Deck 6: Nonverbal Communication

Question 1

A message expressed through nonlinguistic means is called

A) assertive communication.
B) connotative meaning.
C) nonverbal communication.
D) denotative meaning.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Which of the following is most clearly an example of nonverbal communication?

A) Laughter
B) Email
C) American Sign Language
D) Speeches

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Which of the following statements about nonverbal communication is true?

A) It is unambiguous.
B) It is unrelated to identity management.
C) It helps define relationships.
D) It is easy to avoid.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Jared is looking intently at his computer screen when his father walks into his room. What should his father conclude about Jared's behavior?

A) He is concentrating.
B) He is angry.
C) He does not want to be disturbed.
D) It is impossible to say because nonverbal cues can mean more than one thing.

Question 5

You have been invited to a party where you don't know many people. In an effort to make a good first impression that projects confidence, you smile frequently and maintain a relaxed body posture. This nonverbal communication is related to

A) cultural environment.
B) identity management.
C) disinhibition.
D) informal roles.

Question 6

Kylie, an introvert, blushed when her professor complimented her essay in class, praise that drew even more unwanted attention to herself. Her reaction illustrates which characteristic of nonverbal communication?

A) It is relational.
B) It is impossible to avoid.
C) It is essential for success.
D) It cannot be interpreted.

Question 7

Olivia is enjoying the bus ride home from work until a stranger gets on and sits directly behind her. There are plenty of empty seats on the bus, so his decision to sit close to her makes her uncomfortable. She thinks the man is creepy and considers moving to a different seat. Which of the following theories explains Olivia's reaction?

A) Nonverbal accommodation theory
B) Expectancy violation theory
C) Proxemic engagement theory
D) Disfluency compensation theory

Question 8

Eduardo is at a party where he doesn't know many people. He feels out of place until another party goer introduces himself. Liam is friendly, talkative, and cracks several jokes. He stands very close to Eduardo, even patting his shoulder several times. Although Eduardo isn't really a touchy-feely person, he doesn't mind because Liam is so sincere and welcoming. Eduardo even finds himself slapping Liam on the back while laughing at some of his jokes. Eduardo's behavior is an example of

A) reflecting.
B) compensating.
C) accommodating.
D) contradicting.

Question 9

_______ describe deliberate nonverbal behaviors that have precise meanings known to everyone within a cultural group.

A) Emblems
B) Proxemics
C) Chronemics
D) Haptics

Question 10

Ethan simply shrugs his shoulders when his mother asks him if he'll be home Saturday night to babysit his sister. This is an example of

A) repeating.
B) substituting.
C) complementing.
D) regulating.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of regulating?

A) Bob gives a thumbs up when asked if he liked the movie.
B) Trevor beefs up an apology with sad eyes and an exaggerated frown.
C) Robin smiles after losing the competition she spent months preparing for.
D) Claire holds up her hand, signaling she has something to say.

Question 12

When nonverbal cues are used to reinforce a message, it is known as

A) repeating.
B) substituting.
C) complementing.
D) regulating.

Question 13

Ivan tells Brittany that he's not upset with her, but his face has a sullen look. He may be

A) repeating.
B) substituting.
C) complementing.
D) contradicting.

Question 14

Shawna is having a conversation with Darlene about her vegetable garden. As she describes the size of the tomatoes she's grown, she uses her hands to emphasize their size. She sees her friend Adam walk by, and she waves her hand at him as she continues speaking to Darlene. Darlene wants to contribute to the conversation, but Shawna takes an audible breath and continues talking. When Shawna finishes, she apologizes to Darlene for talking so long. Darlene tells Shawna that "it's no biggie," but she looks irritated. Which part of this description illustrates an emblem?

A) As she describes the size of the tomatoes she's grown, she uses her hands to emphasize their size.
B) She sees her friend Adam walk by, and she waves her hand at him as she continues speaking to Darlene.
C) Darlene wants to contribute to the conversation, but Shawna takes an audible breath and continues talking.
D) Darlene tells Shawna that "it's no biggie," but she looks irritated.

Question 15

Shawna is having a conversation with Darlene about her vegetable garden. As she describes the size of the tomatoes she's grown, she uses her hands to emphasize their size. She sees her friend Adam walk by, and she waves her hand at him as she continues speaking to Darlene. Darlene wants to contribute to the conversation, but Shawna takes an audible breath and continues talking. When Shawna finishes, she apologizes to Darlene for talking so long. Darlene tells Shawna that "it's no biggie," but she looks irritated. Which part of this description illustrates complementing?

A) As she describes the size of the tomatoes she's grown, she uses her hands to emphasize their size.
B) She sees her friend Adam walk by, and she waves her hand at him as she continues speaking to Darlene.
C) Darlene wants to contribute to the conversation, but Shawna takes an audible breath and continues talking.
D) Darlene tells Shawna that "It's no biggie," but she looks irritated.

Question 16

Having been lied to before, Haley tends to think most people are dishonest. According to research on deception, Haley has a

A) truth bias.
B) deception bias.
C) cynical communication style.
D) trust aversion.

Question 17

When asked by his girlfriend, Charee, if he remembered they were having dinner with her parents that night, Lyle begins to stutter and avoids making eye contact. Because of this behavior, she assumes that he is lying when he insists he did remember. Which conclusion from the research on deception should you, as a friend, share with Charee?

A) Most liars also have sweaty palms and fidget.
B) Most liars do stutter and avoid eye contact.
C) Most "commonsense" notions about the behavior of liars are faulty.
D) Most liars insist they are telling the truth.

Question 18

You don't want your parents to know you borrowed their car while they were away on vacation. Your parents are more likely to detect this deception if you

A) feel guilty about lying.
B) practice your response in advance.
C) feel that having used their car was not a big deal.
D) feel confident you can make them believe your response.

Question 19

Many people who are actually telling the truth may appear to be lying if they are

A) ill.
B) unhappy.
C) hungry.
D) nervous or defensive.

Question 20

What is one of the primary reasons that it is difficult to detect deception?

A) Nonverbal cues are essential for success.
B) Nonverbal cues are ambiguous.
C) Nonverbal cues are related to identity management.
D) Nonverbal cues are impossible to avoid.

Question 21

_______ influence the degree to which people either overlook or imagine deception by others.

A) Dysfunctional roles
B) Disconfirming responses
C) Internal biases
D) Confirming responses

Question 22

Which of the following is an example of haptics research?

A) Numerous studies find people who smile regularly are rated more attractive than those who smile less often.
B) Researchers undertake a study to determine if there is a relationship between tardiness and students' academic performance.
C) Scientists conduct experiments to establish the average distance at which people feel their personal space is invaded.
D) Restaurant servers who lightly touch customers' hands or shoulders earn more in tips, according to researchers.

Question 23

Nervous about a speech she is giving in class, Terri rubs her temples frequently when speaking. This nonverbal behavior is called a(n)

A) disfluency.
B) regulator.
C) affect blend.
D) manipulator.

Question 24

Fatima was uncomfortable during her trip to Japan, especially when walking on crowded sidewalks and riding in packed trains. She wasn't accustomed to being shoulder-to-shoulder and face-to-face with so many people. This scenario falls under which category of nonverbal communication?

A) Kinesics
B) Proxemics
C) Haptics
D) Chronemics

Question 25

Bryan's speech tends to speed up when he is nervous, and his pitch becomes higher. Which is the correct description of these nonverbal behaviors?

A) His speed is chronemics, and his pitch is paralanguage.
B) His speed is paralanguage, and his pitch is chronemics.
C) Both his speed and pitch are paralanguage.
D) Both his speed and pitch are chronemics.

Question 26

Stammering-the use of "uh," "um," "er," and so on-is also called

A) disfluency.
B) paralanguage.
C) an affect blend.
D) a manipulator.

Question 27

Showing both fear and happiness at the same time is an example of a(n)

A) disfluency.
B) paralanguage.
C) affect blend.
D) manipulator.

Question 28

Touching your index finger to your thumb while your other fingers point upward means "OK" in the United States, but in which country does it mean you're worth zero?

A) France
B) Japan
C) Russia
D) Turkey

Question 29

Kendrick asked Felicia to come by his apartment at 5 p.m. to study, but she didn't show up until 6 p.m. When she arrived, Kendrick gestured for her to sit on the sofa, but she headed straight for his room instead. Kendrick didn't want her in his room because he hadn't made the bed or put away his comic book collection. Felicia makes judgments about Kendrick's personality based on his room. Which of the following illustrates environment as a type of nonverbal communication?

A) Kendrick's room is messy and overrun with comic books, and Felicia makes judgments about him from her observation.
B) He was hoping to study with her in the living room, not in his room.
C) Kendrick's gesture to the sofa was ignored and this annoys him.
D) Felicia is late.

Question 30

Kendrick asked Felicia to come by his apartment at 5 p.m. to study, but she didn't show up until 6 p.m. When she arrived, Kendrick gestured for her to sit on the sofa, but she headed straight for his room instead. Kendrick didn't want her in his room because he hadn't made the bed or put away his comic book collection. Felicia makes judgments about Kendrick's personality based on his room. Which of the following illustrates chronemics as a type of nonverbal communication?

A) Kendrick's room is messy and overrun with comic books, and Felicia makes judgments about him from her observation.
B) He was hoping to study with her in the living room, not in his room.
C) Kendrick's gesture to the sofa was ignored and this annoys him.
D) Felicia is late.

Question 31

Clara is a very punctual person who prefers to complete one task before starting another. Clara has a _______ orientation.

A) chronemic
B) polychronic
C) monochromic
D) synchronic

Question 32

The presidents of universities often have the largest offices on campus. This is an illustration of which nonverbal contextual element?

A) Territory
B) Environment
C) Chronemics
D) Proxemics

Question 33

You prefer classrooms with natural light and a view of the campus through the window. This preference is related to which contextual element of nonverbal communication?

A) Territory
B) Environment
C) Chronemics
D) Proxemics

Question 34

Seth considers meeting times as suggestions more than fixed appointments. Consequently, he often shows up late. Seth has a _______ orientation.

A) chronemic
B) monochronic
C) polychronic
D) proxemic

Question 35

Your boss did not respond to an email you sent and then resent. When you see her in the hallway, you mention the email, and say, "I assumed you were busy or you were waiting to see me in person to talk about my message." This is an example of

A) selective attention.
B) affect blend.
C) social exchange theory.
D) perception checking.

Question 36

According to _______, people tend to assume that attractive people are more confident than others and so treat them as if they actually are more confident.

A) perception checking
B) the beauty premium
C) the attraction hypothesis
D) internal biases

Question 37

Your roommate is trying to study, so you watch a movie with the sound off. You decide to watch more TV this way in the future as you feel it increased your communication competence in which way?

A) It helped you pay closer attention to nonverbal cues.
B) It encouraged you to consider context.
C) It provided practice in perception checking.
D) It promoted greater sensitivity to paralanguage.

Question 38

Your mother is feeling insecure about her looks after starting a new job with younger coworkers. What advice based on research do you offer to help boost her self-confidence?

A) Dress in less expensive clothing brands that won't intimidate your coworkers.
B) Remember that as people get to know and like one another, they rate each other higher in terms of physical attractiveness.
C) Get a tattoo. It will make you seem more hip and more attractive to younger coworkers.
D) Don't worry about being perceived as attractive. This won't affect how you are treated on the job.

Question 39

Employers sometimes turn down especially good-looking candidates because they perceive them to be

A) manipulators.
B) snobs.
C) threats.
D) distractions.

Question 40

Asking yourself which interpretation of a nonverbal cue is most consistent with the sender's other nonverbal behaviors is a way of

A) considering the context.
B) becoming highly observant.
C) perception checking.
D) self-monitoring.

Question 41

Your friends Carter and Julia are thinking about getting matching tattoos on their forearms. You know that body art is an important means of self-expression, but there are some drawbacks your friends should take into account. What advice based on research do you give them?

A) Carter should get the tattoo because men with ink are seen as aggressive and masculine, which makes them more attractive to women and potential employers. Julia, however, should pass because tattooed women are judged more harshly than those without tattoos.
B) Carter should pass because most women do not regard tattooed men as good husband or father material. Julia, however, should get the tattoo because it will boost her attractiveness rating, making it easier for her to find a romantic partner.
C) They should get the tattoos. With almost half of people age 40 and under sporting tattoos, body art is no longer taboo in most workplaces. The drawback is that tattoos aren't considered as attractive on older bodies, so they will need to consider how the tattoos will look in 10-20 years.
D) They may want to reconsider getting tattoos on their forearms, as visible tattoos are still taboo in many workplaces. Tattoos hidden by clothes probably won't affect their chances of getting hired.

Question 42

Which of the following assertions about gender and nonverbal communication is true?

A) There are no recognizable differences in the ways men and women express themselves nonverbally.
B) Biology is responsible for gender differences in nonverbal communication.
C) Women are typically more nonverbally expressive than men.
D) The differences in gendered communication are greater than most people think.

Question 43

When Lilly takes and posts selfies on social media, she emulates the images of women she sees most often on TV and in movies. Which of the following statements describing Lily's posts is most accurate?

A) She has a stern expression.
B) She is suggestively dressed and smiling.
C) She wears loose-fitting clothes and has a stern expression.
D) She looks strong and in charge.

Question 44

Darius is a college student who plays video games every night for entertainment. Most of the games he enjoys portray women as weak and helpless and men as strong and independent. What does research suggest we can assume about Darius?

A) His beliefs about gender are stereotypical.
B) He is more likely to be prone to violence.
C) His grades are suffering because of his gaming.
D) His gaming friends are also all men.

Question 45

You are at a party with another friend and make a wager with him that you can predict how the group of men and women you've just met will behave. You are likely to win the bet if you make which of the following assertions?

A) Men will use more hand gestures.
B) Men will nod their heads more.
C) Men will touch others more.
D) Women will stand closer to others.

Question 46

Your friend Marta asks you to go clothes shopping with her. She has an important job interview coming up and wants to look her best. What advice based on research do you give her?

A) You tell Marta to buy a form-fitting dress because women who wear tight or revealing clothes are taken more seriously than those who wear more conservative styles.
B) Because women are rated more intelligent, organized, and powerful when dressed in business clothes rather than in tight-fitting clothes, you encourage Marta to buy a suit.
C) Women are expected to wear practical and comfortable clothing in most workplaces. You suggest Marta opt for a more casual look because dressing up might send the wrong message.
D) The latest fashions are designed to look good on a wide variety of body types and women of all ages, so Marta can't go wrong no matter what trendy outfit she chooses to wear.

Question 47

Katie is much better than Enrico at interpreting the nonverbal cues of their boss. What explanation might you offer for this difference, applying a historical perspective?

A) Because women have historically had less power, they have had greater incentive to read men's nonverbal cues than the other way around.
B) Higher levels of testosterone make men less sensitive to nonverbal cues.
C) Higher levels of estrogen make women more sensitive to nonverbal cues.
D) Historically, men who ignore nonverbal cues rise more quickly to positions of power in organizations.

Question 48

Because you may overestimate how well you hide your anxiety, boredom, or eagerness from others, it is important to

A) consider the context.
B) perception check.
C) observe yourself.
D) monitor your tone of voice.

Question 49

According to expectancy violation theory, what happens when someone invades your personal space?

Question 50

Why is complementary nonverbal behavior significant?

Question 51

What are the five functions served by nonverbal communication?

Question 52

What cues indicate that someone is lying?

Question 53

Identify the seven types of kinesic nonverbal behaviors.

Question 54

Explain why nonverbal communication is essential to success.

Question 55

Explain how nonverbal communication is impossible to avoid.

Question 56

Explain how chronemics function as nonverbal communication.

Question 57

Describe the relationships between nonverbal cues and attractiveness.

Question 58

Describe the relationships between gender and nonverbal communication.