Question 1

Ethnicity and race the same thing.

Accepted Answer

Ethnicity and race are not the same thing. Race refers to physical characteristics such as skin color, whereas ethnicity refers to cultural factors such as language, religion, and nationality.

Question 2

Altruism means being insensitive to cultural differences.

Accepted Answer

Altruism refers to the act of selflessly helping others, regardless of their cultural background or differences. It involves empathizing with and caring for others, regardless of their race, religion, or beliefs. Therefore, altruism is not insensitive to cultural differences, but in fact, it recognizes and respects them.

Question 3

Four of the seven dimensions of culture as identified by Hofstede are ____
A) individualism/collectivism, chronemics, power distance, and masculinity/femininity
B) chronemics, uncertainty reduction, power difference, and masculinity/femininity
C) long-term/short-term orientation, coherency, difference avoidance, and individualism/collectivism
D) power distance, context, psychology, and masculinity/femininity

Accepted Answer

Hofstede identified seven dimensions of culture, but only four of them are listed as choices. The four dimensions listed in choice A are correct, as they are individualism/collectivism, power distance, masculinity/femininity, and chronemics.

Question 4

Intercultural communication does not occur unless you leave your home country.

Accepted Answer

Intercultural communication can occur even within the same country, as there can be diversity within a region or city. However, leaving one's home country may provide greater opportunities for intercultural communication with individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.

Question 5

Power distance describes the degree to which members of a society accept the unequal distribution of power among members.

Accepted Answer

Power distance refers to the extent to which people in a society tolerate or accept unequal distribution of power. It can range from high, where there is a clear distinction between those in positions of power and those who are not, to low, where power is more evenly distributed among members of society.

Question 6

Cultural identity ______________________.
A) comes from our ethnicity and race.
B) it becomes more important to people as they get older
C) is based on how closely we associate with the dominant culture and various co-culture
D) doesn't matter if you are a member of the dominant culture

Accepted Answer

Cultural identity is based on how closely we associate with the dominant culture and various co-culture. It is not solely based on ethnicity, race, or age. As individuals interact with different cultures and communities, their cultural identity may evolve and change.

Question 7

When Miriam noticed that a group of Asian women in the cafeteria had an increased loudness or pitch to their speech, she assumed that they must be arguing. Which of the following is she demonstrating?
A) ethnocentrism
B) incompatible communication codes
C) incompatible norms and values
D) anxiety

Accepted Answer

The answer of When Miriam noticed that a group of...

Question 8

Culture shock __________________.
A) is a psychological discomfort when engaging in a new cultural situation
B) refers to culturally sensitive interactions between people of different races
C) is caused by an absence of sensitivity
D) is caused when one person feels rejected or ignored

Accepted Answer

Culture shock is a psychological discomfort that people experience when they engage in a new cultural situation. It usually happens when people move from their familiar cultural environment to a new and different one, and they have trouble adjusting to the new culture's norms, values, and beliefs.

Question 9

Raul expects to earn a paycheck outside the home and values being self-reliant. He expects his wife to stay at home, do the housework, and raise their children. Based on this information, Raul is probably from a ____ culture.
A) low uncertainty avoidance
B) high uncertainty avoidance
C) feminine
D) masculine

Accepted Answer

Raul's expectations align with those of a traditional masculine culture where gender roles are clearly defined and men are expected to be the primary earners while women take care of the home and children. The emphasis on self-reliance also supports a masculine culture.

Question 10

If someone prefers concrete and specific language and predictability, they are likely to be from a____
A) low uncertainty-avoidance culture
B) high uncertainty-avoidance culture
C) culture that values power distance
D) culture characterized by uncertainty reduction

Accepted Answer

According to Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory, individuals from high uncertainty-avoidance cultures tend to prefer structure, clear rules, and formal communication to reduce ambiguity and uncertainty. They prefer concrete and specific language over abstract and vague expressions. Therefore, individuals who prefer predictability and specific language are likely to be from a high uncertainty-avoidance culture.

Question 11

If you come from a culture characterized as having high power distance, ____
A) you believe there should be opportunities to attain powerful positions in society
B) you believe that power corrupts
C) inequalities in power, status, and rank are viewed as natural
D) individuals are expected to downplay differences in power, status, and rank

Accepted Answer

High power distance cultures believe that inequalities in power, status, and rank are natural and accepted. This means that individuals in these cultures do not question or challenge those in positions of power and also do not expect opportunities to attain powerful positions in society. They may also view power as a positive force, rather than believing that it corrupts. Additionally, individuals are expected to recognize and respect differences in power, status, and rank, rather than downplaying them.

Question 12

Assumed similarity helps us communicate interculturally because we usually communicate better when we understand others in terms of ourselves.

Accepted Answer

Assumed similarity can actually hinder intercultural communication because it leads to misunderstandings and stereotypes by assuming others share our own beliefs, values, and practices, rather than recognizing and respecting cultural differences.

Question 13

Johanna and Alexis are friends and co-workers. When Alexis gets promoted to a high-level management position and becomes Johanna's boss, Johanna suddenly begins to speak more formally with her. Alexis doesn't understand why her friend is acting so distant, but Johanna feels that she is simply acting more respectful of Alexis's new position. Which of the following communication barrier are they experiencing?
A) ethnocentrism
B) incompatible communication codes
C) incompatible norms and values
D) anxiety

Accepted Answer

Johanna and Alexis are experiencing a barrier due to incompatible norms and values. Johanna believes that speaking formally is a sign of respect for Alexis's new position, while Alexis sees it as creating distance in their friendship.

Question 14

Jerry is more likely to be a member of a collectivist culture if he ______________________________.
A) is concerned that he receive the credit for his work from his co-workers
B) decides to quit work with the family business even though it will upset his mother
C) is careful to bring up delicate topics with his boss in private, not in public
D) gets impatient with his group so he tells them what to do rather than letting them come to a consensus

Accepted Answer

Collectivist cultures emphasize the needs and goals of the group as a whole over the needs and desires of each individual. In such cultures, maintaining harmony and face (social standing, dignity, or honor) within the group is important. Therefore, being careful to bring up delicate topics with a boss in private, rather than in public, aligns with the values of collectivist cultures, as it shows respect for the social harmony and the superior's public image.

Question 15

Matthew lives his life by Christian principles, attends church twice a week, and is actively involved in a Bible study. When faced with choices in his life, he asks what the right choice is based on his faith. Matthew's religion is an example of ____
A) culture shock
B) a co-culture
C) ethnocentrism
D) uncertainty anxiety

Accepted Answer

Matthew's religion and the associated values and behaviors represent a co-culture, which is a smaller group within a larger culture that shares common beliefs and practices. This is different from ethnocentrism which involves viewing one's own culture as superior to others, and culture shock which is the disorientation and discomfort experienced when encountering a new culture. Additionally, uncertainty anxiety refers to the discomfort or distress arising from uncertainty or ambiguity in a situation, which is not relevant to this scenario.

Question 16

Sharon works at a high-end clothing store. Even though the transactions take longer and are more difficult when she serves a foreign customer, Sharon is patient and realizes these interactions are inevitable and can still result in satisfaction for both the customer and her. Sharon is doing what suggested behavior to improve intercultural communication?
A) being altruistic
B) tolerating ambiguity
C) being ethnocentric
D) immersing herself in culture

Accepted Answer

Tolerating ambiguity means being comfortable with uncertainty and differences in communication styles, which Sharon demonstrates by being patient and recognizing the potential for satisfaction in interactions with foreign customers.

Question 17

Which of these might be a factor that distinguishes a co-culture?
A) Sexual orientation
B) Social class
C) Gender
D) All of these

Accepted Answer

A co-culture is a group that exists within a larger culture, sharing some aspects of the dominant culture but also having their own distinct characteristics. Factors that can distinguish a co-culture may include sexual orientation, social class, and gender, among others. Therefore, all of the choices listed (A, B, and C) could potentially be factors that distinguish a co-culture.

Question 18

Intercultural communication _______________________.
A) refers to an exchange between members of different cultures
B) refers to the psychological discomfort you may feel when you interact with people from different cultures
C) refers to interactions that occur between people whose cultures are so different that the communication between them is altered
D) hurts local cultures

Accepted Answer

The answer of Intercultural communication _______________________.
A) refers to an exchange...

Question 19

If you come from a culture characterized as having low power distance, ____
A) you believe that powerful positions in society are subject to low supervision
B) you believe in using proper and polite forms of language and using titles as a sign of respect
C) inequalities in power, status, and rank are viewed as natural
D) individuals are expected to downplay differences in power, status, and rank

Accepted Answer

Low power distance cultures tend to value equality among individuals and downplay differences in power, status, and rank. Options A, B, and C are more characteristic of high power distance cultures.

Question 20

When Elizabeth moved from New York to Savannah, Georgia, she had a hard time adjusting to the slower pace, to people opening doors for her, and to people calling her ma'am. She felt that what others intended as friendly gestures invaded her personal space. Elizabeth experienced ____
A) culture shock
B) low power distance
C) high uncertainty avoidance
D) low context

Accepted Answer

Elizabeth's difficulty adjusting to a new culture and feeling invaded by gestures she was not accustomed to suggests that she is experiencing culture shock.

Quiz 3: Intercultural Communication

Ethnicity and race the same thing.

Altruism means being insensitive to cultural differences.

Four of the seven dimensions of culture as identified by Hofstede are ____

Intercultural communication does not occur unless you leave your home country.

Power distance describes the degree to which members of a society accept the unequal distribution of power among members.

Cultural identity ______________________.

When Miriam noticed that a group of Asian women in the cafeteria had an increased loudness or pitch to their speech, she assumed that they must be arguing. Which of the following is she demonstrating?

Culture shock __________________.

Raul expects to earn a paycheck outside the home and values being self-reliant. He expects his wife to stay at home, do the housework, and raise their children. Based on this information, Raul is probably from a ____ culture.

If someone prefers concrete and specific language and predictability, they are likely to be from a____

If you come from a culture characterized as having high power distance, ____

Assumed similarity helps us communicate interculturally because we usually communicate better when we understand others in terms of ourselves.

Jerry is more likely to be a member of a collectivist culture if he ______________________________.

Matthew lives his life by Christian principles, attends church twice a week, and is actively involved in a Bible study. When faced with choices in his life, he asks what the right choice is based on his faith. Matthew's religion is an example of ____

Which of these might be a factor that distinguishes a co-culture?

Intercultural communication _______________________.

If you come from a culture characterized as having low power distance, ____

When Elizabeth moved from New York to Savannah, Georgia, she had a hard time adjusting to the slower pace, to people opening doors for her, and to people calling her ma'am. She felt that what others intended as friendly gestures invaded her personal space. Elizabeth experienced ____