Question 1

Which of the following exemplifies the concept of polarization?
A) Kevin told his brother, "You're either with me or against me."
B) Natalie believes that all men are created equal.
C) Taylor gets mad every time her mother says, "Are you wearing THAT?"
D) Jack resents being called a "blue-collar worker."

Accepted Answer

The statement "You're either with me or against me" is an example of polarization because it presents a black-and-white, all-or-nothing view of a situation, with no room for middle ground or alternative perspectives. This is a common tactic used in polarizing rhetoric to divide people into opposing camps and make it harder to find common ground or compromise.

Question 2

When Jen hears the word "comfortable," she thinks of the large sectional couch at her parents' house where she spent hours watching movies with her high school friends. Her thoughts demonstrate the connotative meaning of the word.

Accepted Answer

The connotative meaning of a word is the emotional or cultural association it carries beyond its literal definition. In this case, Jen's association with the word "comfortable" is tied to a specific experience with a large, cozy couch, which goes beyond the dictionary definition of the word.

Question 3

When she is angry with her husband, Maddie looks him in the eye as she says "yeah, right" and then walks into the other room. She knows her response will make him as frustrated as she feels. Maddie is using _____.
A) supportive communication
B) trigger words
C) empathetic communication
D) polarization

Accepted Answer

Maddie is using "trigger words" because her response of "yeah, right" followed by walking away is intended to provoke or trigger frustration in her husband, rather than to communicate supportively or empathetically.

Question 4

One person describes arriving "early" as 15 minutes before class and another describes "early" as 5 minutes before class. This discrepancy in the understanding of the word "early" is an example of _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of One person describes arriving "early" as 15...

Question 5

Sexist language is considered inclusive.

Accepted Answer

Sexist language is language that excludes, trivializes, or diminishes individuals or groups based on their gender. Therefore, it is not considered inclusive. Rather, using gender-neutral language is considered more inclusive.

Question 6

Greg is feeling overwhelmed at his new job with projects that are coming due in a short time. He is talking with Julia, his friend and coworker. Julia responds by relating the frustration and confusion she felt when she started the job and offers to help Greg get back on track. Julia's expression of understanding is an example of _____.
A) neutrality
B) empathy
C) manipulation
D) apathy

Accepted Answer

Julia's response shows empathy, which means she is relating to and understanding Greg's feelings. This can help Greg feel heard and supported, and can also lead to a more positive work environment.

Question 7

Pam and Terry were discussing their current relationship when Pam decided to talk about what Terry had done in the past to hurt her feelings. This behavior is referred to as _____.
A) bafflegab
B) bypassing
C) allness
D) gunny-sacking

Accepted Answer

This behavior is referred to as gunny-sacking, which refers to saving up past grievances and bringing them up in a current conversation or argument.

Question 8

Culture refers to the learned system of knowledge, behavior, attitudes, beliefs, values, rules, and norms shared by a group of people.

Accepted Answer

Culture is a learned system of knowledge, behavior, attitudes, beliefs, values, rules, and norms shared by a group of people.

Question 9

The rules and standards that structure language are known as _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The rules and standards that structure language...

Question 10

The _____ Hypothesis suggests that our language and thought are so interrelated that how we think is based in and controlled by the language we speak.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The _____ Hypothesis suggests that our language...

Question 11

Trigger words are used to arouse emotions in another person.

Accepted Answer

Trigger words are specifically designed to elicit an emotional response in the listener or reader. They can be used in various situations, such as marketing, persuasion, and manipulation.

Question 12

When you are trying to be specific and clarify a message, it is best to use abstract words.

Accepted Answer

When trying to be specific and clarify a message, it is best to use concrete and specific words that leave little room for interpretation or confusion. Abstract words are often ambiguous and open to various interpretations.

Question 13

A gesture can be interpreted as a symbol.

Accepted Answer

A gesture, such as waving or nodding, can hold a particular meaning or message in various cultural or social contexts, making it a symbol that communicates nonverbally.

Question 14

The _____ meaning of a word is something that cannot be perceived or experienced with one of the senses.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The _____ meaning of a word is...

Question 15

Neologisms are new terms introduced into the language.

Accepted Answer

Neologisms are indeed new terms introduced into the language.

Question 16

Concrete meanings of words require people to use their senses.

Accepted Answer

Concrete meanings refer to things that can be perceived through the senses such as touch, sight, taste, smell, and hearing. Therefore, using the senses is necessary to understand the meaning of concrete words.

Question 17

Defensive communication tends to create _____.
A) acceptance
B) superiority
C) mistrust
D) caring

Accepted Answer

Defensive communication often involves defensiveness or justification, which can lead to mistrust or misunderstandings. It can hinder effective communication and resolution of issues.

Question 18

A word, sound, gesture, or visual image that represents a thought, concept, object, or experience is a(n) _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A word, sound, gesture, or visual image...

Question 19

Bypassing rarely occurs between two people who are both fluent in English.

Accepted Answer

Bypassing occurs when two people miss each other's meaning, and it can happen even among individuals fluent in the same language due to differences in dialect, cultural references, or personal interpretations of words.

Question 20

We use language as an involuntary reflex to a stimulus.

Accepted Answer

While language can sometimes be an automatic response to a stimulus, it is not entirely involuntary. We have the ability to choose our words and communication style, and often make conscious decisions about how we communicate in different situations.

Quiz 3: Understanding Verbal Messages

Which of the following exemplifies the concept of polarization?