Deck 6: Nonverbal Communication

Question 1

Which of the following statements about the nature of nonverbal communication is described in the following sentence: "Depending on the circumstances and occasion, a laugh can be interpreted as amusement, approval, contempt, scorn, or embarrassment."

A) Nonverbal communication is more convincing.
B) Nonverbal communication is highly contextual.
C) Nonverbal communication is continuous.
D) Nonverbal communication is learned informally.
E) Nonverbal communication is less structured.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

A major study found that _____ percent of people in the United States without tattoos say that a tattoo makes someone less attractive?

A) 22
B) 37
C) 43
D) 51
E) 80

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Which communication theory explains the following nonverbal behavior? You enter a crowded elevator, turn around, refrain from talking or touching anyone, and stare at the numbers as they go up or down.

A) Hall's Low-High Context Theory
B) Immediacy Theory
C) Other-Oriented Theory
D) Giles' Expectancy Violation Theory
E) Hofstede's Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Identify the communicative function of the following gesture: You hear tragic news and clasp your hand to your heart.

A) emblem
B) illustrator
C) adaptor
D) intensifier
E) deintensifier

Question 5

According to Expectancy Violation Theory, all of the following characteristics influence your expectations and reactions to the nonverbal behavior of others except:

A) similarities and differences in the age, gender, ethnicity, and physical appearance of communicators.
B) the readiness, willingness, and ability of communicators to listen to understand, interpret, and evaluate a message.
C) similarities and differences in the personality and reputation of communicators.
D) the level of familiarity, past experiences, status, and type of relationship with other communicators.
E) the physical, social, psychological, cultural, and professional settings and occasions in which communication occurs.

Question 6

Many people believe that nonverbal communication is a spontaneous expression of someone's internal thoughts and feelings. Which characteristic of nonverbal communication is illustrated in this example?

A) Nonverbal communication is less structured.
B) Nonverbal communication is learned informally.
C) Nonverbal communication is highly contextual.
D) Nonverbal communication is continuous.
E) Nonverbal communication is more convincing.

Question 7

The corporate president has a bigger office than anyone else, a private secretary and executive assistant, and new expensive car. Which function of nonverbal communication do such perks communicate?

A) identifying and expressing emotions
B) interpreting nonverbal messages
C) deceiving others
D) establishing power
E) detecting deception

Question 8

Which type of nonverbal communication uses movement to emphasize or stress parts of a message, reveal discomfort with a situation, and ease the mental effort required when communication is difficult?

A) attitudes
B) facial expressions
C) gestures
D) posture
E) appearance

Question 9

Nonverbal communication provides messages about another person's message by offering important clues about how to interpret the verbal portion of that message. These messages about messages are known as

A) repetitious messages.
B) metamessages.
C) co-messages.
D) regulating messages.
E) masking messages.

Question 10

Researchers suggest that __________ percent of the meaning we generate when interacting with others may be conveyed through nonverbal behaviors.

A) 10-30
B) 30-40
C) 40-60
D) 60-70
E) 70-90

Question 11

Identify the function of nonverbal cues in relation to verbal messages in the following example: Upon receiving a gift, Kelly says, "It's lovely. Thank you." However, her forced smile, flat vocal expression, and lack of eye contact suggest that she does not appreciate the gift.

A) repeats the verbal message
B) contradicts the verbal message
C) accents the verbal message
D) regulates the verbal message
E) substitutes for the verbal message

Question 12

Identify the communicative function of the following gesture: Your team has just won a game. You raise your index and middle fingers in a victory sign.

A) emblem
B) illustrator
C) adaptor
D) intensifier
E) deintensifier

Question 13

Research suggests that leakage cues (unintentional nonverbal behaviors) may reveal deceptive communication. Which of the following answers describes a leakage cue?

A) direct eye contact and smiles
B) carefully spoken words and phrases
C) higher pitch, vocal tension, and longer pauses
D) relaxed posture and carefully controlled physical movements
E) all of the above

Question 14

Identify the communicative function of the following gesture: Horatio is in a rage because another driver has cut him off. As a result, Horatio speeds up so he's next to the driver and raises his middle index finger in a gesture of anger.

A) emblem
B) illustrator
C) adaptor
D) intensifier
E) deintensifier

Question 15

Identify the function of nonverbal cues in relation to verbal messages in the following example: You say the words "I'm angry" with a loud volume, forceful gestures, and piercing eye contact.

A) repeats the verbal message
B) contradicts the verbal message
C) accents the verbal message
D) regulates the verbal message
E) substitutes for the verbal message

Question 16

Which of the following statements about the nature of nonverbal communication explains why a laugh can be interpreted as amusement, approval, contempt, scorn, or embarrassment in different situations?

A) Nonverbal communication is less structured.
B) Nonverbal communication is learned informally.
C) Nonverbal communication is highly contextual.
D) Nonverbal communication is continuous.
E) Nonverbal communication is more convincing.

Question 17

If someone says, "He seemed so honest when I first spoke to him," she is demonstrating which of the following statements about the nature of nonverbal communication?

A) Nonverbal communication is more convincing.
B) Nonverbal communication is highly contextual.
C) Nonverbal communication is continuous.
D) Nonverbal communication is learned informally.
E) Nonverbal communication is less structured.

Question 18

Identify the function of nonverbal cues in relation to verbal messages in the following example: Without saying anything, a wife sends a message to her husband that it is time to leave a party by establishing eye contact, nodding toward the front door, and standing up.

A) repeats the verbal message
B) contradicts the verbal message
C) accents the verbal message
D) regulates the verbal message
E) substitutes for the verbal message

Question 19

Identify the function of nonverbal cues in relation to verbal messages in the following example: When David asks Elaine whether she was able to buy any more of the on-sale Saran Wrap, she nods as she says "yes" while holding up three fingers and says "three."

A) repeats the verbal message
B) contradicts the verbal message
C) accents the verbal message
D) regulates the verbal message
E) substitutes for the verbal message

Question 20

Identify the communicative function of the following gesture: Holding your hands about three feet apart and saying, "I saw a snake in our garden that was at least this long."

A) emblem
B) illustrator
C) adaptor
D) intensifier
E) deintensifier

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT an environmental analysis dimension of the nonverbal context?

A) formality
B) warmth
C) security
D) constraint
E) privacy

Question 22

Which technique for adapting facial expressions is used in the following example? You plaster a smile on your face when you hear that a colleague has been promoted to vice president, a job that you believed you would get.

A) masking
B) neutralization
C) intensification
D) deintensification
E) signification

Question 23

Everyone uses nonverbal communication.

Question 24

Tracy whispers to Tanya that the news about winning a major contract is a surprise, but doesn't let anyone else in the meeting room to know that fact. Which characteristic of vocal expressiveness is he demonstrating?

A) word stress
B) rate
C) pitch
D) volume
E) accent

Question 25

Anthropologist Edward T. Hall identifies four zones of interaction used by most North Americans. Which of the following answers is NOT one of Hall's zones?

A) intimate distance
B) personal distance
C) social distance
D) formal distance
E) public distance

Question 26

Initial impressions do not have a strong effect on how others judge and feel about you.

Question 27

Which of the following types of nonverbal behavior is one of the most potent forms of human expression because, in addition to sending strong messages, it can also affect your physical and psychological health?

A) facial expressions
B) gestures
C) body movements
D) physical appearance
E) touch

Question 28

Neurophysiologists claim that the teenage brain works different than adult brains when processing nonverbal information. The teenage brain

A) has difficulty correctly recognizing emotions expressed nonverbally.
B) more accurately recognizes emotions expressed nonverbally.
C) correctly interprets the meaning of facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice.
D) is highly sensitive to nonverbal messages about the emotional state of their parents.
E) primarily relies on nonverbal cues to accurately determine the emotions in a message communicated by others.

Question 29

Which technique for adapting facial expressions is used in the following example? You are thrilled that you've made the dean's list, but you downplay showing your excitement among friends who didn't make the dean's list.

A) masking
B) neutralization
C) intensification
D) deintensification
E) signification

Question 30

Anthropologist Edward T. Hall studies spatial relationships and how the distance between people communicates information about their relationship. He refers to this phenomenon as

A) territoriality.
B) markers.
C) proxemics.
D) chronemics.
E) kinesics.

Question 31

A person's tone of voice, eye contact, and physical proximity can tell you as much or more about their thoughts and feelings than the words they speak.

Question 32

Although men are more likely to limit the amount of emotion they reveal, everyone relies on _______________ to comprehend the full meaning of a message.

A) body movements
B) facial expressions
C) touch
D) physical appearance
E) posture

Question 33

Which of Mark Knapp's six nonverbal dimensions is operating in the following example? You call the organizer of the fundraising event to ask whether you should dress professionally or wear casual clothing.

A) constraints-temporary
B) familiarity-unusual
C) privacy-open
D) warmth-comfortable
E) informality-formal

Question 34

Identify the communicative function of the following gesture: You can tell when Gretel is anxious. She grabs a hunk of her hair and twirls it around and around.

A) emblem
B) illustrator
C) adaptor
D) intensifier
E) deintensifier

Question 35

Members of most work groups interact with one another at Hall's

A) intimate distance.
B) personal distance.
C) social distance.
D) formal distance.
E) public distance.

Question 36

Nonverbal communication refers to message components other than words that generate meaning.

Question 37

Which technique for adapting facial expressions is used in the following example? When Iantha learns that her former boyfriend is dating her best friend, she conceals her consternation by shrugging her shoulders as if to say "it's no big deal."

A) masking
B) neutralization
C) intensification
D) deintensification
E) signification

Question 38

Immediacy refers to

A) the extent to which you seem open, approachable, and likable.
B) the extent to which you respond quickly and accurately to others' nonverbal behavior.
C) the extent to which you avoid masking or neutralizing your facial expressions.
D) the extent to which your nonverbal behavior repeats, complements, or contradicts what you say.
E) the extent to which you monitor yourself.

Question 39

We rely on nonverbal communication to identify and express the emotional components of a message.

Question 40

Which of the following findings does not represent contemporary research on eye contact?

A) We look at people and things we like.
B) Men look more at their conversational partner than women do.
C) We look more at another person when seeking approval or wanting to be liked.
D) When we avoid looking at someone directly, it's an intentional act.
E) Our pupils dilate when we look at someone or something that is appealing or interesting to us.

Question 41

Because facial muscles are difficult to control, a person's facial expressions accurately reveal deception and lying.

Question 42

In 2012, the percent of U.S. women with tattoos surpassed the percent of men with tattoos.

Question 43

You are engaging in complementary nonverbal behavior when you say hello and your facial expression and tone of voice convey genuine interest and pleasure in greeting someone.

Question 44

Overall, most people's ability to accurately detect deception is equivalent to the flip of a coin: about 50/50.

Question 45

If you raise your hand in class to indicate, "I want to speak" or "I can answer that question," you are using the type of gesture classified as an emblem.

Question 46

Nonverbal illustrators are habitual gestures that satisfy a need or express an emotion.

Question 47

Powerful people often take up more space by having a bigger office or desk.

Question 48

Nonverbal communication has agreed-upon rules that allow us to communicate clear and understandable messages.

Question 49

A mixed message is a contradiction between verbal and nonverbal meanings.

Question 50

People interpret your opinions and feelings even when you are not talking.

Question 51

If you pound your fists in anger, you are using the type of gesture classified as an illustrator.

Question 52

A study found that good-looking people tend to make more money and get promoted more often than those with average looks.

Question 53

If you chew your nails because you are worried or anxious, you are using the type of gesture classified as an illustration.

Question 54

Waving hello or good-bye without saying anything is an example of the accenting function of nonverbal communication.

Question 55

Regulating nonverbal behavior tells us when to start and stop talking, whose turn it is to speak, and how to encourage others to talk more.

Question 56

According to Expectancy Violation Theory, your expectations about nonverbal behavior affect the way you interact with others and how you interpret the meaning of nonverbal messages.

Question 57

You are using substitute nonverbal behavior when you say the words "I'm angry" in a loud, forceful voice.

Question 58

Nonverbal communication is more believable than verbal communication because it seems spontaneous and revealing.

Question 59

Your expectations about nonverbal behavior reflect a clear set of universal rules for behavior that cut across different contexts.

Question 60

Gestures include hand, arm, head, and foot movements.

Question 61

Anthropologist Edward T. Hall uses the term territoriality to refer to the study of spatial relationships and how the distance between people communicates information about their relationship.

Question 62

When talking to business associates or interacting with others in social gatherings, most Americans interact within a personal distance of 2 to 4 feet.

Question 63

In looking for causes of infant deaths, researchers conclude that babies need to be touched and carried in order to develop and thrive.

Question 64

When volume, pitch, and rate are combined, they can be used to vary the stress you give to a word or phrase.

Question 65

The Japanese, who are accustomed to crowding, need less space around them, whereas North Americans need more space to feel comfortable.

Question 66

Smiling can make you and others feel better because smiles are contagious.

Question 67

Environmental elements such as furniture arrangement and lighting do not communicate messages nonverbally.

Question 68

Direct and consistent eye contact from others is insulting to most North Americans.

Question 69

Norms for touch do not vary according to gender and culture.

Question 70

Other-oriented communicators are effective self-monitors.

Question 71

Immediacy refers to whether a person stands close enough to be touched.

Question 72

When we turn our eyes away from someone, it is an intentional act.

Question 73

Most North American men avoid same-sex touch except for the hugging and high-fiving we see on sports teams.

Question 74

Explain the statement: "Most of the meaning in our communication comes from our nonverbal cues, not from our words." In your answer, reference at least three functions of nonverbal communication.

Question 75

When talking with close friends and family members, most Americans interact within a personal distance of 18 inches to 4 feet.

Question 76

Several studies find positive links between immediacy and learning. Teachers who are immediate generate more interest and enthusiasm about the subject matter.

Question 77

Researchers claim that emoticons such as :-) and :-O have become less and less useful as nonverbal cues and have little or no effect on the interpretation of typed online messages.

Question 78

Each year, approximately 1.5 million women and more than 800,000 men are victims of violence from an intimate partner such as a husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, or date.

Question 79

Not only should you look at someone while you are listening, but you should also look as though you are listening.

Question 80

In the United States, Americans seem to prefer lower-pitched voices in both men and women.