Test Bank Ch13 Communication Climate

Chapter 13: Communication Climate

Test Bank

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 1

1) Romances, friendships, and families—just like neighborhoods, cities, and countries—have different communication climates, defined by their __________.

Feedback: A communication climate refers to a relationship’s social tone, how people feel about and treat each other.

Page reference: 13.1 What is a Communication Climate?

a.metacommunication

b.problem orientation

c.social tone

d.content messages

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 2

2) In what way is a communication climate unlike the weather?

Feedback: People can change their communication climate, but they can’t change the weather.

Page reference: 13.1 What is a Communication Climate?

a.Communication climates affect most people exposed to them.

b.Communication climates can change over time.

c.A relationship can be overcast at one time and sunny at another.

d.People can change their communication climates.

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 3

3) What has research about cyberbullying established?

Feedback: Cyberbullying has a variety of negative consequences.

Page reference: 13.2 How Communication Climates Develop?

a.Cyberbullying has been linked to poor academic performance, depression, withdrawal, drug and alcohol abuse, and even suicide.

b.Grade, or elementary, school is the peak period for cyberbullying.

c.Few schools or companies have policies that can help provide protection against cyberbullying.

d.Victims of cyberbullying are far more likely to tell adults about online harassment than their friends.

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 4

4) When you exclaim to your brother, “You’re such a loser,” he laughs at your affectionate teasing, although a bystander might assume your comment was critical. This illustrates how the interpretation of a message as confirming or disconfirming is __________.

Feedback: A message that may sound unsupportive to an outsider can be intended and received as supportive within an interpersonal relationship.

Page reference: 13.2 How Communication Climates Develop?

a.objective

b.subjective

c.provisional

d.evaluative

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 5

5) What type of message essentially says, “You don’t matter,” “You’re not important,” or “You don’t exist”?

Feedback: Disconfirming communication signals a lack of regard.

Page reference: 13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

a.Confirming

b.Disconfirming

c.Aggressive

d.Assertive

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 6

6) Rank the following kinds of confirming messages from most to least positive.

Feedback: Endorsement is the strongest type of confirming message, recognition is the least, and acknowledgment is somewhere in between.

Page reference: 13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

a.Acknowledgment, Endorsement, Recognition

b.Recognition, Acknowledgment, Endorsement

c.Acknowledgment, Recognition, Endorsement

d.Endorsement, Acknowledgment, Recognition

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 7

7) “That’s the best lecture I’ve heard all year” is a statement that communicates __________.

Feedback: You can verbally endorse others by agreeing with them, offering compliments, or giving praise.

Page reference: 13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

a.endorsement

b.recognition

c.acknowledgment

d.certainty

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 8

8) Positive attributes such as organizational assimilation, communicative competence, and a willingness to confront others when wronged are associated with __________.

Feedback: Argumentativeness—at least in the United States—can coincide with a number of positive attributes.

Page reference: 13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

a.complaining

b.argumentativeness

c.acknowledgment

d.recognition

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 9

9) Unlike __________ messages, __________ messages demean the worth of others and is corrosive to relationships

Feedback: Communication research has linked aggressiveness to a host of negative outcomes such as lowered self-esteem, occupational burnout, juvenile delinquency, depression, violence, and even mortality.

Page reference: 13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

a.argumentative; aggressive

b.aggressive; argumentative

c.disregarding; complaining

d.complaining; disregarding

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 10

10) Ghosting, stonewalling, and the silent treatment are all variations of ____________.

Feedback: Ostracism usually involves exclusion from a group, but it can also take place in one-on-one interaction.

Page reference: 13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

a.argumentativeness

b.aggressiveness

c.ostracism

d.bullying

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 11

11) Phubbing conveys which type of message?

Feedback: Disregard occurs when you treat someone’s messages as unimportant or nonexistent as in the case of phubbing, snubbing others (intentionally or not) while attending to your portable device.

Page reference: 13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

a.Argumentativeness

b.Aggressiveness

c.Complaining

d.Disregard

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 12

12) When you write your instructor to question your essay grade, you are careful to convey respect in your message. As a competent communicator, you do not want to arouse defensiveness, which you understand is __________.

Feedback: Research makes it clear that defensiveness is interactive: All communicators contribute to the climate of a relationship.

Page reference: 13.2.2 Causes and Effects of Defensiveness

a.active

b. reactive

c.interactive

d.proactive

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 13

13) Defensiveness is related to concepts of presenting self and __________.

Feedback: When others are willing to accept and acknowledge important parts of our presenting self, there is no reason to feel defensive. However, when others confront us with face-threatening acts—messages we perceive as challenging the image we want to project—we are likely to resist what they say.

Page reference: 13.2.2 Causes and Effects of Defensiveness

a.face

b.convergence

c.divergence

d.disinhibition

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 14

14) Which request would be best received by an employee at a call center?

Feedback: Changing “Tell me if . . .” to “Can you tell me if . . .” adds only two words—but those words soften the inquiry and make it more of a request than a demand.

Page reference: 13.2.2 Causes and Effects of Defensiveness

a.“Tell me why . . . “

b. “Could you tell me if . . . ?”

c.“I need to know . . .”

d.“I’m unhappy with . . . “

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 15

15) What kind of messages judge another person, usually in a negative way that lacks specifics?

Feedback: A way to offer your thoughts, feelings, and wants without judging the listener, descriptive messages make documented observations that are specific and concrete.

Page reference: 13.3.1 Evaluation versus Description

a.Evaluative

b.Descriptive

c.Strategic

d.Provisional

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 16

16) “I would like more details about your format for the presentation” is what kind of message?

Feedback: A way to offer your thoughts, feelings, and wants without judging the listener, descriptive messages make documented observations that are specific and concrete.

Page reference: 13.3.1 Evaluation versus Description

a.Evaluative

b.Descriptive

c.Strategic

d.Neutral

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 17

17) Descriptive messages often use what kind of language?

Feedback: Descriptive messages often use “I” language, which tends to provoke less defensiveness than “You” language

Page reference: 13.3.1 Evaluation versus Description

a.“I” language

b.“You” language

c.“We” language

d.“They” language

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 18

18) Problem orientation is consistent with which approach to problem solving?

Feedback: In problem-orientation, communicators focus on finding a solution that satisfies both their own needs and those of the others involved.

Page reference: 13.3.2 Control versus Problem Orientation

a.Lose-Win

b. Win-Lose

c.Lose-Lose

d.Win-Win

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 19

19) “Either you increase your sales figures, or you find a new job.” This statement reflects which of Gibb’s categories?

Feedback: Controlling communication occurs when a sender seems to be imposing a solution on the receiver, with little regard for that person’s needs or interests.

Page reference: 13.3.2 Control versus Problem Orientation

a.Problem orientation

b.Provisionalism

c.Description

d.Control

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 20

20) The terms dishonesty and manipulation are associated with which of Gibb’s behaviors?

Feedback: Gibb uses the word strategy to characterize defense-arousing messages in which speakers hide their ulterior motives.

Page reference: 13.3.3 Strategy versus Spontaneity

a.Certainty

b.Strategy

c.Provisionalism

d.Spontaneity

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 21

21) What kind of questions are a form of strategic communication because they try to trap others into desired responses?

Feedback: Counterfeit questions are a form of strategic communication because they try to trap others into desired responses.

Page reference: 13.3.3 Strategy versus Spontaneity

a.Indirect

b.Direct

c.Counterfeit

d.Rhetorical

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 22

22) Blurters tend to be high in ____________.

Feedback: Indiscriminately saying whatever you’re thinking and feeling can have a negative effect on interpersonal communication. Blurters tend to be high in verbal aggressiveness, psychoticism, and neuroticism; they rate low in empathy and perspective taking.

Page reference: 13.3.3 Strategy versus Spontaneity

a.certainty

b.empathy

c.perspective taking

d.verbal aggressiveness

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 23

23) Which attitude is disconfirming because it communicates a lack of concern for the welfare of another and implies that the other person isn’t very important to you?

Feedback: Neutrality is disconfirming because it conveys an attitude of indifference.

Page reference: 13.3.4 Neutrality versus Empathy

a.Neutrality

b.Empathy

c.Certainty

d.Provisionalism

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 24

24) Thinking of someone as a person rather than a number conveys which of Gibb’s positions?

Feedback: A contrast with the indifference of neutrality, empathy demonstrates care for the feelings of another.

Page reference: 13.3.4 Neutrality versus Empathy

a.Neutrality

b.Empathy

c.Certainty

d.Provisionalism

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 25

25) “You’re really foolish enough to believe that?” is a statement conveying which of Gibb’s positions?

Feedback: Superiority involvessending patronizing messages either explicitly or implicitly.

Page reference: 13.3.5 Superiority versus Equality

a.Neutrality

b.Empathy

c.Certainty

d.Superiority

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 26

26) Words such as “perhaps,” “possibly,” and “could” characterize which of Gibb’s approaches?

Feedback: A contrast to certainty, provisionalism is characterized by expressed openness to others’ ideas and opinions.

Page reference: 13.3.6 Certainty versus Provisionalism

a.Empathy

b.Provisionalism

c.Spontaneity

d.Description

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 27

27) Also good for the bottom line, what is the cornerstone of democracy, according to the textbook?

Feedback: Conversation cures, and face-to-face dialogue builds empathy, friendship, and creativity.

Page reference: 13.4 Conversation: From Monologue to Dialogue

a.Face-to-face conversation

b. Multimodality

c.Digital technology

d.Metacommunication

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 28

28) Which of the following is an open question?

Feedback: Open questions are those that can’t be answered in a word or two.

Page reference: 13.4.1 Casual Conversation

a.Do you like your new car?

b. How was the exam?

c. What do you think of the city’s new rules to help prevent the spread of COVID?

d.When will you finish your degree?

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 29

29) You tend to digress and ramble when telling a story. Which guideline for conversation are you overlooking?

Feedback: You should stick to key points when taking your turn in a conversation and try not to get sidetracked.

Page reference: 13.4.1 Casual Conversation

a.Keep it focused.

b. Keep it positive.

c. Keep it interesting.

d.Keep it appropriate.

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 30

30) Which is the best way to keep your contributions to a conversation interesting for your audience?

Feedback: While your passions are important, it’s best to determine what interests your audience or what aspects of your interests they might find most engaging.

Page reference: 13.4.1 Casual Conversation

a.Focus on topics about which you are passionate.

b.Analyze your audience and stick to topics they care about.

c. Avoid oversharing.

d.Keep it appropriate.

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 31

31) Which of the following is a behavioral question that you might be asked in an interview?

Feedback: Rather than asking what you think (e.g., “What are your greatest strengths?”) or what you might do in a hypothetical scenario, an interviewer may ask a behavioral query about what you have actually done in a previous situation.

Page reference: 13.4.1 Casual Conversation

a.Tell me about a time when you experienced conflict with a coworker.

b.What are your greatest strengths?

c. What are your greatest weaknesses?

d.If you were a tree, what kind would you be?

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 32

32) “Was that TMI?” is a question that reflects which feature of competent communication?

Feedback: A feature of competent communication, self-monitoring involves paying attention not only to what you’re saying, but also to how your partner is reacting.

Page reference: 13.4.1 Casual Conversation

a.Self-actualization

b.Self-fulfilling prophecy

c. Self-monitoring

d.Self-esteem

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 33

33) What is the best approach if you’re at a loss for words?

Feedback: You don’t have to be a witty and charming speaker to have a good conversation.Active listening is just as, or even more, important.

Page reference: 13.4.1 Casual Conversation

a.Interrupt the speaker and ask for clarification.

b.Change the topic.

c.Ask a question.

d.Focus on listening.

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 34

34) Although __________ involves politeness, it is more than that, featuring the ability to disagree without disrespect, seek common ground, listen past one’s preconceptions, and teach others to do the same.

Feedback: More than politeness, civility involves claiming and caring for your own identity, needs, and beliefs without degrading the other person.

Page reference: 13.4 Conversation: From Monologue to Dialogue

a.Civility

b. Self-actualization

c. Empathy

d.Accommodation

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 35

35) When you become trapped in a perspective that you’re right, and the other person is wrong, which biological structure might be to blame?

Feedback: The amygdala, which prepares the body for danger, can also produce an uncivilized response in a disagreement.

Page reference: 13.4 Conversation: From Monologue to Dialogue

a.Liver

b.Amygdala

c. Intestines

d.Pancreas

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 13 Question 36

36) What is the primary goal of civil dialogue when conversing about a disagreement?

Feedback: Unlike when facing conflict, the primary goal of civil dialogue is not to solve a problem but rather to discuss differing opinions and beliefs in ways that leave conversationalists with greater mutual understanding.

Page reference: 13.4 Conversation: From Monologue to Dialogue

a.Criticizing the other person’s perspective

b. Accommodating the other person’s needs

c. Establishing a respectful communication climate

d.Solving a problem

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 10 Question 37

37) Communication climate is determined by the degree to which people see themselves as valued.

Feedback: Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 13.2 How Communication Climates Develop

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 10 Question 38

38) In marriage, a confirming climate is the best predictor of marital satisfaction.

Feedback: Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 10 Question 39

39) The interpretation of a message as confirming or disconfirming is objective.

Feedback: Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 10 Question 40

40) Argumentativeness and complaining are two ways to disagree without necessarily being disconfirming.

Feedback: Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 10 Question 41

41) The way you present your ideas makes all the difference in maintaining a positive climate while arguing a point.

Feedback: Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 10 Question 42

42) Defensiveness is only the responsibility of the person who feels threatened.

Feedback: Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 13.2.2 Causes and Effects of Defensiveness

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 10 Question 43

43) Evaluation focuses on behavior that can be changed rather than on personal characteristics that cannot.

Feedback: Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 13.3.1 Evaluation versus Description

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 10 Question 44

44) Descriptive statements can be just as honest as their evaluative counterparts.

Feedback: Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 13.3.1 Evaluation versus Description

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 10 Question 45

45) Problem orientation is often typified by “We” language.

Feedback: Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 13.3.2 Control versus Problem Orientation

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 10 Question 46

46) Spontaneity means blurting out what you’re thinking as soon as an idea comes to you.

Feedback: Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 13.3.3 Strategy versus Spontaneity

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 10 Question 47

47) Empathizing with people requires agreeing with them.

Feedback: Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 13.3.4 Neutrality versus Empathy

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 10 Question 48

48) Good conversationalists take cues about topics that interest the other person.

Feedback: Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 13.4.1 Casual Conversation

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 10 Question 49

49) Staying aware means being hypervigilant and hypercritical.

Feedback: Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 13.4.1 Casual Conversation

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 10 Question 50

50) It’s best to enter a conversation with the goal of understanding, not trying to change the other person’s mind.

Feedback: Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 13.3.3 Strategy versus Spontaneity

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 10 Question 51

51) Metacommunication should be avoided in civil dialogue.

Feedback: Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 13.3.4 Neutrality versus Empathy

a. True

b. False

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 10 Question 52

52) How does confirming communication differ from disconfirming communication?

Feedback: Confirming communication describes either direct or indirect messages that convey valuing. By contrast, disconfirming communication signals a lack of regard.

Page reference:13.2 How Communication Climates Develop

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 10 Question 53

53) How can you verbally endorse others?

Feedback: You can verbally endorse others by agreeing with them, offering compliments, or giving praise.

Page reference:13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 10 Question 54

54) What are 2 types of disagreeing messages?

Feedback: Argumentativeness and complaining are 2 types of disagreeing messages.

Page reference:13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 10 Question 55

55) Identify 3 types of disconfirming messages.

Feedback: Disregard, aggressiveness, and ostracism are 3 types of disconfirming messages.

Page reference:13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 10 Question 56

56) What are 5 principles of casual conversation?

Feedback: Introduce yourself, ask and listen, reciprocate, take your turn, and stay aware and adapt are 5 principles of casual conversation.

Page reference:13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 10 Question 57

57) When you are taking your turn to speak in casual conversation, what should you keep in mind?

Feedback: Keep it focused, short, interesting, and appropriate.

Page reference:13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 10 Question 58

58) What is the STAR method, and what does it stand for?

Feedback: STAR is an effective method of storytelling when asked a behavioral question in a job interview. It stands for Situation/Task, Action, and Result.

Page reference:13.2.1 Levels of Message Confirmation

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 10 Question 59

59) Describe the effects of confirming messages on children, students, and married couples, according to research on this topic.

Feedback:

• Children who feel confirmed have more open communication with their parents, higher self-esteem, and lower levels of stress.
• Confirming communication by teachers has been shown to enhance in-class participation, particularly from students who are apprehensive about talking
• A confirming climate is also important in marriage, where it is the best predictor of marital satisfaction.
• Marriage researcher John Gottmansuggests that couples who have five times as many positive interactions as negative ones (e.g., more touching, smiling, laughing, and paying compliments) are likely to have happy and successful relationships.
• If children see their parents regularly engage in confirming communication with each other, they are likely to replicate those patterns in their own romantic relationships.

Page reference:13.2 How Communication Climates Develop

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 10 Question 60

60) Identify and define Gibb’s categories of defense-provoking versus supportive behaviors.

Feedback:

1. Evaluation versus Description: Evaluation judges another person, usually in a negative way. Description is a way to offer your thoughts, feelings, and wants without judging the listener.
2. Control versus Problem Orientation:Controlling communication occurs when senders impose a solution on receivers with little regard for their needs or interests. In problem orientation, communicators focus on finding a solution that satisfies both their own needs and those of the others involved.
3. Strategy versus Spontaneity: Strategy involves defense-arousing messages in which speakers hide their ulterior motives. Spontaneity is being honest with others rather than manipulating them.
4. Neutrality versus Empathy: Neutrality describes defensive-provoking behavior that conveys indifference. Empathy exhibits concern for another’s feelings.
5. Superiority versus Equality: Superiority sends patronizing messages either explicitly or implicitly. Equality messages treat another with respect and avoid conveying superiority even if the sender has superior skills or talents.
6. Certainty versus Provisionalism: Certainty conveys a know-it-all attitude that demonstrates a lack of regard for others.With provisionalism, people express openness to others’ ideas and opinions.

• Page reference: 13.3 Creating Supportive Climates

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 10 Question 61

61) Describe the 10 guidelines for civil communication.

Feedback:

• Come with the goal of learning. It’s best to enter a conversation with the goal of understanding, not trying to change the other person’s mind.
• Ask for clarification. Try to better understand the other person’s position. Use the skills of questioning and paraphrasing.
• Find common ground.If you look, you might be surprised to discover areas of agreement. Find ways to genuinely say, “You’re right” and “I agree.”
• Acknowledge and empathize. Remember that you can acknowledge the other’s position without agreeing with it.
• Keep a civil tone. How you say something is as important as what you say.
• Talk about your communication. Metacommunication can be a useful discussion tool.
• Take responsibility. “I” language signals ownership of your thoughts and feelings.
• Allow both parties equal time. It’s important to have a fair dialogue where both parties have a chance to hear and be heard.
• Consider a time out. If the conversation becomes overheated, calm things down by proposing a break.
• Choose the time and place. Holiday meals and work-related functions are two of many wrong occasions for tackling tough topics.

Page reference: 12.3.3 Toxic Conflict: The “Four Horsemen”