Deck 1: Human Communication

Question 1

The encoding process can be described as

A) the way you feel about others.
B) the process of minimizing internal noise.
C) effective listening.
D) converting a "code" sent by someone else into a meaningful message.
E) the decision-making process by which you create messages that generate meaning.

Answer 1

E

Question 2

Which key competency of effective communication is represented in the following question: What do you want others to know, think, believe, feel, or do as a result of communicating with them?

A) self
B) others
C) purpose
D) content
E) structure

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Linear models of communication

A) include the concepts of noise and feedback.
B) function in only one direction: a source creates a message and sends it through a channel to reach a receiver.
C) recognize that we send and receive messages simultaneously.
D) illustrate the interrelationships among the key competencies of effective communication.
E) represent a lack of noise in the communication process.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Josh realizes that his presentation to a group of young men at a juvenile detention center will be difficult. He decides that they are more likely to take his advice if he shares past experiences from his own juvenile run-ins with the law. What key competency of effective communication has Josh taken into account as he prepares his talk?

A) expression
B) structure
C) others
D) purpose
E) context

Question 5

When asked by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) about what skills they seek in the college graduates they hire, employers rated which skill as the most important?

A) oral communication skills
B) written communication skills
C) listening skills
D) computer skills
E) proficiency in your field of study

Question 6

Which key competency of effective communication is affected by noise in the following example? "When no one signed up to volunteer for the soup kitchen, Wendell realized he set his goal in a way that asked them to donate too much of their valuable time."

A) self
B) context
C) purpose
D) structure
E) channel

Question 7

The psychosocial context of communication includes

A) the psychological and cultural environment in which you interact with others.
B) the place where you will be interacting with others.
C) the setting and occasion of a communicative act.
D) the number of people with whom you communicate.
E) the amount of internal and external noise that occurs when you interact with others.

Question 8

The National Communication Association defines communication as the process of using verbal and nonverbal messages to generate meaning within and across various contexts, cultures, and channels. Which term in this definition refers to where and when you communicate?

A) messages
B) meaning
C) context
D) cultures
E) channels

Question 9

When you ask the question, "Do I demonstrate what I have learned in social, collegiate, corporate, and other settings?" which kind of communication is the focus of your question?

A) personal
B) professional
C) educational
D) intellectual
E) societal

Question 10

When you ask the question, "Do I critically analyze and appropriately respond to public and mediated messages?" which kind of communication is the focus of your question?

A) personal
B) professional
C) intercultural
D) intellectual
E) societal

Question 11

When you ask the question, "Do I analyze and evaluate the meaning of the multiple and complex messages in an ever-changing world?" which kind of communication is the focus of your question?

A) personal
B) professional
C) intercultural
D) intellectual
E) societal

Question 12

When learning to communicate effectively, which three types of learning will help you achieve that goal?

A) theories, strategies, and resources
B) knowledge, skills, and motivation
C) purpose, interaction, and content
D) context, self, and expression
E) understanding, content, and meaning

Question 13

Your textbook presents seven key competencies of effective communication. What key competency is missing from the following list: connect, purpose, context, message, structure, and expression?

A) feedback
B) strategy
C) self
D) skill
E) noise

Question 14

Which key competency of effective communication is affected by noise in the following example? "Telling stories can be a great way to entertain others unless you ramble on and on without making a point or coming to some sort of conclusion."

A) "Know Thy Self"
B) "Connect with Others"
C) "Determine Your Purpose"
D) "Select Message Content"
E) "Structure the Message"

Question 15

If you are thinking about your upcoming vacation plans rather than listening carefully to your friend's problem, you are preoccupied by

A) encoding.
B) internal noise.
C) external noise.
D) internal feedback.
E) external feedback.

Question 16

Which key competency of effective communication is represented in the following question: What communicative behaviors are appropriate in this particular setting or situation?

A) self
B) others
C) content
D) context
E) structure

Question 17

Randy watches the Super Bowl game with his friends at a neighborhood party. Lucky Levar has tickets and goes to the game. When they see each other the next day, Randy complains that it was "no contest" while Levar thinks the game was thrilling. What is the most likely communication-related reason Randy and Levar experienced the game differently?

A) They supported different teams.
B) They received the game through different channels.
C) There was more noise at the Super Bowl party.
D) Fan feedback was missing at the Super Bowl party.
E) Randy and Levar always express disagreements about football.

Question 18

Jan is having trouble concentrating in class because he worked a double shift and forgot to eat breakfast. This distraction is an example of

A) encoding.
B) internal noise.
C) external noise.
D) internal feedback.
E) external feedback.

Question 19

A corporate CEO relates that when he fumbled his way through a speech and started to ramble, he noticed that he was losing listeners and then became even more unnerved. The CEO was reacting to

A) encoding.
B) the channel.
C) feedback.
D) noise.
E) the context.

Question 20

Communication is the process of using verbal and nonverbal messages to generate meaning within and across various contexts, cultures, and channels. According to your textbook, the key phrase in this definition is

A) process.
B) verbal and nonverbal messages.
C) within and across.
D) generate meaning.
E) contexts, cultures, and channels.

Question 21

"I want to know the intended meaning of a message" is an essential __________ of an ideal critical essential thinker.

A) approach
B) aspiration
C) criteria
D) attitude
E) phenomenon

Question 22

Which principle in the National Communication Association Credo for Ethical Communication is violated if a very close friend shares your most intimate secrets with people you don't know or like?

A) We advocate truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason as essential to the integrity of communication.
B) We strive to understand and respect other communicators before evaluating and responding to their messages.
C) We promote access to communication resources and opportunities as necessary to fulfill human potential.
D) We advocate sharing information, opinions, and feelings when facing significant choices while also respecting privacy and confidentiality.
E) We are committed to the courageous expression of personal conviction in pursuit of fairness and justice.

Question 23

In Latin, the word credo means

A) "I believe."
B) "I mean."
C) "I am."
D) "I create."
E) "I accuse."

Question 24

Theories answer why; strategies answer what; skills answer how; and ethics answers __________ questions.

A) who
B) where
C) when
D) whether
E) which

Question 25

Which key competency of effective communication is represented in the following question: "Which channels are most appropriate in light of your purpose, the other communicators, the context, and the message's content and structure?"

A) Connect with Others
B) Determine Your Purpose
C) Select Message Content
D) Structure the Message
E) Express the Message

Question 26

As one of the key competencies of effective communication, "Structure the Message" refers to the

A) information itself.
B) way in which you organize the content of your message.
C) symbolic nature of human language.
D) circumstances and setting in which communication occurs.
E) ways in which you understand and interpret messages from others.

Question 27

__________ communication refers to the interaction of three or more interdependent people who interact for the purpose of achieving a common goal.

A) Intrapersonal
B) Interpersonal
C) Group
D) Presentational
E) Mediated

Question 28

__________ are the specific plans of action you select to help you communicate your intended message effectively.

A) Theories
B) Strategies
C) Skills
D) Resources
E) Rules

Question 29

Critical thinking is reasonable, reflective thinking that focuses on deciding what to __________, __________, or ___________.

A) organize, generate, propose
B) examine, analyze, understand
C) believe, do, say
D) decide, do, determine
E) organize, structure, say

Question 30

The various physical and electronic media through which we express messages are called

A) stimuli.
B) channels.
C) principles.
D) media.
E) noise.

Question 31

As you are making a presentation, you notice that audience members are scowling and talking to one another as you speak. What component of the communication process are you noticing?

A) source
B) message
C) feedback
D) noise
E) channel

Question 32

Media Richness Theory examines how the qualities of different media affect communication. Which of the following media is the richest?

A) face-to-face communication
B) email communication
C) mediated communication
D) broadcast communication
E) vocal communication

Question 33

Communication _________________ refer to your ability to use appropriate tools or techniques to achieve communication goals through interactions with others.

A) theories
B) strategies
C) ethics
D) skills
E) expression

Question 34

The logistical context of communication refers to

A) the cultural environment in which you live.
B) your emotional history, personal experiences, and cultural background.
C) the time, place, setting, and occasion in which you will interact with others.
D) whether communication occurs one to one, in groups, or between a speaker and an audience.
E) interpersonal, group, and presentational communication.

Question 35

The setting and circumstances in which communication takes place are known as the

A) receiver.
B) model.
C) purpose.
D) context.
E) content.

Question 36

Laura is facing a difficult situation with her family, but she has figured out how to resolve the family crisis. In coming up with a solution, Laura had to use what type of thinking?

A) organized
B) critical
C) purposeful
D) analytical
E) empathic

Question 37

Statements that describe, explain, and/or predict events and behavior are

A) theories.
B) strategies.
C) skills.
D) resources.
E) rules.

Question 38

In which interactional context do a limited number of people, usually two, interact for the purpose of sharing information, accomplishing a specific goal, or maintaining a relationship?

A) logistical communication
B) interpersonal communication
C) group communication
D) presentational communication
E) mediated communication

Question 39

As one of the key competencies of effective communication, "Express the Message" asks

A) how well do you put aside your personal needs and attitudes when listening to others?
B) how well do you deliver your message to others?
C) with whom are you communicating?
D) how well do you listen when interacting with others?
E) in what order should you share your main ideas?

Question 40

In what way is a transactional model of communication uniquely different from linear and interactive models?

A) It functions in only one direction-source to receiver.
B) It includes the concept of noise and feedback.
C) It recognizes that communication is not an unobstructed one-way street that requires feedback between communicators.
D) It recognizes that encoding requires decision making to create a meaning message.
E) It recognizes that we send and receive messages at the same time within specific contexts.

Question 41

According to Media Richness Theory, your personal presence does not make a difference in how well you communicate.

Question 42

In a general sense, some communication occurs whether you intend it or not.

Question 43

Encoding refers to the decision-making process you use to create and send messages that generate meaning.

Question 44

Noise involves any obstacles or force that interfere with effective communication.

Question 45

In a national study, employers were asked to rate the skills they seek in the college graduates they hire. The top three skills were (in order of preference): (1) written communication skills, (2) oral communication skills, and (3) computer skills.

Question 46

The first amendment in the United States Constitution guarantees all of the following rights except

A) freedom of religion.
B) freedom of speech.
C) freedom of the press.
D) the right to keep and bear arms.
E) the right of the people to peaceably assemble.

Question 47

The concept of external noise in communication models can include a police siren outside the window or an uncomfortably warm room.

Question 48

The earliest type of communication model, known as the interactive communication model, functions only in one direction.

Question 49

If you ask a Muslim friend to join you for lunch during the month of Ramadan, the "noise" that prevents you from achieving your purpose is that you don't know or have forgotten that Muslims fast all day during that holy month.

Question 50

Intellectual communication refers to how you analyze and evaluate the meaning of multiple and complex messages in an ever-changing world.

Question 51

According to Media Richness Theory, Twitter is one of the richest communication media because you can see and respond instantly and simultaneously to others.

Question 52

In the textbook's definition of communication, the term context refers to the predominant characteristics, attitudes, and behavior of the communicators.

Question 53

The four interactional communication contexts are self, others, purpose, and content.

Question 54

Rather than the 3Rs, the American Management Association conducted a critical skills study that identified four competencies (4Cs)-communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity-as even more essential to organizations and employees in the future.

Question 55

Face-to-face communication is the richest medium of communication because you can see and respond instantly to others.

Question 56

The concept of internal noise in communication models can include the temperature, disturbances, and odors inside a room that interfere with your ability to be an attentive and effective communicator.

Question 57

The concept of feedback refers to any verbal or nonverbal response you can see or hear from others.

Question 58

You generate meaning when you create visual images.

Question 59

In a transactional model of communication, we send and receive messages at the same time.

Question 60

Which principle in the National Communication Association Credo for Ethical Communication is violated if a political party knowingly misrepresents a bill before Congress to the public in order to frighten or mislead people into opposing that bill?

A) We advocate truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason as essential to the integrity of communication.
B) We strive to understand and respect other communicators before evaluating and responding to their messages.
C) We promote access to communication resources and opportunities as necessary to fulfill human potential.
D) We advocate sharing information, opinions, and feelings when facing significant choices while also respecting privacy and confidentiality.
E) We are committed to the courageous expression of personal conviction in pursuit of fairness and justice.

Question 61

According to Robert Ennis, a well-respected philosophy professor, critical thinking does not enable you to develop and defend your position on issues.

Question 62

Theories help you understand how to communicate, whereas strategies and skills help you understand what and why to communicate.

Question 63

Write an inter-office email memo to employees explaining why effective oral communication is important in the workplace.

Question 64

Explain what makes the transactional communication model different from linear and interactive communication models.

Question 65

Critical thinking is not a way to tear down a statement or belittle someone.

Question 66

The word cold can mean different things to different people.

Question 67

The key communication competency "Determine Your Purpose" refers to how well you understand, respect, and adapt to others when you communicate.

Question 68

If something is unethical, it is also illegal.

Question 69

The key communication competency "Express the Message" refers to how well you deliver a presentation, how well you dress for an important interview, and how well you present PowerPoint slides.

Question 70

The following question applies to the effective communication competency of "Know Thy Self": "What is your ethical responsibility as a communicator?"

Question 71

Strategies are the specific plans of action you use to achieve a goal.

Question 72

The National Communication Association Credo for Ethical Communication advocates that you endorse freedom of expression only when the message avoids hurting or embarrassing another person.

Question 73

The National Communication Association Credo for Ethical Communication advocates that you promote a climate of caring and mutual understanding that respects others.

Question 74

What are the differences between the encoding and decoding process in communication? How do your unique characteristics and attitudes affect these processes?

Question 75

Communication is the process of using verbal and nonverbal messages to generate meaning within and across a variety of contexts. Explain what the definition means when it refers to generate meaning and contexts. Use examples to demonstrate your understanding of these two terms.

Question 76

Identify and explain two types of noise and provide examples of them within the context of interpersonal communication.

Question 77

The word criticize has less of a fault-finding implication than the word critical.

Question 78

Communication theories ask why, whereas ethical communication asks whether.

Question 79

Why does oral communication top the list in most studies of the skills employers seek in recent college graduates? Why is it ranked higher than computer skills or proficiency in a field of study?

Question 80

Because human language is symbolic, we create new words and say sentences that have never been said before.