Chapter 1 Multiple-Choice Quiz Flashcards
Communication unfolds over time through a series of interconnected actions carried out by participants. This statement best describes which of the following features of communication?
process
Which of the following does NOT describe a communication channel?
sensory
Which of the following describes communication involving only one person, such as talking out loud to oneself or having a mental “conversation” in one’s head?
intrapersonal communication
Which model of communication best characterizes text-messaging, e-mail, and spam?
linear
Which model of communication includes the active role receivers play in constructing meaning during a communication event?
transactional
If we perceive a relationship with another as I-Thou, according to Buber, we are
treating the other as a unique individual.
Which of the following terms is NOT characteristic of interpersonal communication?
A. dynamic
B. transactional
C. dyadic
D. creates impact
E. segmented
segmented
To impress a blind date, Wen brings flowers and gives many compliments in order to seem likable and thoughtful. Which interpersonal goal is Wen trying to achieve?
self-presentation
Terri says to Jorge, “I’m glad we can be so open with each other.” This is an example of which of the following?
meta-communication
During a job interview, Dori was careful to maintain eye contact with her interviewer despite feeling nervous and uncomfortable. Dori’s behavior is an example of which of the following competent communication skills?
appropriateness
How does an awareness of ethics help someone become a more competent communicator?
by guiding the person to remain honest in their communication
A competent communicator would most likely choose which of the following forms of interpersonal communication when breaking up with a long-term romantic partner?
face-to-face
Online communication, such as an e-mail, is most effective in which of the following situations?
for providing the receiver time to respond
Thomas is living abroad in Sydney, Australia, during his junior year of college. To build his intercultural competence, he should avoid doing which of the following?
reminding locals he’s an American to excuse his mistakes
Cara is a social chameleon. She can talk to anyone in any social situation. Which one of the following terms best describes Cara?
low self-monitor
The communication choices we make determine the personal, interpersonal, and relationship outcomes that follow.
True
The exchange of a series of messages is called contexts.
False
One of the earliest writings about interpersonal communication, by Ptah Hotep, urged people to be truthful and listen actively.
True
When developing theory, you create a set of descriptive statements that define a phenomenon of interest.
True
Self-actualization is the need for self-esteem, power, recognition, and prestige.
False
Being loved and belonging are social needs.
True
Content information consists of the actual meaning of the words exchanged.
True
Communication can be reversed.
False
The dynamic nature of interpersonal communication means that no two moments within the same interaction will ever be identical.
True
Competent communicators generally achieve most of their interpersonal goals and avoid relationship problems.
False
Jody is a low self-monitor; this means she prefers knowing exactly what she’s expected to do or say in any given situation.
False
Being ethical in interpersonal communication includes more than not harming another person through words or actions.
True
In general, online communication is the quickest way to send and receive a message.
False
Culture is defined as an individual’s set of beliefs, attitudes, values, and practices.
False
Understanding culture, particularly cultural differences, plays an important role in determining ways to improve interpersonal communication.
True
communication:
The process through which people use messages to generate meanings within and across contexts, cultures, channels, and media.
message:
The package of information transported during communication.
interaction:
A series of messages exchanged between people, whether face-to-face or online.
contexts:
Situations in which communication occurs. Context includes the physical locations, backgrounds, genders, ages, moods, and relationships of the communicators, as well as the time of day.
channel:
The sensory dimension (sound, sight, touch, scent, or taste) used to transmit information during communication. For example, you may apologize by showing someone a sad facial expression, lightly touching his shoulder, and saying “I’m so sorry.”
media:
Tools used to exchange messages, including everything from newspapers, blackboards, and photographs to computers, smartphones, and television.
linear communication model:
A depiction of communication messages that flow in one direction from a starting point to an end point.
sender:
The individual who generates, packages, and delivers a message.
noise:
Environmental factors that impede a message on the way to its destination.
receiver:
The individual for whom a message is intended or to whom it is delivered.
interactive communication model:
A depiction of communication messages that are exchanged back and forth between a sender and a receiver and are influenced by feedback and the fields of experience of both communicators.
feedback:
Verbal and nonverbal messages that receivers use to indicate their reaction to communication, such as a frown or saying, “I disagree.” See also interactive communication model.
fields of experience:
Beliefs, attitudes, values, and experiences that each communicator brings to an interaction.
transactional communication model:
A depiction of communication in which each participant equally influences the communication behavior of the other participants. For example, a salesperson who watches his customer’s facial expression while describing a product is sending and receiving messages at the same time.
interpersonal communication:
A dynamic form of communication between two (or more) people in which the messages exchanged significantly influence their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships.
dyadic:
Communication involving only two people.
intrapersonal communication:
Communication involving only one person, such as talking to yourself.
I-Thou:
A way to perceive a relationship based on embracing fundamental similarities that connect you to others, striving to see things from others’ points of view, and communicating in ways that emphasize honesty and kindness.
I-It:
A type of perception and communication that occurs when you treat others as though they are objects that are there for your use and exploitation—for example, when you dismiss someone by saying, “I don’t have time for your stupid questions. Figure it out yourself.”
impersonal communication:
Messages that have negligible perceived impact on your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, or relationships, such as commenting about the television schedule or passing someone and saying, “How’s it going?” without looking up.
meta-communication:
Verbal or nonverbal communication about communication—that is, messages that have communication as their central focus.
self-presentation goals:
In interpersonal encounters, presenting yourself in certain ways so that others perceive you as being a particular type of person.
instrumental goals:
Practical aims you want to achieve or tasks you want to accomplish through a particular interpersonal encounter.
relationship goals:
Goals of building, maintaining, or terminating relationships with others through interpersonal communication.
interpersonal communication competence:
The ability to communicate consistently in appropriate, effective, and ethical ways.
communication skills:
Repeatable goal-directed behaviors and behavioral patterns that enable you to improve the quality of your interpersonal encounters and relationships. See also appropriateness; interpersonal communication competence.
appropriateness:
A measure of communication competence that indicates the degree to which your communication matches the situational, relational, and cultural expectations regarding how people should communicate.
self-monitoring:
The process of observing your own communication and the norms of the situation in order to make appropriate communication choices.
effectiveness:
The ability to use communication to accomplish interpersonal goals.
ethics:
The set of moral principles that guide our behavior toward others. Ethical communication consistently displays respect, kindness, and compassion.
online communication:
Interaction through communication technology, such as social networking sites, e-mail, text- or instant-messaging, Skype, chatrooms, and even massively multiplayer online video games like World of Warcraft.
gender:
The composite of social, psychological, and cultural attributes that characterize us as male or female.
sexual orientation:
Enduring emotional, romantic, sexual, or affectionate attraction to others that exists along a continuum ranging from exclusive heterosexuality to exclusive homosexuality and that includes various forms of bisexuality.
