Question 1

In which time period did showing character become an important aspect of the self?

Accepted Answer

During the early industrial period, the concept of "character" as a key aspect of the self gained prominence. This was a time of significant social and economic change, where personal virtues such as hard work, reliability, and integrity became highly valued in the context of emerging industrial capitalism.

Question 2

In the early industrial period:

Accepted Answer

During the early industrial period, the home was often idealized as a refuge from the harsh realities of the industrial world, reflecting the sentiment of being a haven in a heartless world.

Question 3

In the 20th century:

Accepted Answer

In the 20th century, societal and cultural shifts emphasized personal fulfillment, charm, and the importance of communication skills like friendliness and openness, reflecting broader changes in social norms and values.

Question 4

Which of the following is not a perception of poverty culture in the United States, according to Dodd?

Accepted Answer

According to Dodd, a perception of poverty culture in the United States does not typically include viewing the police as allies. This contrasts with other perceptions such as believing in unseen forces controlling destiny, the importance of expressing emotions, and a tendency to spend money immediately rather than saving it.

Question 5

The media perpetuate prejudices by:

Accepted Answer

The media can perpetuate prejudices through sensational writing, limiting minority voices, and reporting minority events from a majority viewpoint, all of which contribute to biased representations and reinforce stereotypes.

Question 6

Ethnocentrism refers to:

Accepted Answer

Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture or group is superior to others. This can manifest in various ways, including the assumption that one's own cultural norms, values, and ways of life are the most correct or desirable.

Question 7

A good example of role-related behavior is:

Accepted Answer

Role-related behavior is influenced by the social positions we occupy, such as our reactions to age, gender, and authority, which are all examples of how societal roles can shape our actions and attitudes.

Question 8

All of the following are dimensions the authors of our text use to describe cultural difference except:

Accepted Answer

The authors of the text describe cultural differences using dimensions such as activity orientation, connections to others, and attitudes toward time. Constraints on communication styles is not listed as a dimension used by the authors to describe cultural differences.

Question 9

In his most recent speech, Senator Williams encouraged his audience to believe that they had control over their own destinies and could accomplish anything. The Senator is probably speaking to members of a:

Accepted Answer

The answer of In his most recent speech, Senator Williams...

Question 10

The phrase "one does not make the wind, but is blown by it" would be attractive to members of a:

Accepted Answer

The phrase suggests a belief in external forces shaping one's life, which aligns with a constraint culture that emphasizes limitations and external influences over personal control.

Question 11

Betsy's culture views her as equal to her peers but values highly her unique musical ability. The values of Betsy's culture can best be described as:

Accepted Answer

Horizontal individualism emphasizes equality among individuals while also valuing individual uniqueness and independence, which aligns with the description of Betsy's culture.

Question 12

Andrew gives a presentation to his classmates that displays a circular, indirect communication pattern. Instead of stating his thesis at the beginning of his speech, he recites a lengthy narrative that establishes the context for his underlying point. Andrew's communication style would best fit into a:

Accepted Answer

Andrew's communication style, which relies on context and narrative rather than direct statements, is characteristic of high-context cultures. In these cultures, much of the communication is understood through context, non-verbal cues, and the relationship between the speakers, rather than through explicit verbal information.

Question 13

Which of the following is not a factor that Marcyliena Morgan attributes to the development of the African-American verbal style?

Accepted Answer

Marcyliena Morgan, a prominent scholar in the field of African-American language and culture, does not attribute the development of the African-American verbal style to the rejection of traditional African communication styles. Instead, she emphasizes the adaptation and transformation of African styles of interaction, the impact of historical segregation and enforced interaction rules, and the influence of urbanization and popular culture in shaping a national black youth identity.

Question 14

Avoidance of direct eye contact by a Latino/a can be used to signify:

Accepted Answer

In Latino/a culture, avoiding direct eye contact can be a sign of respect and attentiveness, especially towards authority figures or elders.

Question 15

All of the following are possible correct interpretations of the silence of a Native American except:

Accepted Answer

Silence in Native American cultures is often interpreted as a sign of respect, thoughtfulness, or ambiguity, reflecting a moment of consideration or the complexity of a situation. However, interpreting silence as assurance is not typically aligned with Native American cultural interpretations, making it the exception.

Question 16

As a general rule, Americans tend to value objectivity, rationality, and concreteness in communication.

Accepted Answer

Americans typically value clear, direct communication that is based on facts and logic, reflecting a cultural preference for objectivity, rationality, and concreteness.

Question 17

Compared to people from other countries, Americans place little value on the accumulation of material goods.

Accepted Answer

Americans are often characterized by a high value placed on consumerism and the accumulation of material goods, reflecting a significant aspect of American culture and economic behavior.

Question 18

Because Americans believe in effort-optimism, they also believe that if people fail it is their own fault.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Because Americans believe in effort-optimism, they also...

Question 19

Americans are too individualistic to be conformists.

Accepted Answer

While American culture emphasizes individualism, Americans can still exhibit conformist behaviors in various aspects of society, such as following social norms, trends, and the influence of majority opinions.

Question 20

Americans value individuality and self-reliance.

Accepted Answer

American culture highly values individualism and the concept of self-reliance, emphasizing personal freedom, autonomy, and a distinct sense of individual identity.

Quiz 13: Interpersonal Communication Culture and Change