Question 1

Symbols are arbitrary, made-up conventions for representing something, so their meanings are culturally determined or socially constructed.

Accepted Answer

Symbols have no inherent meaning and are assigned meanings by the culture or society in which they are used.

Question 2

The idea that communication can be presentational means that communication is not always neutral.

Accepted Answer

Presentational communication involves using language, visuals, and other elements to shape the message and influence the audience. This means that communication is not always neutral and can be used to persuade or manipulate.

Question 3

Communication is interpreted at both the content and the relational level.

Accepted Answer

Communication not only conveys information but also influences the relationship between the communicators. Therefore, communication is interpreted at both the content (information being conveyed) and the relational level (how the message affects the relationship between the communicators).

Question 4

A communicative 'frame' provides context to help us interpret a message.

Accepted Answer

A communicative frame sets the context for understanding a message by providing information about the speaker, the situation, and the social and cultural norms that guide communication. This context helps us to interpret the meaning of the message and to understand its significance.

Question 5

Explain why the perspective of 'communication as action' is limited in its usefulness.

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

Context has no effect on the meaning of a communicated message.

Accepted Answer

Context plays an important role in determining the meaning of a communicated message. Depending on the context, words or phrases can have different meanings or connotations. For example, the word "bank" can refer to a financial institution, a river bank, or a piece of furniture, depending on the context in which it is used. Therefore, context is crucial in understanding the intended meaning of a message.

Question 7

Relationships affect communication by:

Accepted Answer

Relationships establish expectations for the interpretation of a message. This can include assumptions about tone, context, and meaning based on the nature of the relationship between the communicators. These expectations can either aid or hinder communication depending on how well they align with the actual intended message.

Question 8

Breaking up with someone by sending a text message to him or her is considered as a much more appropriate medium than meeting him or her face-to-face.

Accepted Answer

Breaking up with someone through a text message is generally considered inappropriate and disrespectful. Face-to-face communication allows for a deeper level of understanding and respect in ending a relationship.

Question 9

The perspective of 'communication as action' defines communication as occurring only if information is exchanged between two or more individuals.

Accepted Answer

The 'communication as action' perspective sees communication as the act of sending messages, whether or not they are received or understood, focusing on the transmission rather than the exchange of information.

Question 10

Explain the main difference between "communication as action" and "communication as interaction."

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

Explain how communication can be both representational and presentational.

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Explain why it can be problematic to interpret a symbol correctly in a communicated message.

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

Culture affects communication because:

Accepted Answer

Many cultures have different ways of communicating and interpreting messages based on their background and values. They may take certain knowledge or assumptions for granted, which could lead to misunderstandings or communication breakdowns with individuals from different cultures.

Question 14

Communication takes much for granted, so miscommunication can occur due to sets of assumptions made by communicators.

Accepted Answer

Communication is often based on assumptions and expectations that both parties make, and miscommunication can occur when those assumptions do not match up or are not fully understood by both parties.

Question 15

Describe how social frames function to help people interpret the meaning of a message.

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Explain how context can affect the interpretation of a message.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

Messages cannot be fully understood without knowing:

Accepted Answer

The social and cultural context of the message plays an important role in understanding the meaning and intention behind a message. Without this knowledge, the message may be misinterpreted or misunderstood. While knowing all the facts of an event may be relevant in some cases, it is not always necessary for understanding a message. The number of words in a message is also not a determining factor in understanding it.

Question 18

Assumptions that affect the interpretation of a message can include ideas about:

Accepted Answer

Understanding of power dynamics, race, and relationships all play a crucial role in interpreting a message. Each of these factors can affect the way a message is received and perceived. For example, a message from a person in a position of power may be interpreted differently than the same message from someone without that power. Similarly, messages about race and relationships may be impacted by assumptions and biases that people hold.

Question 19

Communication is simply the literal translation of a message.

Accepted Answer

Communication involves not only transmitting a message but also considering the context, audience, and potential feedback or misunderstandings. It involves the use of language, tone, body language, and other elements to convey meaning effectively. Therefore, communication is not just the literal translation of a message.

Question 20

Signs are consequences or indicators of something specific, which human beings can change by their arbitrary actions or labels.

Accepted Answer

Signs are indicators of something specific, but they are not always subject to change by human actions or labels, as many signs are natural or inherent and not arbitrarily assigned.

Quiz 1: An Overview of Everyday Communication