Question 1

Suppose you have a group presentation with three other classmates: Manny, Moe, and Jack. Jack wants to be the main speaker, but the reality is that he is the least prepared, least motivated, and represents the greatest risk to your group's presentation grade. Manny and Moe know this, too; however, no one wants to discuss reality with Jack. Jack is overconfident and unwilling to relinquish his role as main speaker. Which of the following approaches is MOST productive? That is, which option increases the likelihood of a good presentation grade but will maintain a positive working relationship with Jack in the future?

Accepted Answer

Collaborating with Jack is the best approach that maintains a positive working relationship and increases the likelihood of a good presentation grade. By working together, the group can help Jack improve his preparation and motivation while distributing the roles and responsibilities more evenly to prevent Jack from carrying too much of the workload. This approach allows Jack to contribute in a meaningful way while also ensuring the success of the presentation.

Question 2

Interpersonal conflict

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal conflict can lead to a variety of good outcomes such as increased creativity, better communication, and a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives. Ignoring or suppressing conflict can lead to resentment and a breakdown in relationships. However, it is important to approach conflict in a constructive and respectful manner.

Question 3

Pseudolistening is an example of which of the following barriers to effective communication?

Accepted Answer

Pseudolistening refers to pretending to listen while actually being preoccupied with one's own thoughts or feelings. This is an example of self-preoccupation, which is a barrier to effective communication. Collusion refers to a secret agreement between two or more people to deceive or behave unfairly, game playing refers to using communication to manipulate or control others, and defensiveness refers to reacting with hostility or deflection to avoid criticism or blame.

Question 4

Constructive confrontation may

Accepted Answer

Constructive confrontation can bring problems out in the open, stop areas of discontent in a relationship, and also lead to new insights. Therefore, all of these options are correct.

Question 5

Eric listens intently to his girlfriend, Wanda, who has noticed that he also tends to attack many of her ideas, rarely accepting her opinion. Eric is likely to be

Accepted Answer

The answer of Eric listens intently to his girlfriend, Wanda,...

Question 6

American negotiators tend to seek ways to avoid conflict, while Japanese negotiators encourage competition.

Accepted Answer

The statement is false. In Japanese negotiation culture, there is a tendency to focus on building relationships and finding mutual benefits, rather than encouraging a confrontational competition. On the other hand, American negotiators may focus on finding compromises and avoiding direct conflict, but not necessarily shying away from competition.

Question 7

exists whenever two or more people disagree.

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal conflict is when two or more people have a disagreement or struggle to agree on something. Communication distortion refers to a misinterpretation or misunderstanding of a message, game playing involves manipulative behavior, and collusion refers to secret cooperation between parties.

Question 8

Sometimes avoidance is the best way to handle a conflict.

Accepted Answer

Sometimes it is better to take a step back or avoid a conflict altogether rather than engaging in a potentially harmful or unproductive exchange. This can be especially true in situations where emotions or tension are high, or where the consequences of a conflict escalating outweigh the benefits of resolution. However, it's important to note that avoidance should not be the go-to solution for all conflicts, as sometimes issues need to be addressed head-on in order to move forward.

Question 9

Individualistic cultures tend to_____ as a conflict management strategy.

Accepted Answer

Individualistic cultures value independence, assertiveness, and direct communication, and therefore encourage direct confrontations as a means of resolving conflicts.

Question 10

Which of the following styles of managing conflict is characterized by low concern for self and others?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding is characterized by low concern for self and others, as it involves withdrawing from the conflict and not addressing it directly.

Question 11

Thomas likes to talk about himself a great deal. It is often quite hard to move the topic of conversation away from his interests, achievements, and activities. The barrier to effective communication with Tom is his

Accepted Answer

Tom's self-preoccupation means that he is too focused on himself to truly engage in a conversation with others, making it difficult to move the conversation away from his own interests and achievements.

Question 12

Anxiety caused by having to talk with others is called communication

Accepted Answer

The term used to describe anxiety caused by having to talk with others is communication apprehension. The other options do not accurately describe this type of anxiety. Aversion implies a strong dislike, disruption relates to something being interrupted, and avoidance suggests actively trying to evade a situation or person.

Question 13

In which style of dealing with conflict does a person have low concern for self and high concern for others?

Accepted Answer

In the accommodating style of conflict management, a person has a low concern for self and a high concern for others. This style involves giving in to the demands of the other person and putting their needs before your own. It is often used when the issue at hand is not particularly important to the accommodating person or when maintaining a positive relationship with the other person is more important than winning the conflict.

Question 14

People who dominate social situations by talking nonstop may be using overcommunication because they are experiencing anxiety about talking with others.

Accepted Answer

Overcommunication, or talking excessively, can be a sign of anxiety or nervousness in social situations. People who overcommunicate may feel the need to fill silence or maintain control of the conversation to alleviate their anxiety.

Question 15

Researchers suggest that avoidance and withdrawal tactics are effective strategies for coping with communication apprehension, but only

Accepted Answer

Avoidance and withdrawal tactics may provide immediate relief from communication apprehension, but in the long term, they can lead to negative consequences such as social isolation and limited opportunities for personal and professional growth. Therefore, they are only effective in the short term.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT considered one of the common barriers to effective communication?

Accepted Answer

Defensiveness, ambushing, and self-preoccupation are all common barriers to effective communication. Cognitive restructuring, on the other hand, is a technique used in therapy to challenge negative or irrational thoughts and is not typically associated with communication barriers.

Question 17

Perhaps the most basic barrier to effective communication is

Accepted Answer

The answer of Perhaps the most basic barrier to effective...

Question 18

Lauren hates it when Eric leaves the cap off the toothpaste, but she's never told him this because she doesn't want to "make a scene." Besides, she hopes he'll get better on his own. Lauren's behavior exemplifies which of the following styles of managing conflict?

Accepted Answer

Lauren is avoiding conflict by not bringing up the issue with Eric and hoping he will change on his own.

Question 19

Which of the following responses to communication apprehension is the most common?

Accepted Answer

Communication avoidance is the most common response to communication apprehension. People who experience communication apprehension may avoid communication altogether or selectively choose to communicate in situations that they feel comfortable in. This can lead to a variety of negative outcomes, including isolation, missed opportunities, and damaged relationships. Excessive communication, communication disruption, and communication withdrawal are also possible responses to communication apprehension, but they are less common.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT considered a possible response to communication apprehension?

Accepted Answer

The possible responses to communication apprehension are withdrawal, avoidance, and disruption. Attribution is not considered a response to communication apprehension, but rather it is the process by which we explain the causes of behavior or events.

Quiz 8: Interpersonal Communication