Question 1

Daniel Goleman notes that practice can improve performance because simulating an act is-to your brain-the same as performing it.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. When we practice or simulate an act, our brain creates neural pathways that strengthen with repetition. These pathways are then activated when we perform the actual act, leading to improved performance. This is why practice is essential for improving skills and abilities.

Question 2

Describe the two of the four factors influencing self-concept and provide illustrations for each of the factors.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the two of the four factors...

Question 3

The simplicity principle of perception explains why the closer objects, events, and people are to one another, the more likely you will perceive them as belonging together.

Accepted Answer

The simplicity principle, also known as the principle of prägnanz, suggests that people will perceive and interpret ambiguous or complex images as the simplest form(s) possible, rather than how close objects or people are to one another. The principle you're referring to is the proximity principle, which states that objects or shapes that are close to one another appear to form groups.

Question 4

Many researchers claim that the fear of a negative evaluation is the number one cause of communication anxiety.

Accepted Answer

Many studies have found that the fear of negative evaluation is a common cause of communication anxiety, particularly in situations where individuals feel they are being judged or evaluated by others.

Question 5

How can self-monitoring help you adapt to others by appearing and speaking in a socially appropriate manner?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How can self-monitoring help you adapt to...

Question 6

You may be able to reduce your level of communication apprehension by concentrating on yourself-how you sound and look-rather than on your message.

Accepted Answer

Focusing on yourself and how you sound and look can increase self-consciousness and anxiety, leading to higher levels of communication apprehension. It's important to shift your focus to your message and the person you're communicating with, as this can help decrease anxiety and improve communication effectiveness.

Question 7

Scholars disagree on whether online communication harms or promotes the development of self-concept. Describe both sides in this argument. Choose one of these positions and defend your beliefs about the effects of online communication on a person's self-concept.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Scholars disagree on whether online communication harms...

Question 8

Discuss how context influences the way you organize information. Provide at least two illustrations in your answer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss how context influences the way you...

Question 9

Your textbook discusses four selective processes-selective exposure, selective attention, selective recall, and selective interpretation. Choose and explain two of the four processes. Demonstrate your understanding by providing examples of how these processes affect human communication behavior.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Your textbook discusses four selective processes-selective exposure,...

Question 10

Communication apprehension can occur in a variety of settings such as at work, at school, and in interpersonal conversations.

Accepted Answer

Communication apprehension is the fear or anxiety surrounding communication in any setting, including work, school, and interpersonal conversations.

Question 11

The closure principle of perception explains why we often fill in missing elements to form a more complete impression of an object, person, or event.

Accepted Answer

The closure principle of perception states that our brain tends to fill in missing information in order to form a more complete picture of what we are perceiving. This can happen with objects, people, or events, and is a common trait in human perception.

Question 12

In order to maintain a positive self-concept, we engage in impression management. Describe three of the five impression management strategies we use to make ourselves look good and explain what can happen if we use them inappropriately.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In order to maintain a positive self-concept,...

Question 13

Cognitive restructuring is a relaxation and visualization technique that involves learning to relax while visualizing various communication situations.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive restructuring is a cognitive-behavioral therapy technique that involves identifying and challenging irrational or maladaptive thoughts. It is not primarily focused on relaxation and visualization but on changing thought patterns.

Question 14

What is a self-fulfilling prophecy? Provide two examples to demonstrate your understanding of this concept. Provide two questions you should ask yourself if you want to avoid the self-fulfilling prophecy trap.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is a self-fulfilling prophecy? Provide two...

Question 15

You may be able to reduce your level of communication apprehension by thoroughly preparing for a communication situation that can transform the unfamiliar into something familiar.

Accepted Answer

Thorough preparation and practice can make a communication situation more familiar and reduce anxiety or apprehension.

Question 16

According to researcher James McCroskey, communication apprehension is not a permanent personal trait that can be eliminated by taking a good public speaking course.

Accepted Answer

James McCroskey's research on communication apprehension suggests that while it is a relatively stable trait, it is not permanent and can be reduced through various methods, including education and practice in public speaking.

Question 17

In terms of the communication element of structure, the perception-checking guidelines involve assessing how psychosocial, logistical, and interactional communication contexts affect your perceptions and the perceptions of others.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In terms of the communication element of...

Question 18

If you were writing a book about strategies for improving self-esteem, what would it be titled? What would the three chapters be called? Also, write a brief description of each chapter.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If you were writing a book about...

Question 19

In terms of the communication element of self, the perception-checking guidelines involve assessing how your personal biases, level of self-awareness, and cultural background affect your perceptions.

Accepted Answer

Perception-checking guidelines involve assessing how personal biases, self-awareness, and cultural background influence our perceptions of others.

Question 20

Using the concept of self-identification, discuss the ways in which your culture and background affect your self-concept.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Using the concept of self-identification, discuss the...

Quiz 2: Understanding Your Self