Deck 5: Listening and Responding Skills

Question 1

If individuals can relate what they are hearing to something with which they are familiar,and if there is similarity between the individuals who are communicating,the chances are greater that which part of the listening process will occur?

A) attending
B) selecting
C) remembering
D) understanding

Answer 1

D

Question 2

We confirm that we are listening by

A) responding.
B) hearing.
C) understanding.
D) selecting.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Typical North Americans spend how much of their communication time each day listening to others?

A) 9%
B) 30%
C) 45%
D) 16%

Answer 3

C

Question 4

When we remember,we are

A) assigning meaning to messages.
B) recalling information.
C) sorting through competing sounds.
D) confirming we understand the message.

Question 5

We are more likely to ________ information featuring humour,new ideas,or real or concrete things.

A) select
B) attend to
C) understand
D) remember

Question 6

Which type of communication activity do we spend the most time doing?

A) speaking
B) reading
C) writing
D) listening

Question 7

The process of understanding is defined as

A) sorting through all the various sounds competing for our attention.
B) focusing on a particular sound or message.
C) assigning meaning to messages.
D) recalling information that has been communicated.

Question 8

When we are attending,we are

A) sorting through all the various sounds competing for our attention.
B) focusing on a particular sound or message.
C) assigning meaning to messages.
D) recalling information that has been communicated.

Question 9

What occurs when sound vibrations reach your eardrum,buzz the middle ear bones,and are translated into electrical impulses?

A) selecting
B) hearing
C) listening
D) responding

Question 10

You are sitting in Professor McLean's class listening to a lecture,when you hear the student behind you talking to her friend about the party to be held at Jake's this Friday.As you sit there taking in details about the party,you are drawn back to Professor McLean when you hear,"And that is what will be on the test Friday." Which stage of the listening process is reflected at the point where you return to hearing what the professor is saying?

A) selecting
B) attending
C) remembering
D) responding

Question 11

You cannot follow the theory of supply and demand until your economics professor relates it to the price of diamond rings.Which part of the listening process has occurred?

A) attending
B) selecting
C) understanding
D) responding

Question 12

When you repeat an assignment to a classmate who was absent from today's lecture,you are engaging in which part of the listening process?

A) selecting
B) remembering
C) attending
D) understanding

Question 13

When you read the interpersonal communication text just before you take your exam,you are depending on which type of memory to get you through the exam?

A) long-term memory
B) focusing on a message
C) short-term memory
D) empathy

Question 14

The communication activity in which people receive most of their training is

A) listening.
B) reading.
C) writing.
D) speaking.

Question 15

The physiological process of decoding sounds is

A) hearing.
B) responding.
C) listening.
D) attending.

Question 16

Every year on your birthday,your parents recount the details of the day you were born.The event is stored in your parents'

A) left brain.
B) right brain.
C) short-term memories.
D) long-term memories.

Question 17

You are selecting when

A) out of all the people talking in the restaurant, you focus on the words of the person with whom you are sharing a table.
B) out of everything your partner says, you focus only on the comments that relate to your food.
C) based on everything your partner says, you conclude the meal is good.
D) you remember that your partner usually enjoys the food at this restaurant.

Question 18

Listening is defined as

A) the physiological process of decoding sounds.
B) the process of sorting through various sounds competing for your attention.
C) the process of focusing on a particular sound or message.
D) the process of selecting, attending to, understanding, and remembering verbal and nonverbal messages.

Question 19

We store almost all the information we hear in our

A) memory.
B) long-term memory.
C) hearing.
D) short-term memory.

Question 20

When you sort through all the various sounds competing for your attention,you are

A) responding.
B) attending.
C) hearing.
D) selecting.

Question 21

Which stage of the listening process is involved when you focus your eyes on your friend,nod your head,and mumble "uh-huh" occasionally as he speaks?

A) selecting
B) remembering
C) attending
D) responding

Question 22

An individual who can hone in on the facts,details,and evidence in a message has a listening style called

A) action-oriented.
B) time-oriented.
C) content-oriented.
D) people-oriented.

Question 23

You grew up in a house where swearing was forbidden.Your roommate uses a lot of foul language,and you find it difficult to have a conversation with her.This is an example of

A) emotional noise.
B) focus on personal agenda.
C) information overload.
D) external noise.

Question 24

Your boss says to you,"Just give me what I need to start the next phase of the job." Your boss is

A) an action-oriented listener.
B) a time-oriented listener.
C) a content-oriented listener.
D) a people-oriented listener.

Question 25

Sandeep is telling his colleague Julia about a project he is working on.He includes a lot of anecdotes and asides.Julia feels impatient,sneaks looks at her watch,and thinks to herself "Why can't he just get to the point?" Julia is probably

A) a content-oriented listener.
B) a time-oriented listener.
C) an action-oriented listener.
D) a people-oriented listener.

Question 26

When you are listening critically to a sales associate explaining the differences between two computers,one of which you intend to purchase,which listening style would be the most desirable to use?

A) action-oriented
B) time-oriented
C) content-oriented
D) people-oriented

Question 27

Bob and Jim are long-time friends who meet regularly on Saturday mornings for a coffee at Starbucks.This Saturday,Jim talks about the birth of his first son and how that will change life with his wife.Bob is probably

A) an action-oriented listener.
B) a time-oriented listener.
C) a content-oriented listener.
D) a people-oriented listener.

Question 28

Responses can be accomplished

A) verbally, but not nonverbally.
B) nonverbally, but not verbally.
C) neither verbally nor nonverbally.
D) either verbally or nonverbally.

Question 29

After 24 hours,we forget __________ of what was said.

A) a third
B) a quarter
C) more than half
D) a fifth

Question 30

You listen to a friend describe an eventful day.Your response,"That was a frustrating day," indicates you are

A) a people-oriented listener.
B) a time-oriented listener.
C) an action-oriented listener.
D) a content-oriented listener.

Question 31

Your roommate becomes so angry in recounting the details of a disagreement that he experienced that it is difficult to understand what is being said.What is interfering with the communication?

A) criticizing the speaker
B) personal agenda
C) information overload
D) emotional noise

Question 32

In your long-term memory,you are most likely to store

A) things of fleeting significance.
B) only items of significance.
C) both insignificant and vital information.
D) a telephone number you have just heard.

Question 33

When a friend tells you about a disagreement she had with a significant other,the details of the disagreement make you so angry that you are unable to listen.You are experiencing

A) emotional noise.
B) criticizing the speaker.
C) information overload.
D) external noise.

Question 34

The job of a stock trader is high pressure and fast paced.A stock trader is probably

A) an action-oriented listener.
B) a time-oriented listener.
C) a content-oriented listener.
D) a people-oriented listener.

Question 35

A listener who is comfortable with and skilled at listening to people's feelings and emotions is

A) a time-oriented listener.
B) an action-oriented listener.
C) a content-oriented listener.
D) a people-oriented listener.

Question 36

When listeners are focused on their own needs rather than those of the speaker,the message is about them.When the speaker has difficulty sustaining the conversation about anything other than the listener's ideas and stories the problem is called

A) information overload.
B) emotional noise.
C) conversational narcissism.
D) criticizing the speaker.

Question 37

If you tend to question the ideas and assumptions underlying a message rather than taking it at face value your preferred listening style is

A) action-oriented.
B) time-oriented.
C) content-oriented.
D) people-oriented.

Question 38

When communicating with others in close relationships

A) we tend to put extra effort into our listening.
B) we take listening shortcuts.
C) we alternate quickly between speaking and listening.
D) we do not differ between listening to friends and strangers.

Question 39

The purpose of responding is to

A) select the message on which you will focus.
B) assigning meaning to messages.
C) let others know you understood their messages.
D) choose the part of a message on which you'll focus.

Question 40

A listener who prefers information that is well organized,brief,and error-free is

A) a people-oriented listener.
B) a time-oriented listener.
C) a content-oriented listener.
D) an action-oriented listener.

Question 41

If you find that you are criticizing the speaker rather than focusing on the message,how can you overcome this barrier?

A) mentally summarize the message
B) focus on the message rather than the messenger
C) eliminate environmental distractions
D) use self-talk to manage emotions

Question 42

Messages generated by computers,cell phones,and other technological devices may create the listening barrier of

A) external noise.
B) personal agenda.
C) information rate.
D) information overload.

Question 43

A listener can process up to how many words per minute?

A) 100-200
B) 300-500
C) 500-600
D) 600-800

Question 44

Distractions,such as newspapers and television,that take your focus away from the message are called

A) external noise.
B) information overload.
C) personal agenda.
D) emotional noise.

Question 45

Match the listening barriers below to the correct method for overcoming the barrier. All listening barriers are used at least once.
Is okay that the matching section is in the middle of the multiple-choice section? Leave it here and I'll find out and move it if needed.
a. Information overload
b. Criticizing the speaker
c. External noise
d. Being self-absorbed
e. Unchecked emotions
f. Differing speech rate and thought rate
Mentally summarize the message.

Question 46

Someone who may look as if he or she is listening but is really just waiting to critique the speaker is a(n)

A) conversational narcissist.
B) self-absorbed listener.
C) ambush listener.
D) passive listener.

Question 47

When you are communicating with someone who is emotionally excited,you should

A) focus on the message.
B) mentally summarize the message.
C) become aware of the self-focus and shift it.
D) remain calm and communicate your interest to the speaker.

Question 48

The average person speaks at a rate of how many words per minute?

A) 75
B) 100
C) 175
D) 125

Question 49

To overcome the listening barrier of external noise

A) become aware of the distraction and shift your attention.
B) eliminate the distraction.
C) use self-talk.
D) mentally summarize the message.

Question 50

Match the listening barriers below to the correct method for overcoming the barrier. All listening barriers are used at least once.
Is okay that the matching section is in the middle of the multiple-choice section? Leave it here and I'll find out and move it if needed.
a. Information overload
b. Criticizing the speaker
c. External noise
d. Being self-absorbed
e. Unchecked emotions
f. Differing speech rate and thought rate
Use self-talk to manage emotions.

Question 51

You recognize that emotional noise is interfering with your efforts to listen.How can you overcome this barrier?

A) focus on the message
B) walk away
C) listen to your emotions
D) confront the speaker

Question 52

If the listener recognizes the difference between speech rate and thought rate,the listener can use the difference in time to

A) focus on the message, not the messenger.
B) summarize what a speaker is saying.
C) take charge of eliminating distractions.
D) become aware of the self-focus and shift attention.

Question 53

A listener could have time to daydream,tune in and out of the message,and allow the appearance of actually listening because of

A) the discrepancy between the ability to receive words and the speed with which they arrive.
B) the wide ranging problem of poor listening.
C) the emotions that may interfere with the speaker providing a clear message.
D) the risk of information overload.

Question 54

The fear of misunderstanding or misinterpreting,or of not being able to adjust psychologically to messages spoken by others,is called

A) emotional noise.
B) ambush listening.
C) listener apprehension.
D) being self-absorbed.

Question 55

When the risk of information overload exists,it's wise to

A) focus on the message, not the messenger.
B) set aside your personal agenda.
C) ask your partner if it is a good time to talk.
D) eliminate distractions from the environment.

Question 56

Which of the following is NOT a true statement about the listening barrier of information overload?

A) We are constantly bombarded with new information.
B) Information overload makes effective communication impossible.
C) Incoming messages from a variety of sources can distract us from listening to each other.
D) Eye contact and facial expression can reveal whether someone is really ready to listen.

Question 57

If you are distracted by the appearance of an individual with whom you are communicating,which barrier is interfering with your listening?

A) information rate
B) focus on personal agenda
C) emotional noise
D) criticizing the speaker

Question 58

Match the listening barriers below to the correct method for overcoming the barrier. All listening barriers are used at least once.
Is okay that the matching section is in the middle of the multiple-choice section? Leave it here and I'll find out and move it if needed.
a. Information overload
b. Criticizing the speaker
c. External noise
d. Being self-absorbed
e. Unchecked emotions
f. Differing speech rate and thought rate
Focus on the message,not the messenger.

Question 59

Match the listening barriers below to the correct method for overcoming the barrier. All listening barriers are used at least once.
Is okay that the matching section is in the middle of the multiple-choice section? Leave it here and I'll find out and move it if needed.
a. Information overload
b. Criticizing the speaker
c. External noise
d. Being self-absorbed
e. Unchecked emotions
f. Differing speech rate and thought rate
Eliminate distractions.

Question 60

Match the listening barriers below to the correct method for overcoming the barrier. All listening barriers are used at least once.
Is okay that the matching section is in the middle of the multiple-choice section? Leave it here and I'll find out and move it if needed.
a. Information overload
b. Criticizing the speaker
c. External noise
d. Being self-absorbed
e. Unchecked emotions
f. Differing speech rate and thought rate
Consciously become aware of your self-focus and shift attention.

Question 61

Which of the following statements is true?

A) Research clearly establishes that women listen better than men do.
B) For the average person, interpersonal listening skills are significantly better than speech listening skills.
C) Verbal messages are the primary way through which we communicate feelings, emotions, and attitudes.
D) When a nonverbal message contradicts a verbal message, we tend to believe the nonverbal message.

Question 62

Mentally summarizing details of a message and weaving the summaries into a series of major ideas are strategies to improve the skill of

A) stopping.
B) decentring.
C) looking.
D) listening.

Question 63

Empathy is defined as

A) thinking about another person's feelings.
B) feeling what another person is feeling.
C) acknowledging another person's feelings.
D) recalling another person's feelings.

Question 64

Knowing why you are listening can help you

A) listen to challenging material.
B) transform listening barriers.
C) determine your listening goal.
D) respond actively.

Question 65

Eye contact

A) tells the listener how to interpret the message.
B) signals your interest in and your attention on the speaker.
C) accounts for 60% of communication.
D) can distract us and prevent us from accurately interpreting the message.

Question 66

When providing useful information to one's partner,it is important to

A) consider the place and time.
B) consider the other person's feelings.
C) include as many details as possible.
D) focus on behaviour.

Question 67

Feedback is most effective when

A) it is given with a smile.
B) it is offered at the earliest opportunity.
C) you wait at least 24 hours to provide it.
D) it is withheld until after the task has been completed.

Question 68

Match the listening barriers below to the correct method for overcoming the barrier. All listening barriers are used at least once.
Is okay that the matching section is in the middle of the multiple-choice section? Leave it here and I'll find out and move it if needed.
a. Information overload
b. Criticizing the speaker
c. External noise
d. Being self-absorbed
e. Unchecked emotions
f. Differing speech rate and thought rate
Realize when you or your partner is distracted.

Question 69

Sara is telling her husband Carl about her day.If Carl is listening passively,he is

A) asking questions.
B) responding with an occasional nod or sound.
C) listening silently with a blank expression.
D) looking Sara in the eye.

Question 70

Limiting the sheer volume of information relayed to one's partner is a part of

A) providing meaningful information.
B) avoiding unnecessary details.
C) timeliness.
D) description.

Question 71

Selecting information that your partner can act on is a part of which responding skill?

A) providing useful information
B) providing well-timed responses
C) being descriptive rather than evaluative
D) avoiding unnecessary details

Question 72

A fact is something that has been directly observed or proven to be true,whereas an inference is

A) a conclusion based on partial information or speculation.
B) something proven to be untrue.
C) something based purely on observation.
D) something that cannot be proven.

Question 73

Which of the following is NOT a step toward empathizing with another person?

A) Establish your conversational objective.
B) Focus on your partner's thoughts.
C) Watch for nonverbal clues to the emotions your partner is experiencing.
D) Listen to the meaning of your partner's words.

Question 74

Listening in which the goal is to assess and evaluate the quality,appropriateness,value,or importance of information is

A) being a "co-narrator."
B) critical listening.
C) understanding your partner's feelings.
D) information triage.

Question 75

The JIT approach to feedback suggests that you

A) provide feedback just before the person might make another mistake.
B) provide feedback just after the person makes another mistake.
C) provide feedback immediately.
D) do not provide feedback until after the task has been completed.

Question 76

The process of evaluating and sorting good information from less useful or valid information is called

A) evaluation.
B) speculating.
C) feedback.
D) information triage.

Question 77

"A cognitive process in which you take into account another person's thoughts,values,and perspectives" is a definition of

A) empathy.
B) sympathy.
C) social decentring.
D) active listening.

Question 78

Listening to entertaining material may NOT be helpful when

A) determining listening goals.
B) transforming listening barriers.
C) desiring to respond actively.
D) trying to sharpen your listening skills.

Question 79

Not focusing on your personal agenda,managing emotional noise,and not criticizing the speaker are ways to

A) set a listening agenda.
B) respond with empathy.
C) paraphrase.
D) turn listening barriers into goals.

Question 80

"Developing an emotional reaction that is similar to the one being experienced by another person" is a definition of

A) empathy.
B) sympathy.
C) social decentring.
D) active listening.