Question 1

One reason to study communication is to learn important thinking skills.

Accepted Answer

Communication involves analyzing and organizing information, developing persuasive arguments, and using critical thinking to solve problems. Thus, studying communication can enhance important thinking skills such as analytical and logical reasoning, effective problem-solving, and the ability to assess and evaluate information.

Question 2

Studying communication may improve the impression you make on others.

Accepted Answer

Studying communication can help you learn how to effectively convey your thoughts, emotions, and ideas to others, which can improve the impression you make on them. It can also help you develop better listening skills, understand nonverbal communication, and navigate conflicts more effectively.

Question 3

Communication, broadly defined, is

Accepted Answer

While A, C, and D are all related to communication in some way, they are not as comprehensive as B. Communication encompasses not only the exchange of messages but also the process of creating meaning through those messages.

Question 4

The most basic model of communication is the transaction model.

Accepted Answer

The most basic model of communication is the linear model, where the message flows in only one direction from sender to receiver. The transaction model is a more complex model that recognizes the simultaneous sending and receiving of messages by both parties involved in the communication process.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of someone studying communication to expand his or her comfort zone?

Accepted Answer

Ella's desire to communicate better with coworkers from other countries implies that she wants to expand her comfort zone by being able to effectively communicate with people from different backgrounds, therefore, studying communication will help her achieve this goal. The other options - A, B, and D - may or may not involve expanding one's comfort zone and cannot be conclusively determined from the given information.

Question 6

You have had a big conflict with your partner just before class. After the class, you complain to everyone you meet that the class was a "total waste of time." This would be an example of perception due to present feelings.

Accepted Answer

This statement reflects the perception due to present feelings, as the individual's negative emotions about the conflict with their partner may be influencing their view of the class.

Question 7

Perceptual checking includes describing an observed behavior to another person to see if your interpretations of the behavior align.

Accepted Answer

Perceptual checking involves describing a behavior you have observed to another person and asking them if your interpretation of the behavior is accurate. This technique can help to clarify misunderstandings and reduce the potential for conflict.

Question 8

The process of using the senses to acquire information about the surrounding environment is known as communication.

Accepted Answer

The process of using the senses to acquire information about the surrounding environment is known as perception, not communication. Communication involves the exchange of information between individuals.

Question 9

Interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, and small-group are considered interactive communication

Accepted Answer

These are all examples of specific contexts in which communication takes place. Interactive communication refers to communication that involves an exchange between two or more people, and each of these contexts represents a unique set of circumstances that can influence this exchange.

Question 10

Which of the following items is UNTRUE about listening?

Accepted Answer

While men may engage in more action-oriented listening, they are not necessarily praised more for being empathic and considerate listeners. This statement is a stereotype and not necessarily true for all individuals.

Question 11

Which of the following was NOT among the characteristics identified by a large study at a public university of students who completed an introductory communications course?

Accepted Answer

The study did not identify athletic performance as a characteristic that was increased in students who completed an introductory communications course.

Question 12

Communication includes both people and messages.

Accepted Answer

Communication involves the exchange of messages between two or more people. Therefore, it includes both people (senders and receivers) and messages.

Question 13

Communication is a product, not a process.

Accepted Answer

Communication is a process by which information is exchanged between individuals or groups. It involves several elements such as sender, message, channel, receiver, and feedback. The goal of communication is to transmit a particular message or idea, and it is not considered a tangible product like a physical object.

Question 14

Which of the following does NOT relate to the concept of communication as a process?

Accepted Answer

Communication as a process involves the encoding, transmission, decoding, and feedback of messages between a sender and a receiver. Option C suggests that messages have an objective meaning that does not depend on the sender and receiver, which does not align with the concept of communication as a process. In reality, messages are subjective and depend on the interpretation of both the sender and the receiver.

Question 15

The situation in which a message occurs is its

Accepted Answer

The context refers to the surrounding circumstances or setting in which a message is conveyed. It includes factors such as the physical environment, social norms, cultural background, and the relationship between the sender and receiver. The context can greatly influence the interpretation and understanding of a message.

Question 16

Solitary self-reflection is considered part of interpersonal communication.

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal communication involves interaction between two or more individuals, whereas solitary self-reflection is an intrapersonal process, occurring within a single individual.

Question 17

Dr. John Gottman and his colleagues studied conflict resolution. Among their more striking findings was

Accepted Answer

Dr. John Gottman and his colleagues studied conflict resolution and found that they could predict which couples would divorce due to their inability to manage conflict. This finding has been widely acclaimed and has led to effective couples therapy techniques.

Question 18

In communication, we attempt to create shared meaning.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Communication is a process of sending and receiving messages with the goal of creating shared meaning between the sender and receiver. Shared meaning ensures that both parties understand each other's message and can accurately interpret its intended meaning.

Question 19

A competent communicator

Accepted Answer

A competent communicator uses language correctly, speaking clearly and fluently without struggling to find the appropriate words. They are able to effectively convey their message without interrupting others or unexpectedly falling silent.

Question 20

Which of the following items is NOT a thinking skill one can learn from studying communication?

Accepted Answer

Knowing right from wrong is a moral reasoning skill and not necessarily a thinking skill that can be directly learned from studying communication.

Quiz 1: Communication, Perception, and Your Life