Question 1

Noise in the communication process is

Accepted Answer

Noise in the communication process refers to any force that interferes with effective communication. This can include external factors such as loud noises or distractions, as well as internal factors like cultural differences or language barriers. It can also include psychological factors like emotions or attitudes that may impact the effectiveness of the communication.

Question 2

Psychologist Abraham Maslow suggests that the most basic human needs

Accepted Answer

Maslow's hierarchy of needs suggests that the most basic needs must be satisfied before an individual can progress to higher-level needs. These basic needs include physiological needs (such as food, water, and shelter) and safety needs (such as security and stability).

Question 3

Skillful, integrated communicators are characterized by

Accepted Answer

Skillful, integrated communicators have developed such a high level of communication competence that they can communicate effectively without needing to constantly think about how to behave.

Question 4

In the Looking at Diversity reading in Chapter One, Igor Ristic says that effective intercultural communication

Accepted Answer

Effective intercultural communication involves recognizing that different cultures have their own sets of norms and adapting our communication styles accordingly. Judging others by our own cultural standards can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Maintaining a large space bubble may be a cultural norm in some cultures, but not in others. Visiting different countries can broaden our cultural awareness, but it is not a requirement for effective intercultural communication. Therefore, the best choice is E.

Question 5

The transactional model of communication is considered a more accurate model than previous ones because

Accepted Answer

The transactional model of communication is considered more accurate than previous models because it takes into account that people send and receive messages simultaneously (A), that communication cannot be isolated to a single act (B), and that the communication created results from the interaction between partners (C). Therefore, all three options are correct and the best answer is E.

Question 6

Which of the following is most clearly an example of qualitatively interpersonal communication?

Accepted Answer

Royce asks his friend Jane about her sick child involves a personal and emotional connection between two individuals, therefore, it is an example of qualitatively interpersonal communication.

Question 7

"Decoding" is the process whereby

Accepted Answer

Decoding refers to the process of interpreting or making sense out of messages sent by others. It involves understanding the meaning and context of the message, as well as the language and cultural context in which it was sent.

Question 8

The environments that communicators occupy are

Accepted Answer

Environments refer to the fields of experience that an individual occupies, which can influence their perception, interpretation, and communication behaviors. These fields of experience can include cultural background, social status, personal values, beliefs, and life experiences that can affect how communicators understand others' behavior.

Question 9

What health threats can result from a lack of close relationships?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that a lack of close relationships can increase susceptibility to illnesses such as the common cold and can even lead to premature death. Additionally, individuals who lack close relationships may experience higher rates of accidents due to a lack of support and social connectedness.

Question 10

All of the following elements are included in the transactional communication model introduced in Chapter One except

Accepted Answer

The transactional communication model includes elements such as message, environment, channel, and noise, but it does not specifically list "sender" as a separate element. Instead, it focuses on the exchange of messages and feedback within a specific environment, making communication a shared process.

Question 11

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is important to the study of interpersonal communication because

Accepted Answer

Maslow's hierarchy of needs suggests that humans have basic needs that must be met in a particular sequence, and communication plays a critical role in meeting these needs. For example, to meet physiological needs, we may need to communicate with others to get food, water, and shelter. To meet our need for love and belonging, we must interact socially and communicate with others. Therefore, communication is necessary at every level of need.

Question 12

Which of the following is an inaccurate description of communication?

Accepted Answer

While words are a common form of communication, meanings can also be conveyed through nonverbal cues, such as body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions. Therefore, it is inaccurate to say that meanings are exclusively in words.

Question 13

Which of the following factors might contribute to different environments?

Accepted Answer

All of the factors listed (experience, age, income level, ethnic group) can contribute to different environments. Experience can shape an individual's perspective and approach to social situations, while age can impact physical abilities and social roles. Income level can affect access to resources and opportunities, while ethnic group can impact cultural norms and values. Collectively, these factors can create diverse environments for individuals and communities.

Question 14

Strategies you can use to develop a more mindful and competent style of intercultural communication include

Accepted Answer

To develop a more mindful and competent style of intercultural communication, it is important to engage in various strategies. Reading about different cultures can provide insight into their beliefs, values, and communication styles. Passive observation of cultural practices and behaviors can also enhance understanding. Self-disclosure can help build trust and rapport with individuals from other cultures. Talking to experts, such as individuals who are members of the cultural group or who have extensive knowledge about the culture, can provide valuable information and perspective. Therefore, all of the above strategies can be useful in developing a more mindful and competent style of intercultural communication.

Question 15

The three types of noise that can block communication are

Accepted Answer

External noise refers to any physical disturbance that obstructs communication such as loud music, traffic sounds, or construction noise. Physiological noise is created by barriers within the sender or receiver like hearing or speech impairments, while psychological noise refers to mental barriers like stress or anger that can interfere with effective communication.

Question 16

All of the following are involved in learning to perform communication skills effectively except

Accepted Answer

The other choices (awareness, awkwardness, skillfulness, and integration) all relate to different aspects involved in learning to perform communication skills effectively, such as being aware of one's own communication style and the situation, overcoming awkwardness in new or challenging communication scenarios, developing skillfulness in different types of communication, and integrating knowledge and experience to improve overall communication abilities. However, prowess (meaning exceptional skill or ability) is not necessarily a requirement for learning to perform communication skills effectively.

Question 17

An interpersonal relationship differs from an impersonal one because

Accepted Answer

An interpersonal relationship involves sharing thoughts and feelings with each other, the other person's life affecting ours, feeling sad when the relationship changes or ends, and finding the time spent in the relationship rewarding. Therefore, all of the above are correct and the best choice is E.

Question 18

You want to let a close friend know how much she/he means to you in a way that is sincere and doesn't embarrass either of you.Following the advice on communication competence in your text, you would

Accepted Answer

The most communication competent approach would be to consider a variety of alternatives and choose the one that would work best for the particular friend and circumstances. Everyone responds differently to receiving compliments or declarations of affection, so it's important to consider what would be most appropriate and meaningful for this friend. By considering different options and choosing the most effective one, you can communicate your feelings in a sincere and considerate way that won't make either of you uncomfortable.

Question 19

Research has shown that competent communicators achieve effectiveness by

Accepted Answer

Competent communicators are able to adjust their behaviors to fit the person and situation they are interacting with. Effective communication requires understanding and adapting to the needs and preferences of others, which is why this is the best answer. While having a large vocabulary and giving feedback can be helpful in communication, they alone are not sufficient for achieving effectiveness. Apologizing when necessary is also important, but it is not the primary factor in achieving competency in communication. Using the same types of behavior in all situations is not effective because different situations and people require different communication strategies.

Question 20

Almost all messages have

Accepted Answer

Almost all messages have both a content dimension, which is the literal or explicit meaning of the message, and a relational dimension, which is the implied or underlying meaning that conveys information about the relationship between the communicators. These dimensions may not always be intended or conscious, but they are present in most forms of communication.

Quiz 1: A First Look at Interpersonal Communication