Question 1

The other-oriented perspective is essential for a message to achieve its desired effect.

Accepted Answer

When crafting a persuasive message, it is important to consider the needs, wants, and perspectives of the audience, known as the other-oriented perspective. This involves understanding the audience's values, motivations, and mindset, and tailoring the message to resonate with them. Without considering the other-oriented perspective, the message may fall flat or even backfire. Therefore, the other-oriented perspective is essential for a message to achieve its desired effect.

Question 2

Brad is angry with Angie, so while she tells him why she wants to go out to a specific restaurant for dinner, he sits perfectly still and makes no eye contact with her. In these ways, Brad is able to confuse Angie by not sending any feedback to her.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Brad is angry with Angie, so while...

Question 3

According to research cited in the textbook, communication plays a role in maintaining your emotional, but not your physical health.

Accepted Answer

Communication plays a role in maintaining both emotional and physical health, as effective communication can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Question 4

Context refers to the beliefs, values, and moral principles by which we determine what is right or wrong.

Accepted Answer

Context refers to the circumstances or setting surrounding an event or situation, not specifically to beliefs, values, or moral principles.

Question 5

Worrisome thoughts that prevent a person from concentrating on what another person is saying are an example of literal noise.

Accepted Answer

Literal noise refers to actual sound interference, while worrisome thoughts are an example of psychological noise, which affects mental focus.

Question 6

Rhetoric refers to the process of using symbols to influence or persuade.

Accepted Answer

Rhetoric is the use of symbolic communication to influence or persuade an audience.

Question 7

Encoding occurs when the receiver interprets words and unspoken signals.

Accepted Answer

Encoding occurs when the sender translates their thoughts or ideas into a message that can be understood by the receiver. Decoding, on the other hand, occurs when the receiver interprets the message from the sender.

Question 8

When seeking employment, it is good to know that the top-ranked factor that human resources professionals desire in applicants is the ability to have experience in resumé writing.

Accepted Answer

While having a well-written resumé is important, it is not the top-ranked factor that human resources professionals desire in applicants. Employers generally value relevant experience, skills, and qualifications related to the job.

Question 9

The simultaneous nature of communication is not considered in the "communication as transaction" model.

Accepted Answer

The "communication as transaction" model does take into account the simultaneous nature of communication, as it acknowledges that communication involves mutual influence and feedback between the participants.

Question 10

According to the textbook, a characteristic of competent communication is to achieve a common understanding of the message.

Accepted Answer

The textbook defines competent communication as the ability to communicate in an appropriate, effective, and ethical manner to achieve a common understanding of the message. Therefore, achieving a common understanding is indeed a characteristic of competent communication.

Question 11

Speaking in front of a large audience is an example of intrapersonal communication.

Accepted Answer

Intrapersonal communication refers to communication with oneself, which includes self-talk or inner dialogue. Speaking in front of a large audience involves communication between oneself and others, which is classified as interpersonal communication.

Question 12

Personnel managers cite oral communication skills as a top factor in helping graduating college students obtain employment.

Accepted Answer

Many studies and surveys have shown that oral communication skills are highly valued by employers and can greatly increase a student's chances of securing a job after graduation.

Question 13

When Filiberto returns home from his classes, he finds that there are three emails from his friend Paolo that were sent at various times. These emails illustrate that mediated communication is synchronous.

Accepted Answer

The statement in the question is incorrect. Mediated communication is not synchronous, but rather asynchronous, meaning messages are sent and received at different times. In this scenario, the emails were sent at different times, indicating asynchronous communication.

Question 14

You spend more time listening than performing any other communication activity.

Accepted Answer

Listening is a crucial aspect of communication and often consumes more time than any other communication activity, including speaking, writing, or reading. Effective listening skills are important for building relationships, understanding others' perspectives, and resolving conflicts.

Question 15

The relationship dimension of a message offers cues about the amount of power and control the speaker directs toward the other person involved in the communication.

Accepted Answer

The relationship dimension of a message refers to the way in which the speaker communicates their attitude and feelings towards the other person involved in the communication. This can include cues about power and control, such as using formal or informal language or using assertiveness versus passiveness in communication.

Question 16

Adapting your message to a listener means you tell them exactly what they want to hear.

Accepted Answer

Adapting your message to a listener means you tailor your message to meet their needs and interests, but it does not necessarily mean telling them exactly what they want to hear. It involves focusing on the specific information that is relevant and important to that particular listener, while still conveying your main message.

Question 17

According to the textbook, the key problem with the "communication as action" model of communication is that it overlooks the various channels of communication.

Accepted Answer

The "communication as action" model primarily overlooks the feedback and interaction aspects of communication, not the channels.

Question 18

A nonverbal message may contradict a person's verbal message.

Accepted Answer

Nonverbal messages such as body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions can sometimes convey a different message than what is being said verbally. This can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of a person's true feelings or intentions.

Question 19

When there is a contradiction between what is being said and what is being done, verbal messages are more believable than nonverbal messages.

Accepted Answer

Nonverbal messages are often considered to be more truthful and reliable than verbal messages, especially when they contradict each other. This is because nonverbal messages are largely unconscious and difficult to control, whereas verbal messages can be intentionally manipulated or distorted. Therefore, if there is a contradiction between what is being said and what is being done, people are more likely to trust the nonverbal cues and suspect that the verbal message is insincere or misleading.

Question 20

According to the textbook, an important aspect of a successful group is having a sense of belonging among its members.

Accepted Answer

The textbook states that a sense of belonging is a key element in creating a successful group. When members feel like they are part of the group and have a shared identity, they are more likely to work together effectively and achieve their goals. This sense of belonging can be fostered through activities that encourage collaboration, communication, and mutual support.

Quiz 1: Identifying Foundations of Human Communication