Fundamentals of Communication Final Exam

Which of the following is true about the interaction that occurs during a formal interview? a. At least one person has a serious, predetermined reason for participating b. The conversation does not have a specific purpose c. All participants know the questions ahead of time d. All participants know the responses to the questions ahead of time

a. At least one person has a serious, predetermined reason for participating

Which of the following is an effective guideline for expressing messages clearly? a. State your main idea using high-level abstractions, then illustrate with low-level abstractions b. In most cases, it is best to talk only in low-level abstractions c. Use specialized jargon when you are talking with persons outside your profession d. You can help others understand your meaning by using equivocal terms

a. State your main idea using high-level abstractions, then illustrate with low-level abstractions

In which of the following situations would it be the best to call a meeting rather than send a memo? a. The information that is being communicated is controversial b. Some key people are not available to attend the meeting c. Members do not have the time to prepare for the meeting d. The reason for meeting would be routine (e.g. reading progress reports

a. The information that is being communicated is controversial

The conclusion of a presentation should consist of: a. a review and closing statement b. challenging your audience and listing your references c. an appeal for action and at least one new piece of information supporting that appeal d. a joke and a closing statement

a. a review and closing statement

A "low level abstraction" is: a. a specific, concrete statement that refers to observable objects or events b. a mathematical concept c. an element of equivocal speaking d. a legal brief

a. a specific, concrete statement that refers to observable objects or events

Which of the following types of statements is likely to promote a supportive climate? a. descriptive statements expressed in "I" language b. statements that focus on identifying who is to blame for a problem c. indifference to coworkers' needs and challenges d. conversations in which both parties accuse the other

a. descriptive statements expressed in "I" language

In the Model of Communication, the "sender" refers to a person who is: a. encoding ideas into words or nonverbals b. interpreting words and gestures c. buying a stamp for a letter d. bilingual

a. encoding ideas into words or nonverbals

Which types of story can be used to not only add interest, but also as proof of your point? a. factual b. hypothetical c. fictional d. fantasy

a. factual

Loretta is a member of a small research team that is working on developing a vaccine for swine flu. Once a week, team members meet to share their most recent findings. These gatherings illustrate the ________ function of meetings. a. information-sharing b. problem-solving c. decision-making d. ritual activity

a. information-sharing

Communication is: a. irreversible b. reversible c. avoidable d. a panacea

a. irreversible

The statement: "Time is money, so it should be rationed carefully" reflects a ________ orientation towards time. a. monochronic b. deicitc c. polychronic d. costly

a. monochronic

A reverse question: a. occurs when a member asks the leader of the group a question, and the leader turns it back to the person asking the question b. occurs when the leader refers to a question asked by one member of the group c. is directed to the group as a whole d. is aimed at no particular group member

a. occurs when a member asks the leader of the group a question, and the leader turns it back to the person asking the question

You enter the interview room and sit down before a group of eight interviewers, each of whom will ask you two questions. This interview is being conducted in a(n) ________ format. a. panel b. stress c. audition d. work team

a. panel

According to the functional perspective, a group's ________ functions are those that support cooperative and harmonious relationships. a. relational b. task c. interdependent d. self-centered

a. relational

Your specific goal should: a. set forth a realistic reaction you want from your audience b. point to a general focus c. explain which organization pattern you will be using d.describe lofty outcomes

a. set forth a realistic reaction you want from your audience

A common communication behavior in cultures that avoid conflict is: a. sparing others from unpleasant information b. hitting the table to emphasize a point c. clearly saying "no" if you don't support a proposal d. embarrassing others in public

a. sparing others from unpleasant information

The definition for a formal communication network is: a. system designed by management that determines who talks to whom to get a job done b. management by walking around c. downward communication d. interacting with people who share your career interests

a. system designed by management that determines who talks to whom to get a job done

The style approach to studying leadership explored: a. the impact of a leader's communication method on the group's effectiveness b. inborn traits of leaders c. conditions that might require different types of leadership d. functional leadership

a. the impact of a leader's communication method on the group's effectiveness

Your text states that communication is a process. This means that: a. to understand communication, we need to examine the context in which it occurs b. effective communication is efficient c. every message we send is an isolated event d. communication is avoidable

a. to understand communication, we need to examine the context in which it occurs

Which of the following is NOT an example of downward communication? a. A supervisor explains to an employee why a new set of procedures is being implemented b. An employee talks to a coworker in a sneering type of voice c. The CEO of a company presents a motivational speech to all the sales representatives d. The HR manager gives a presentation to her staff about a new procedure

b. An employee talks to a coworker in a sneering type of voice

The role of the receiver is to: a. send messages b. attach meaning to words they hear c. encode messages d. act as a messenger

b. attach meaning to words they hear

Sheila was interviewing for her first job as a kindergarten teacher. Her interviewer took her into a kindergarten class and asked her to take over as the teacher for 20 minutes. Shelia was experiencing a(n) ________ interview. a. panel b. audition c. behavioral d. stress

b. audition

If you paraphrased another person's information to verify that you have accurately noted the facts, which type of paraphrasing technique would you be using? a. intent b. content c. structural d. feeling

b. content

Networking refers to: a. tennis tournaments run by the organization b. developing contacts to gain career information and to help others in their careers c. paying more attention to your boss than to your administrative assistant d. comparing several software programs and selecting the best one

b. developing contacts to gain career information and to help others in their careers

What type of questions would most likely encourage comments from normally quiet people? a. overhead questions b. direct questions c. reverse questions rephrased as overhead questions d. relay questions

b. direct questions

To conclude your speech effectively, you should: a. walk quickly away from the lectern as the audience is clapping b. drop the pitch of your voice to signal you've finished your remarks c. shrug your shoulders and shuffle off d. look down at your notes and say "Well, I guess that's about it"

b. drop the pitch of your voice to signal you've finished your remarks

Which of the following is NOT one of the typical advantages of working in a group? a. accuracy b. efficiency c. productivity d. enthusiasm

b. efficiency

A specialized technical form of vocabulary that allows professionals to communicate about issues important to their field is referred to as: a. ambiguous language b. jargon c. high-level language d. equivocal terms

b. jargon

The process in which two or more parties discuss specific proposals to obtain a mutually acceptable agreement is known as: a. conflict manipulation b. negotiation c. compromising d. conflict agreement

b. negotiation

Jules takes time to chat with his friends at the beginning of the meeting, even though it means the meeting will start late. Jules' sociability illustrates a ________ time orientation. a. monochronic b. polychronic c. central standard d. disrespectful

b. polychronic

When an interviewer introduces a new topic area, she is using a: a. turn-taking question b. primary question c. secondary question d. leading question

b. primary question

Josie was so angry that she didn't even hear her brother's apology. Which type of noise hindered Josie's ability to accurately decode her brother's message? a. physical b. psychological c. physiological d. external

b. psychological

One characteristic of a feminine style of communication is: a. instrumentality b. rapport talk c. report talk d. assertiveness

b. rapport talk

An effective extemporaneous presentation: a. is written out word-for-word in advance b. should be carefully prepared and rehearsed several times, but not memorized c. is given without the use of notes d. will be delivered using exactly the same words over and over again

b. should be carefully prepared and rehearsed several times, but not memorized

Having mental "spare time" while listening is the result of: a. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) b. speech rates of 125 words per minute and thought rates of 500 words per minute c. our inability to process information as quickly as a speaker can talk d. the hectic pace of the business place today

b. speech rates of 125 words per minute and thought rates of 500 words per minute

According to the functional perspective, specific interactions that focus on the job at hand are know as ________ functions. a. transactional b. task c. social d. symmetrical

b. task

One good reason to take an avoidant approach to conflict is: a. you realize the goal you originally wanted isn't a good idea after all b. to let others cool down temporarily before tackling the issue c. harmony and stability are worth looking for d. both sides want a fair solution, but time is short

b. to let others cool down temporarily before tackling the issue

Which of the following is NOT one of the elements of the communication process described in the text? a. noise b. topic c. channel d. feedback

b. topic

Language that sets off an intense emotional reaction in a listener is referred to as: a. jargon b. trigger words c. ambiguous words d. equivocal speech

b. trigger words

Which of the following statements best summarizes the overall format for organizing your presentation? a. Tell your audience whatever comes to your mind in the moment b. Don't tell the audience what's really on your mind c. Tell them what you're going to tell them; then tell them; then tell them what you told them d. Tell them so well that you don't have to tell them again

c. Tell them what you're going to tell them; then tell them; then tell them what you told them

When you are listening to evaluate, which of the following factors should cause you to hesitate about accepting the speaker's proposal? a. The speaker uses valid evidence b. The speaker has good credentials concerning this topic c. The speaker is emotionally involved with the topic they are trying to persuade you about d. The speaker backs up their claims with several well-researched examples

c. The speaker is emotionally involved with the topic they are trying to persuade you about

A guideline for giving praise effectively is: a. Give praise as frequently as possible b. Wait until someone has done a task perfectly to give praise, because praising a person's steps of progress is insincere c. Use specific compliments that help the receiver recognize the exact behaviors you appreciate d. Praise people only when they are present; don't share compliments about people who are not present

c. Use specific compliments that help the receiver recognize the exact behaviors you appreciate

Which is NOT a true statement about visual aids? a. A professional display of visuals can enhance your professional image b. Effective visuals can make your information more memorable c. Visuals often reduce listener recall d. Visuals can help you explain complicated statistics

c. Visuals often reduce listener recall

A "high level abstraction" is: a. a specific, concrete statement that refers to observable objects or events b. Broussard's Law of Physics c. a broad, general statement d. an unequivocal message

c. a broad, general statement

If you only had a specific amount of time to present your ideas, when would be the most appropriate time for the audience to ask questions? a. before the presentation b. during the presentation c. after the presentation d. after all the other speakers have presented their material

c. after the presentation

The trait approach to the study of leadership: a. emphasizes laissez-faire leadership b. is a contingency approach c. attempts to identify characteristics possessed by leaders d. can easily predict which group member would make the best leader

c. attempts to identify characteristics possessed by leaders

According to research cited in the text, the impact of a presentation is greater if the material is presented: a. orally only b. visually only c. both visually and orally d. it doesn't make any difference whether the material is presented orally, visually, or both

c. both visually and orally

An introduction should: a. analyze your audience b. provide numerous details about your main points c. capture the attentions of your audience, state your thesis, and preview your main points d. list all the research sources you used to get information for your speech

c. capture the attentions of your audience, state your thesis, and preview your main points

Which of the following types of questions restricts the interviewee's response most? a. open b. hypothetical c. closed d. opinion

c. closed

Which of the following is the responsibility of the interviewee? a. control and focus the conversation b. use secondary questions to probe for important information c. cover your own agenda d. glance at your watch frequently to be sure you aren't taking too long on any one topic

c. cover your own agenda

Which of the following terms represents the belief that your ideas are more important than other people's ideas? a. preoccupation b. false assumption c. egocentrism d. ignorance

c. egocentrism

Which of the following is the most appropriate type of question if you want to acquire information that you believe might be risky or embarrassing? a. risky b. counterfeit c. indirect d. manipulative

c. indirect

The three main parts of a speech are: a. attention getter; thesis; preview b. preview; view; review c. introduction; body; conclusion d. point 1; point 2; point 3

c. introduction; body; conclusion

When your text states that communication is unavoidable. it means that: a. if you're absent from a meeting, you are not communicating at all b. all communication is unintentional c. people will probably attach meaning to your actions, even when you don't intend to communicate something d. true communication occurs only when we are face to face with another person

c. people will probably attach meaning to your actions, even when you don't intend to communicate something

Informal communication includes all of the following except: a. the grapevine b. a comment about your boss that you overhear as you walk down the hall c. performance appraisals d. conversations around the water cooler

c. performance appraisals

The fact that a receiver can process information faster than a sender can speak affects which of the following barriers to effective listening? a. attitudinal b. sociocultural c. physiological d. environmental

c. physiological

One constructive, non-defensive way to effectively respond to criticism directed at you is to: a. avoid the person who is criticizing b. be sharp enough to verbally counterattack c. seek more information d. disagree with the criticism whether the critique is true or not

c. seek more information

If you find it difficult to listen patiently when you are believe that people are not efficient or are not promptly getting to the point during conversations, which listening style preference would you be using? a. relational b. analytical c. task-oriented d. critical

c. task-oriented

Which of the following statements about gender differences in listening is true? a. In the workplace, men and women are listened to with an equal amount of attention b. In most cases, women are better listeners than men are c. Men use vocalizers such as "uh-huh" to signal they are paying attention to the speaker d. Women tend to listen to the feelings behind a message, while men tend to listen to the content of a message

d. Women tend to listen to the feelings behind a message, while men tend to listen to the content of a message

A "BFQQ" is: a. a polite form letter sent to job candidates to let them know they were not selected for the job b. a type of resume that is scanned by computers c. a type of performance appraisal that focuses on behavior, fundamentals, occupational requirements, and quotas d. a type of question that is legally permissible in a job interview because it focuses on job-related factors

d. a type of question that is legally permissible in a job interview because it focuses on job-related factors

Which types of story can be used to add interest to a presentation? a. factual b. hypothetical c. fictional d. all of the above

d. all of the above

Filler words such as "like," "you know," "umm," and "yeah,": a. reduce your credibility b. are viewed negatively by older generations c. can reduce your chances of getting hired d. all of these are consequences of using filler words

d. all of these are consequences of using filler words

Supporting material that explains the unfamiliar by comparing it to the familiar is called a(n): a. example b. story c. statistic d. analogy

d. analogy

During his employment interview, Chen was asked several times to describe challenges he had encountered on his last job and to explain how he handled them. Chen was experiencing a(n) ________ interview. a. panel b. audition c. experiential d. behavioral

d. behavioral

An advantage of "powerful" speech is that it: a. sounds considerate b. helps the speaker achieve relational goals c. tends to create a sense of good will d. creates an impression that you are a good person with authority and conviction

d. creates an impression that you are a good person with authority and conviction

Which of the following terms represents words that have more than one common meaning? a. annotative b. judicious c. jargon d. equivocal

d. equivocal

Your text describes all of the following methods of delivering a presentation except: a. extemporaneous b. impromptu c. manuscript d. informal

d. informal

If you make a mistake while you're delivering a presentation, it is best to: a. remind the audience that nobody is perfect b. correct every minor slip you may make c. apologize for your nervousness d. just keep speaking, correcting only obvious mistakes

d. just keep speaking, correcting only obvious mistakes

Which type of question is the following: "What is your opinion about our new benefits package?" a. indirect b. closed c. factual d. open

d. open

According to your text, which of the following is the best way to approach conflict? a. collaboration b. accommodation c. compromise d. the best choice of method varies according to the circumstances

d. the best choice of method varies according to the circumstances

The preferred means of dealing with conflict is to: a. remain silent b. talk about the conflict directly and openly c. avoid clear expressions of disagreement d. the preferred means of dealing with conflict varies across cultural groups

d. the preferred means of dealing with conflict varies across cultural groups

When you are using parliamentary procedure, to introduce a motion means: a. to call the meeting to a close b. to decide to vote on an issue c. to give floor to a new speaker d. to introduce a specific proposal for action

d. to introduce a specific proposal for action

A subordinate makes suggestions to her supervisor about ways to improve work conditions. This is an example of: a. downward communication b. social communication c. horizontal communication d. upward communication

d. upward communication

Which is generally the most advantageous negotiation style for all parties involved? a. win-lose b. lose-lose c. compromise d. win-win

d. win-win