Question 1

Feedback indicates how well a particular medium conveys information and promotes learning.

Accepted Answer

Media richness indicates how well a particular medium conveys information and promotes learning.

Question 2

The sun was right in Matt's eyes, so he looked away and missed the coach's demonstration of a defensive technique. In this case, the sun acts as feedback in the communication process.

Accepted Answer

Noise is any disturbance that interferes with the transmission of a message such as the sun interfering in one's ability to watch a demonstration.

Question 3

A newsletter is a richer medium than a videoconference.

Accepted Answer

From high to low media richness,the order is face-to-face presence,videoconferencing,telephone,personal written media such as letters,and impersonal written media such as newsletters.

Question 4

Encoding the message is the first step of the communication process.

Accepted Answer

Encoding involves converting the sender's message into a form that can be transmitted through the chosen communication channel. It is the first step in the communication process.

Question 5

Noise is any disturbance that interferes with the transmission of a message and it can occur in any medium.

Accepted Answer

This is the definition of noise according to communication theory. It can occur in any form of communication medium, including verbal, written, electronic, etc.

Question 6

Communication is simply sending information from one person to another.

Accepted Answer

Communication is the transfer of information and understanding from one person to another.

Question 7

Charles shut his eyes and shook his head when his boss announced the holiday schedule. This is an example of a channel.

Accepted Answer

This is not an example of a channel, but rather an example of a nonverbal reaction to an announcement.

Question 8

Lynn had many spelling and grammar mistakes in her report, some of which made the content difficult to understand. This is an example of poor encoding.

Accepted Answer

Poor spelling and grammar can hinder effective communication and understanding, indicating poor encoding.

Question 9

Face-to-face communication is the richest form of communication because the receiver observes multiple cues in the message.

Accepted Answer

Face-to-face communication allows for the receiver to observe various nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language, which can enhance the understanding and interpretation of the message.

Question 10

If you are nervous in a job interview, it is best not to admit it.

Accepted Answer

Admitting to being nervous in a job interview can make the employer doubt your confidence and ability to handle the job. It is better to acknowledge and manage the nerves internally rather than vocalizing it.

Question 11

An order-taker who has a thick accent, or someone who speaks too fast at a fast-food drive-through, are examples of communication barriers.

Accepted Answer

Communication barriers refer to any obstacles that hinder effective communication between two parties, such as language barriers, cultural differences, or poor listening skills. A thick accent or fast-speaking can make it difficult for the receiver to understand what the speaker is saying, leading to miscommunication. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 12

Feedback is the pathway by which a message travels.

Accepted Answer

The medium is the pathway by which a message travels.

Question 13

A rich medium of communication is best for routine situations.

Accepted Answer

A simple and lean communication channel is usually best for routine situations to avoid unnecessary delays and confusion. A rich medium of communication is best reserved for complex or sensitive situations where more detail and nuance need to be conveyed.

Question 14

Poor communication between staff and managers does not have a financial cost to organizations.

Accepted Answer

Poor communication between staff and managers can lead to a number of negative consequences, such as decreased productivity, missed deadlines, increased employee turnover, and more. All of these factors can have a direct financial impact on the organization. Thus, poor communication can actually be quite costly in the long run.

Question 15

If you must tell an employee that he is facing a sexual harassment investigation, you should use a rich medium of communication.

Accepted Answer

This type of information should be delivered in person, or via a video conference call, to allow for a more personal and sensitive approach to the situation. Written communication such as email or text message should be avoided.

Question 16

Encoding is translating a message into understandable symbols or language.

Accepted Answer

Encoding involves translating a message into a code or symbols that can be understood by the sender and receiver.

Question 17

Kelly did not receive an important e-mail from a client because her company's e-mail server was down. This is an example of the communication medium being blocked.

Accepted Answer

The communication medium (e-mail) was blocked because the company's e-mail server was down, resulting in Kelly not receiving the important e-mail from the client.

Question 18

The danger of using a lean medium for nonroutine matters is that it results in information oversimplification; it doesn't provide enough of the information the receiver needs and wants.

Accepted Answer

Using a lean medium for nonroutine matters can result in oversimplification of information, leading to insufficient information for the receiver.

Question 19

Noise can occur in nonverbal communication.

Accepted Answer

Noise can refer to any external or internal interference that affects the transmission or interpretation of nonverbal cues, such as distractions, physical barriers, cultural differences, or emotional states. Noise can distort, contradict, confuse, or obscure the intended meaning of nonverbal messages.

Question 20

You are an efficient communicator when you can transmit your intended message accurately in the least time.

Accepted Answer

Efficiency in communication is achieved when the message is conveyed accurately in the shortest possible time.

Quiz 15: Interpersonal and Organizational Communication: Mastering the Exchange of Information