Q1 Which of the following best describes “assertive communication”?
a) Dominating the conversation
b) Expressing thoughts respectfully and confidently
c) Avoiding direct eye contact
d) Agreeing with others to avoid conflict
Answer: b) Expressing thoughts respectfully and confidently
Explanation: Assertive communication involves expressing one’s opinions, feelings, beliefs, and desires openly and honestly, while also considering the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
Q2 “Proxemics” is the study of:
a) Proximity of planets
b) People’s use of space in communication
c) Professional behaviors in different cultures
d) Production mechanics
Answer: b) People’s use of space in communication
Explanation: Proxemics refers to the study of how space is used in human communication and how different distances can reflect cultural expectations or personal preferences.
Q3 Which element in the communication process represents the transformation of ideas and thoughts into a code?
a) Channel
b) Receiver
c) Encoding
d) Decoding
Answer: c) Encoding
Explanation: Encoding involves converting a message into codes understandable to others, such as language, gestures, or symbols, which is essential for the transmission of the idea from the sender to the receiver.
Q4 In the context of communication, what does “low-context” mean?
a) The message is implicit, and understanding depends on non-verbal cues and the relationship between communicators.
b) The message is explicit, and the information is primarily conveyed through precise words.
c) Communication that takes place in a lower physical location
d) Using low technology for communication
Answer: b) The message is explicit, and the information is primarily conveyed through precise words.
Explanation: In low-context communication, the message is direct, and the majority of the information is contained explicitly in the words. It doesn’t rely heavily on the surrounding context or the existing relationships between communicators.
Q5 The “halo effect” in communication refers to:
a) Focusing solely on the message’s positive aspects
b) The tendency to allow one trait, either good or bad, to overshadow others
c) A light surrounding an excellent communicator
d) The use of angelic metaphors in communication
Answer: b) The tendency to allow one trait, either good or bad, to overshadow others
Explanation: The “halo effect” is a cognitive bias where the perception of one dominant trait (positive or negative) greatly influences overall opinions or feelings about a person.
Q6 What is “metacommunication”?
a) Communication about computers
b) Communication about other people
c) Communication about communication
d) Communication using metaphors
Answer: c) Communication about communication
Explanation: Metacommunication refers to the messages that accompany verbal or nonverbal communication that help clarify or interpret the primary message. Essentially, it’s communicating about how one’s message should be understood.
Q7 “Euphemism” is a communication tool used to:
a) Convey excitement
b) Refer to something indirectly to soften the message
c) Provide a very clear and direct message
d) Amplify the importance of a message
Answer: b) Refer to something indirectly to soften the message
Explanation: A euphemism involves the use of a milder or vaguer word or expression to replace another word or phrase that might be considered harsh, blunt, or unpleasant.
Q8 What does the term “feedback” signify in the context of communication?
a) The original message sent by the sender
b) A meal eaten before a meeting
c) The receiver’s response or reaction to the sender’s message
d) The technology used in communication
Answer: c) The receiver’s response or reaction to the sender’s message
Explanation: Feedback is the return of information about the result of a process or activity; an evaluative response. In communication, it’s the receiver’s response to the sender’s message, giving insight into how the message was interpreted and whether further clarification is required.
Q9 In communication studies, what does “noise” refer to?
a) Loud sounds only
b) Unwanted disturbances that interfere with the transmission of a message
c) Irrelevant conversation
d) The sound that occurs when people are happy
Answer: b) Unwanted disturbances that interfere with the transmission of a message
Explanation: “Noise” refers to any external or internal interference in the communication process that impedes the clear sending or reception of a message. It can be physical (like a loud environment), psychological (like stress), or semantic (like jargon).
Q10 What role does “empathy” play in effective communication?
a) It encourages one to speak more than listen
b) It involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another
c) It makes communication more formal
d) It has no significant role in communication
Answer: b) It involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another
Explanation: Empathy, or the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, plays a crucial role in effective communication. It helps in establishing a connection between the communicators, thereby fostering a more open and honest conversation.
