Test Bank

Chapter 8: Nonverbal communication and culture

Multiple choice questions

1. Territoriality, or how an individually permanently or temporarily claims space. Which of the following is associated with territoriality?

a. kinesics

b. chronemics

c. proxemics

d. haptics

2. The social zone of personal space, as described by Edward Hall, is influenced by culture. Which of the following interaction is categorized under the study of personal space?

a. interpersonal communication or didactic encounters

b. public speaking or formal speaking situations

c. social gatherings, work settings and business transactions

d. intimate communication such a comforting, protecting or lovemaking

3. We use nodding and smiling as nonverbal codes during conversations. Which of the following function do such nonverbal codes perform?

a. accenting the verbal message

b. regulating verbal communication

c. substituting the verbal message

d. repeating the verbal message

4. In a situation where the verbal and nonverbal codes contradict, we tend to believe the message from the nonverbal codes. Which of the following statements is the best explanation for this?

a. Nonverbal behaviour is often performed at a subconscious level and tend to reveal true feelings.

b. Verbal behaviour is more difficult to interpret than nonverbal behaviours.

c. Nonverbal behaviours are universally understood across cultures.

d. People are more likely to make mistakes with verbal behaviours.

5. The loudness of our speech is a type of nonverbal behaviour. Which of the following studies vocalization and vocal quality of our speech?

a. olfactics

b. haptics

c. proxemics

d. paralanguage

6. Which of the following statements is TRUE of evolutionary theory of emotion?

a. Expressions of emotion are functionally adaptive.

b. Emotions are not biologically innate.

c. People of some cultures do not possess the ability to express emotions.

d. Facial expressions are one of the least commonly observed nonverbal behaviour.

7. There is a difference between signs and symbols. Which of the following statements best describes symbols?

a. A symbol is an arbitrarily selected and learned stimulus representing something else.

b. . A symbol is often a constituent part of what it represents.

c. Symbols and their referents are universal and not context specific.

d. Symbols are used in nonverbal communication and signs are used in verbal communication.

8. Which of the following best characterizes the complementary function of the nonverbal code?

a. It contradicts what is being said.

b. It replaces the verbal code.

c. It adds information to what is being said.

d. It emphasizes what is being said.

9. Verbal and nonverbal codes are different in a number of ways. Which of the following best describes the difference between verbal and nonverbal codes?

a. Verbal system is based primarily on signs whereas nonverbal system is symbol based.

b. Verbal system is much less restrictive in sending capacity than nonverbal code.

c. Verbal system is governed by a formal grammar whereas nonverbal system is governed by semantics.

d. Verbal codes are always used consciously by people whereas nonverbal codes are always used unconsciously.

10. The study of space, including personal space, fixed and semi-fixed space is called ______.

a. paralanguage

b. haptics

c. proxemics

d. kinesics

11. Nonverbal codes constitute an important part of our daily communication. Kinesics can be organized into five categories. Holding one’s index and middle fingers upward in a V represented victory in World War II. This is an example of which category of kinesic behaviour?

a. illustrator

b. adaptor

c. affect display

d. emblem

12. Which of the following is NOT a function of nonverbal communication, as identified in the chapter?

a. substituting spoken messages

b. repeating verbal messages

c. reinforcing verbal messages

d. confusing verbal messages

Short answer questions

1. Define expectancy violation theory and provide an example to show its application.

2. What is the difference between high-context and low-context cultures, and what is the role of context in high-context and low-context cultures?

3. What does the concept ‘display rules’ mean? Provide an example to explain.

4. What does the concept ‘regulator’ refer to as a nonverbal code?

5. What are the three dimensions of nonverbal behaviour among politicians, as described in the case study of this chapter?