Deck 3: Communication and Culture

Question 1

Which term is used to describe the language, values, beliefs, traditions, and customs people share and learn?

A) Salience
B) Coculture
C) Culture
D) Race

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Which term describes how much weight we attach to cultural characteristics?

A) Salience
B) Coculture
C) Culture
D) Race

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Which term describes people we view as different and with whom we have little or no sense of affiliation?

A) Coculture
B) Culture
C) In-group
D) Out-group

Answer 3

D

Question 4

At home for the holidays, Kashia feels closest to her family, but at college during the school year, she feels most connected to her sorority sisters. This is because in-groups and out-groups depend on

A) individualism.
B) context.
C) collectivism.
D) power distance.

Question 5

Because Harpreet and Parth are both from India, they have many things in common, such as language, traditions, values, and customs. Even so, they are not close friends. Harpreet only feels an emotional connection with people who share his religious beliefs, which Parth does not. Harpreet does feel an emotional connection with Janea, although she is from Australia, due to their shared religious beliefs. Which description best characterizes Harpreet's relationships with Parth and Janea?

A) Harpreet is in an in-group with Janea because they share religious beliefs, and Parth is in an out-group with Harpreet because they do not share religious beliefs.
B) Harpreet is in an in-group with Janea because they share religious beliefs, and Parth is also in an in-group with Harpreet because they share a language, traditions, values, and customs.
C) Harpreet is in an out-group with Janea because they are from different continents, and Parth is in an in-group with Harpreet because they share a language, traditions, values, and customs.
D) Harpreet is in an out-group with Janea because they are from different continents, and Parth is also in an out-group with Harpreet because they do not share religious beliefs.

Question 6

The perception of membership in a group that is part of an encompassing culture is referred to as

A) race.
B) ethnicity.
C) culture.
D) coculture.

Question 7

Which statement about in-groups and out-groups is true?

A) In-groups and out-groups are fixed and stable across situations.
B) In-groups and out-groups may be defined situationally.
C) Out-groups suggest greater affiliation than in-groups.
D) In-groups suggest lower emotional connection than out-groups.

Question 8

When you pass someone on the street wearing a shirt with your school's name on it, you immediately feel a bond with that person. A sense of kinship is common among

A) in-group members.
B) dyads.
C) significant others.
D) collectives.

Question 9

Ella is an American citizen and a registered Republican. The first group is an example of a(n) _______; the second is an example of a(n) _______.

A) in-group; out-group
B) out-group; in-group
C) culture; coculture
D) coculture; culture

Question 10

In the classroom, people barely notice Christian's wheelchair. They are too focused on his intelligent questions and insightful observations. But when he is in public, people often focus on his chair. This illustrates the concept of

A) discrimination.
B) salience.
C) collectivism.
D) uncertainty avoidance.

Question 11

Someone from _______ is most likely to answer the question "Who am I?" by saying, "I am a mother" or "I work for City Community College."

A) United States
B) Japan
C) Canada
D) Great Britain

Question 12

Which norm or value characterizes the culture most likely to embrace and celebrate an innovator and trailblazer such as Elon Musk?

A) Low uncertainty avoidance
B) High power distance
C) Low context
D) Collectivism

Question 13

The value of egalitarianism is most closely related to which cultural dimension?

A) Uncertainty avoidance
B) Context
C) Power distance
D) Individualism/Collectivism

Question 14

Ziva values social harmony and dislikes threatening the dignity of others. Instead of speaking her mind, she prefers to send more subtle, nonverbal cues. She doesn't believe that talking solves all problems and thinks that sometimes there's nothing to say. She doesn't care whether a person is rich, poor, educated, or uneducated. She loves to travel, experience exotic new cultures, and meet unconventional people. Are there clues here that Ziva is from a high-context culture?

A) Yes, because she believes in social harmony and not threatening the dignity of others.
B) Yes, because she embraces change and isn't threatened by new or ambiguous situations.
C) Yes, because she does not like to be direct and relies on nonverbal cues.
D) Yes, because she believes that people are equal regardless of their social status.

Question 15

Ziva values social harmony and dislikes threatening the dignity of others. Instead of speaking her mind, she prefers to send more subtle, nonverbal cues. She doesn't believe that talking solves all problems and thinks that sometimes there's nothing to say. She doesn't care whether a person is rich, poor, educated, or uneducated. She loves to travel, experience exotic new cultures, and meet unconventional people. Are there clues here that Ziva is from a culture with a lower degree of uncertainty avoidance?

A) Yes, because she believes in social harmony and not threatening the dignity of others.
B) Yes, because she embraces change and isn't threatened by new or ambiguous situations.
C) Yes, because she does not like to be direct and relies on nonverbal cues.
D) Yes, because she believes that people are equal regardless of their social status.

Question 16

After communicating on social media for weeks, Kevin and Lily decide to meet face-to-face at a coffee shop. Lily, who finds the initial silence awkward, chatters about her high college grades and her impressive scores as a gamer. Kevin says little, and fifteen minutes into their conversation, he suddenly remembers another appointment across town. What cultural explanation might account for this interaction?

A) Lily is from Japan.
B) Kevin is from Canada.
C) Lily is Native American.
D) Kevin is from China.

Question 17

You attended a work meeting and it seemed perfectly fine to you. No one criticized anyone or anything being said. Still, your colleague remarked afterward, "That was intense. Did you notice our manager didn't smile once?" What aspect of culture might explain your colleague's response?

A) High context
B) Low context
C) High power distance
D) Low power distance

Question 18

The boss has just announced a competition. The person who sells the most products will win $5,000. Two of your colleagues have teamed up to help each other, agreeing that they will split the money if either of them wins. You'd prefer to work alone and get the full amount if you win. How would you describe your approach?

A) Collectivistic
B) Individualistic
C) Low uncertainty avoidance
D) High uncertainty avoidance

Question 19

At an international work conference, you offend an executive you just met by addressing her by her first name. Which is the best intercultural explanation for this interaction?

A) Your country is individualistic; hers is collectivistic.
B) Your country is low uncertainty avoidance; hers is high uncertainty avoidance.
C) Your country is low power distance; hers is high power distance.
D) Your country is low context; hers is high context.

Question 20

The statement "If I hurt you, I hurt myself" is most consistent with which cultural orientation?

A) Low context
B) High context
C) Individualistic
D) Collectivistic

Question 21

Which assertion about race is true?

A) Race has a physical basis.
B) Ethnicity has a physical basis.
C) Although there is no physical basis for either race or ethnicity, their social impact is powerful.
D) There is more biological diversity between races than between people in general.

Question 22

When patients meet Sena and assume that she is their nurse rather than their doctor because of her skin color and hair texture, she wonders why her physical qualities should suggest anything about her professional abilities. What does this example illustrate?

A) There is less to race than meets the eye.
B) Our hidden self is revealed in ways we don't always realize.
C) Race helps people make accurate judgments about others.
D) The basis for the category of race is scientific but not always accurate.

Question 23

Approximately how many racial slurs appear a day on Twitter?

A) 2500
B) 5000
C) 7500
D) 10,000

Question 24

The degree to which a person identifies with a particular group, usually on the basis of nationality, culture, religion, or some other perspective is called

A) race.
B) ethnicity.
C) culture.
D) high-context culture.

Question 25

Which statement about cocultures is true?

A) Research has revealed three "psychological regions" corresponding to three broad geographical regions in the United States.
B) The "I" in LGBTQIA+ stands for "Indifferent."
C) Religious teens who respect the viewpoints of multiple religions typically date less frequently than their nonreligious peers.
D) Even if interfaith couples communicate respectfully and openly about matters of faith, they are less likely to stay together than other couples.

Question 26

Dewei is an excellent guitar player. Dewei teaches at a high school. Dewei is blind. How could you best describe Dewei in a single sentence?

A) Dewei plays well for a blind person.
B) Dewei is an excellent guitar player and is a person who is blind.
C) Dewei is differently abled.
D) Dewei is disabled, but heroically, he teaches at a high school.

Question 27

Which individuals feel that the biological sex attributed to them at birth is a not good description of who they are?

A) Queer
B) Bisexual
C) Transgender
D) Lesbian

Question 28

Jordan and Tristan don't feel that gender adjectives describe them well, and they reject gender labels in general. They identify as

A) lesbian.
B) transgender.
C) gay.
D) queer.

Question 29

Which theory describes the complex interplay of people's multiple identities?

A) Intersectionality
B) Social exchange
C) Muted group
D) Frame switching

Question 30

What is the relationship between a troll and a snark on social media?

A) Only a troll is a saboteur.
B) Only a snark is a saboteur.
C) A troll's insults are more personal than a snark's attacks.
D) A snark's insults are more personal than a troll's attacks.

Question 31

Posting anonymously as "Truthteller," Marisa likes to spread disinformation about COVID online and attack the political party she doesn't support. Marisa is a social media

A) troll.
B) snark.
C) agenda setter.
D) gatekeeper.

Question 32

Calvin, who began working at a local company as a teenager in the mid-1980s, is now a manager there. He just hired Kaylee, a recent college graduate born in the 80s. They attend the same church but don't know each other well. Despite the age gap, they start off working well together. Calvin likes to task Kaylee with projects via a brief request by email and not much more. Do you foresee any possible work relationship issues?

A) There will be few issues because they know each other from church.
B) Calvin and Kaylee cannot communicate well because of the age gap.
C) Because Kaylee is young, she likely feels that people are always judging her, which could cause problems.
D) Kaylee, a Millennial, may need clearer guidance and more feedback on how to complete a project.

Question 33

On balance, people over age _______ are twice as likely to be depicted in the media as unattractive, bored, and in declining health when compared with younger people.

A) 35
B) 37
C) 40
D) 70

Question 34

Jarrod is 64 years old and tends to feel older than his age and less capable than his coworkers because they tend to treat him that way. This illustrates the harmful effects of

A) aging.
B) stereotypes.
C) workplace differences.
D) generational differences.

Question 35

"There is no reasoning with my teenager," complains Malik to another parent. "Even though I played college ball, he thinks my experience is irrelevant to his challenges on the high school team." The behavior of Malik's son is an example of which concept?

A) Power distance
B) Frame switching
C) Imaginary audience
D) Personal fable

Question 36

Selena's grandmother gets angry when she posts information about their family conflicts on social media. This is likely because

A) older adults are critical of younger generations.
B) younger adults have a greater need for feedback.
C) younger adults are less judgmental.
D) older adults are more concerned with maintaining privacy online.

Question 37

Which statement about developing intercultural communication competence is true?

A) There are five main ways to learn about people from another culture.
B) If you spend time with people from other cultures, exposure alone will increase your intercultural communication competence.
C) Spending time with people from other cultures can lead to positive outcomes such as reduced prejudice and personal growth.
D) Confessing your ignorance is not a good strategy with most people from another culture.

Question 38

Your teenage niece refused to wear a bathing suit to the beach because she thought everyone would notice the mosquito bites on her leg. This behavior is an example of which concept?

A) Imaginary audience
B) Personal fable
C) Third-person effect
D) Frame switching

Question 39

Which strategy for moving toward a more mindful, competent style of intercultural communication involves reading, watching films, and asking experts and members of the other culture how to behave, as well as taking academic courses related to intercultural communication and diversity?

A) Passive observation
B) Active strategies
C) Self-disclosure
D) Persistence

Question 40

When Gia feels her American roommate is not doing enough housework, she is candid and assertive about the issue. When she speaks to her Chinese roommate about the same problem, she takes a less direct approach that saves "face." Gia is demonstrating which important skill in intercultural communication?

A) Intersectionality
B) Power distance
C) Frame switching
D) Salience

Question 41

You recently began a new job at a law firm. To determine the correct dress code, you notice how the people around you behave and adopt a similar style. What strategy for competent intercultural communication does this exemplify?

A) Intersectionality
B) Power distance
C) Frame switching
D) Passive observation

Question 42

A commitment to listening respectfully while exercising curiosity and humility when talking about race has also been called

A) uncertainty avoidance.
B) task-oriented listening.
C) mindful courage.
D) perception checking.

Question 43

When are respectful conversations about race especially worthwhile?

A) When they occur between people who have historically occupied different places in society
B) When they occur between people who have historically occupied similar places in society
C) When they occur between people who think personal history is irrelevant
D) When they occur between people who think personal history is more important than books or other resources on the topic

Question 44

After class, a discussion about racism between Rashid, who is a person of color, and Roberta, who is White, becomes heated. Exasperated, Rashid decides to terminate the conversation. What should they do to improve their communication?

A) They should embrace the debate format. It's the best approach when people disagree.
B) Roberta should insist that Rashid continue their conversation because she really wants to learn about his perspective.
C) Roberta should attend a lecture on racism on campus.
D) Even though she doesn't think she has anything to be sorry about, Roberta should apologize. It's the polite thing to do.

Question 45

At Thanksgiving dinner, your uncle remarks that Black men are more likely to be criminals than White men. What is the best response in this situation?

A) Stay silent. He often makes racist remarks.
B) Get angry and confront him. He often makes racist remarks.
C) Calmly point out his racist remark.
D) Calmly point out his racist remark, adding that false beliefs like his promote prejudice and contribute to racial profiling and police brutality.

Question 46

For a person of color, talking about race with a White person often requires

A) great reflected appraisal.
B) little reflected appraisal.
C) great emotional labor.
D) little emotional labor.

Question 47

Kristen, who is White, unintentionally offends Caleb, who is Black, with what he considers a racist remark. What should Kristen say in response?

A) "Don't be so sensitive. I was only joking."
B) "Thanks for the explanation. I'm sorry and see now how that was a hurtful comment."
C) "I didn't mean to be racist. And my intention matters more than your perception."
D) "I've never seen racism in action personally. So you can't expect me to understand."

Question 48

Being a better listener, avoiding microaggressions, and developing friendships with a diverse array of people are all communication strategies for

A) emotional resilience.
B) facilitative speech anxiety.
C) insulated listening.
D) talking about race.

Question 49

Someone who has never been the target of racism is more likely to use which metaphor in response to someone who claims to have been the victim of racism?

A) Stop making mountains out of molehills.
B) May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.
C) Ain't no mountain high enough.
D) The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.

Question 50

Which statement regarding conversations about race is true?

A) White people are usually aware of their greater opportunities and special treatment.
B) Efforts should be focused on listening and seeking to understand the experiences of others.
C) Debating people of color helps White people understand their perspective and experiences.
D) Trying to put yourself in someone else's shoes is a waste of time as everyone's experiences are unique.

Question 51

An unfairly biased and intolerant attitude toward others who belong to an out-group is called

A) passive observation.
B) stereotyping.
C) prejudice.
D) ethnocentrism.

Question 52

Exaggerated generalizations about a group are called

A) passive observation.
B) stereotyping.
C) prejudice.
D) ethnocentrism.

Question 53

Marcos and Roma, who are visiting India together for the first time, recognize that the hotels and restaurants differ greatly from what they are used to back home, but they agree that generalizations would not adequately reflect their experiences. What are they engaging in?

A) Mindfulness
B) Discrimination
C) Prejudice
D) Ethnocentrism

Question 54

Attitudes based on preconceived ideas about appearance, age, and socio-economic status are prone to lead to

A) exaggeration.
B) out-groups.
C) unfair discrimination.
D) bias.

Question 55

"People in graduate school sit around debating philosophy all day. They might be smart, but they don't really work or make meaningful contributions to society." This statement is an example of

A) equivocation.
B) snarking.
C) stereotyping.
D) disinhibition.

Question 56

Which of the following assertions about prejudice is true?

A) Most stereotypes are so deeply ingrained that they cannot be overcome.
B) Most people who harbor stereotypes are aware of them.
C) Mindful thinking increases prejudice.
D) Researchers have found that job applicants were nearly twice as likely to make employers' short list if their résumés were "whitened" first by excluding reference to names, interests, or affiliations that might suggest they were people of color.

Question 57

If you deprive people of opportunities or equal treatment based on prejudice, stereotypes, or irrelevant factors such as appearance, age, you are guilty of

A) stereotyping.
B) unfair discrimination.
C) prejudice.
D) ethnocentrism.

Question 58

"I don't like people from Wyoming. They are all cowboys who didn't go to college." This statement illustrates the attitude of _______, which can promote the behavior of _______.

A) ethnocentrism; unfair discrimination
B) unfair discrimination; ethnocentrism
C) stereotyping; prejudice
D) prejudice; stereotyping

Question 59

When Ariel complains, "People should really learn English before they visit the United States," you can hardly believe your ears. Last summer, when touring Europe, she felt that people in every country should speak English because she did. You are offended by Ariel's

A) ethnocentrism.
B) prejudice.
C) discrimination.
D) stereotyping.

Question 60

Culture shock is also known as _______ shock.

A) mindfulness
B) disinhibition
C) self-monitoring
D) adjustment

Question 61

Someone adjusting to life in a new culture who reports being pleasantly surprised after making friends with people they first took to be odd is demonstrating the benefits of which method of reducing culture shock?

A) Reaching out to others
B) Intrapersonal communication
C) Perception checking
D) Making judgments

Question 62

The "draw back and leap" pattern can be used to describe how people _______ when adapting to communication in a new culture.

A) should try reaching out to others
B) tend to feel homesick
C) often experience both progress and setbacks
D) should ideally behave

Question 63

How is the "honeymoon phase" of settling into a new culture best typified?

A) By feelings of disenchantment and homesickness
B) By feelings of excitement
C) As a linear process
D) As mindful behavior

Question 64

A degree of stress when acclimating to a new culture is a good sign because it shows

A) potential for adaptation and growth.
B) competent communication skills.
C) mindfulness.
D) self-monitoring.

Question 65

Your friend Kareem is studying abroad in Belgium, where he is experiencing what communication theorist Young Yum Kim calls a "draw back and leap" pattern. What advice should you give him?

A) Book an early ticket home if you're not having the time of your life as you should be.
B) Make more friends who speak English to combat your homesickness.
C) Try harder. You're not making a serious effort to adapt to a new culture.
D) Expect progress and setbacks. These are a normal part of the process.

Question 66

Identify five dimensions of cultural values and norms that shape communication.

Question 67

Identify three ways to discuss politics responsibly on social media.

Question 68

Name and describe four cocultures.

Question 69

Name four strategies for moving toward a more mindful, competent style of intercultural communication

Question 70

What is the relationship between ethnocentrism, prejudice, and stereotyping.

Question 71

How do individualistic and collectivistic cultures' approaches to communication differ?

Question 72

Discuss how age as a cultural variation affects communication.

Question 73

Explain communication practices that promote understanding between people of different races.

Question 74

Explain what it means to be mindful to overcome prejudiced assumptions.

Question 75

Give advice to someone who is experiencing culture shock.