have the ability to send messages without immediate interruption. However, it is still possible for someone to ignore or delay responding to a message, and conversations can still be interrupted by external factors such as a loss of internet connection or technological issues.

Question 3

George is wondering what Bill meant when he said, "This restaurant is not expensive." This is an example of encoding.

Accepted Answer

This is actually an example of decoding, as George is interpreting a message (Bill's statement) that was encoded by Bill.

Question 4

Some degree of ambiguity exists in all interpersonal communication.

Accepted Answer

Ambiguity refers to the possibility of multiple meanings or interpretations in communication, which is present to some extent in all human communication.

Question 5

Using your own experiences as examples, discuss three differences between face-to-face and computer-mediated communication.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Using your own experiences as examples, discuss...

Question 6

Signals that serve as stimuli are called communication channels.

Accepted Answer

Communication channels are the means by which signals are transmitted from one person or system to another. Signals are the messages that are transmitted through these channels.

Question 7

Every communication act contains an ethical dimension.

Accepted Answer

Communication involves not only the exchange of information but also the interaction between individuals, and this interaction has ethical implications. Every communication act may have consequences that affect other people's rights and interests, and individuals must be mindful of these ethical dimensions.

Question 8

Discuss what is meant by the sentence, "Interpersonal communication is inevitable, irreversible, and unrepeatable." Discuss how this is true in both face-to-face and online communication.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss what is meant by the sentence,...

Question 9

A father and son will operate on the basis of personally established rules instead of societal rules.

Accepted Answer

The statement implies that the father and son have their own set of rules which may or may not align with societal norms, indicating that they prioritize personal rules over societal rules.

Question 10

Think back to a time when you had a "miscommunication" with someone else. Using the elements of communication, describe the communication that took place and what element(s) led to the breakdown. What could have been changed to prevent the misunderstanding?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Think back to a time when you...

Question 11

Interpersonal communication can occur without messages being encoded and decoded.

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal communication inherently involves the processes of encoding (where the sender formulates and sends a message) and decoding (where the receiver interprets and understands the message), making it impossible without these processes.

Question 12

Competent communicators communicate the same, regardless of situation or listener.

Accepted Answer

Competent communicators are able to adapt their communication style and approach based on the situation and listener. They are able to adjust their language, tone, and body language to effectively communicate with different audiences and in different contexts. Flexibility and adaptability are key traits of competent communicators.

Question 13

You can take back a message.

Accepted Answer

Not all messaging platforms allow you to take back or unsend a message once it has been sent.

Question 14

When Arlene is aggressive toward Ben, Ben is aggressive right back. This is an example of a complementary relationship.

Accepted Answer

This is an example of a symmetrical relationship, where both parties behave in the same way towards each other.

Question 15

Interpersonal communication exists along a continuum that ranges from impersonal to highly personal. Using your own contrasting examples, explain the three characteristics that distinguish an impersonal relationship from an interpersonal one.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Interpersonal communication exists along a continuum that...

Question 16

The study of interpersonal communication can benefit a person in social and professional ways. Discuss three specific benefits you hope to gain from this class, based on the information presented in Chapter 1.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The study of interpersonal communication can benefit...

Question 17

A key element in practicing mindfulness is to pay attention to first impressions.

Accepted Answer

Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, rather than focusing on first impressions.

Question 18

It is impossible to not communicate.

Accepted Answer

Even silence or lack of action is a form of communication and can convey a message to others.

Question 19

You are having trouble hearing your professor because people next to you are talking. This is an example of physical noise.

Accepted Answer

Physical noise refers to external environmental factors that interfere with effective communication, such as loud talking or background noise. In this scenario, the people next to the student are causing physical noise that is interfering with their ability to hear the professor.

Question 20

Arguments over the content dimension of a message are easier to resolve than arguments concerning the relationship dimension.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Arguments over the content dimension of a...

Quiz 1: Foundations of Interpersonal Communication