Beebe/Beebe/Ivy Communication: Principles for a Lifetime, 6e Test Bank
1.2 True/False
TB_Q1.41 Personnel managers cite oral communication skills as a top factor in helping
graduating college students obtain employment.
Answer: true
Learning Objective: LO 1.1 Explain why it is important to study communication.
Topic: Why Study Communication?
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
TB_Q1.42 When seeking employment, it is good to know that the top-ranked factor that
human resources professionals desire in applicants is the ability to have experience in
resumé writing.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 1.1 Explain why it is important to study communication.
Topic: Why Study Communication?
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
TB_Q1.43 According to research cited in the textbook, communication plays a role in
maintaining your emotional, but not your physical health.
TB_Q1.44 According to the textbook, a characteristic of competent communication is to
achieve a common understanding of the message.
Answer: true
Learning Objective: LO 1.4 Describe three criteria that can be used to determine whether
communication is competent.
Topic: Communication Competence
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
TB_Q1.45 The other-oriented perspective is essential for a message to achieve its desired
effect.
Answer: true
Learning Objective: LO 1.7 List and explain five fundamental principles of communication.
Topic: Communication Principles for a Lifetime
Difficulty Level: Medium
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q1.46 Context refers to the beliefs, values, and moral principles by which we determine
what is right or wrong.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 1.3 Explain three models of communication.
Topic: Communication Models
Difficulty Level: Medium
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q1.47 Brad is angry with Angie, so while she tells him why she wants to go out to a
specific restaurant for dinner, he sits perfectly still and makes no eye contact with her. In
these ways, Brad is able to confuse Angie by not sending any feedback to her.
TB_Q1.48 Worrisome thoughts that prevent a person from concentrating on what another
person is saying are an example of literal noise.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 1.3 Explain three models of communication.
Topic: Communication Models
Difficulty Level: Medium
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q1.49 According to the textbook, the key problem with the “communication as action”
model of communication is that it overlooks the various channels of communication.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 1.3 Explain three models of communication.
Topic: Communication Models
Difficulty Level: Medium
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q1.50 The simultaneous nature of communication is not considered in the
“communication as transaction” model.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 1.3 Explain three models of communication.
Topic: Communication Models
Difficulty Level: Medium
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q1.51 When Filiberto returns home from his classes, he finds that there are three emails
from his friend Paolo that were sent at various times. These emails illustrate that mediated
communication is synchronous.
TB_Q1.52 The relationship dimension of a message offers cues about the amount of power
and control the speaker directs toward the other person involved in the communication.
TB_Q1.53 Encoding occurs when the receiver interprets words and unspoken signals.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 1.3 Explain three models of communication.
Topic: Communication Models
Difficulty Level: Medium
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q1.54 A nonverbal message may contradict a person’s verbal message.
TB_Q1.55 You spend more time listening than performing any other communication activity.
Answer: true
Learning Objective: LO 1.7 List and explain five fundamental principles of communication.
Topic: Communication Principles for a Lifetime
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
TB_Q1.56 When there is a contradiction between what is being said and what is being done,
verbal messages are more believable than nonverbal messages.
TB_Q1.57 Adapting your message to a listener means you tell them exactly what they want
to hear.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 1.7 List and explain five fundamental principles of communication.
Topic: Communication Principles for a Lifetime
Difficulty Level: Medium
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q1.58 According to the textbook, an important aspect of a successful group is having a
sense of belonging among its members.
TB_Q1.59 Rhetoric refers to the process of using symbols to influence or persuade.
TB_Q1.60 Speaking in front of a large audience is an example of intrapersonal
communication.
1.3 Short Answer
TB_Q1.61 List and explain the three reasons why we study communication as outlined in
the text.
Answer: It is important to study communication in order to improve employability, improve
relationships, and improve physical and emotional health. A survey shows that personnel
managers consider communication skills the top factor in graduating college students obtaining
employment.
Learning Objective: LO 1.1 Explain why it is important to study communication.
Topic: Why Study Communication?
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
TB_Q1.62 What are some types of symbols and how are they used in communication?
Answer: Symbols can be words, sounds, gestures, or visual images that represent thoughts,
concepts, objects, and experiences. A person’s clothing and expressions can relate their attitude
to others.
Learning Objective: LO 1.2 Define communication and describe five characteristics of the
communication process.
Topic: The Communication Process
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
TB_Q1.63 What three criteria should be used to judge communication competence?
Answer: The message should be understood as it was intended. The message should achieve
the intended effect of the communicator. The message should be ethical.
Learning Objective: LO 1.4 Describe three criteria that can be used to determine whether
communication is competent.
Topic: Communication Competence
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
TB_Q1.64 Explain the concept that meaning is co-created.
Answer: According to the textbook, all individuals involved in the communication process shape
how a message is understood by drawing on their own experiences to make sense of the
message. The meaning comes from the hearts and minds of both the sender and receiver of the
message rather than just one or the other.
Learning Objective: LO 1.3 Explain three communication models.
Topic: Communication Models
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
TB_Q1.65 Explain the criteria for ethical communication by defining ethics and
explaining some sources for ethical views.
Answer: Because communication can be used for either honorable or dishonorable objectives, the
authors of the textbook feel that effective communication should go beyond being understood and
accomplishing one’s goals. So, an effective message should also be ethical. Ethics are the beliefs,
values, and moral principles by which we determine what is right or wrong. Precepts for ethical
behavior are communicated through philosophy and religion as well as professional codes of
ethical behavior.
Learning Objective: LO 1.4 Describe three criteria that can be used to determine whether
communication is competent.
Topic: Communication Competence
Difficulty Level: Medium
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
TB_Q1.66 Explain the concept of feedback. What are some possible sources for feedback?
Answer: The communication as interaction model adds the component of feedback which is the
response to the message. Without feedback, communication is less likely to be effective.
Feedback is the response to a message and can be intentional (a verbal response such as a
question or paraphrase or nonverbal response such as applause or a head nod) or unintentional
(such as blushing or a yawn or sigh).
Learning Objective: LO 1.3 Explain three models of communication.
Topic: Communication Models
Difficulty Level: Medium
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q1.67 Explain and give an example of what is meant by the term “context.”
Answer: Context is the environment in which a communication interaction takes place. It may
either be a physical environment, such as the room you are in; an historical environment, such as
your past relationships and culture, or a psychological environment, which would be what is going
on in the minds of the communicators.
Learning Objective: LO 1.3 Explain three models of communication.
Topic: Communication Models
Difficulty Level: Medium
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q1.68 Explain the basic difference between the interaction and transaction models of
communication.
Answer: While it does add the elements of feedback and context, the interaction model of
communication is still a linear, step-by-step process. On the other hand, the communication as
transaction model acknowledges that when we communicate with another, we are constantly
reacting to what our partner is saying and expressing. Interaction is simultaneous. Meaning is
created on the basis of mutual, concurrent sharing of ideas and feelings.
Learning Objective: LO 1.3 Explain three models of communication.
Topic: Communication Models
Difficulty Level: Medium
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
TB_Q1.69 Briefly list and explain the three communication contexts discussed in the text.
Answer: Interpersonal communication is simultaneous communication with another person in an
attempt to mutually influence one another in order to manage relationships. Small-group
communication is interaction among a group of three to fifteen people who share a common
purpose, feel a sense of belonging, and exert influence upon one another. Presentational
communication occurs when a speaker addresses an audience in person for the purpose of
informing, persuading, or entertaining.
Learning Objective: LO 1.6 Identify and explain three communication contexts.
Topic: Communication Contexts
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
TB_Q1.70 Illustrate the concept of impersonal communication.
Answer: Impersonal communication occurs when people are spoken to as objects that respond
only to their roles. For example, when you ask for a glass of water at a restaurant, it is a form of
impersonal communication.
Learning Objective: LO 1.6 Identify and explain three communication contexts.
Topic: Communication Contexts
Difficulty Level: Medium
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
1.4 Fill-in-the-Blank
TB_Q1.71 The process of acting on information is known as _____.
Answer: communication
Learning Objective: LO 1.2 Define communication and describe five characteristics of the
communication process.
Topic: The Communication Process
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
TB_Q1.72 The early models of communication viewed it as a transfer or _____ of
information.
Answer: exchange
Learning Objective: LO 1.3 Explain three models of communication.
Topic: Communication Models
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
TB_Q1.73 The written, spoken, and unspoken elements of communication to which we
assign meaning are called _____.
Answer: messages
Learning Objective: LO 1.3 Explain three models of communication.
Topic: Communication Models
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
TB_Q1.74 Thoughts, worries, and feelings that distract us from the communication
process are called _____.
Answer: psychological noise
Learning Objective: LO 1.3 Explain three models of communication.
Topic: Communication Models
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
TB_Q1.75 The communication as interaction perspective added two dimensions to the
study of communication that were not a part of the communication as action model. Those
two are _____, which is a response to a message, and _____, which is the communication
environment.
Answer: feedback; context
Learning Objective: LO 1.3 Explain three models of communication.
Topic: Communication Models
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q1.76 _____ communication often occurs when a time delay occurs between the
sending of an email message and the receipt or reading of that message.
Beebe/Beebe/Ivy Communication: Principles for a Lifetime, 6e Test Bank
Answer: Asynchronous
Learning Objective: LO 1.5 Describe the nature of communication in the 21st century.
Topic: Communication in the 21st Century
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q1.77 Rules that are not specifically spelled out are called _____ rules.
Answer: implicit
Learning Objective: LO 1.2 Define communication and describe five characteristics of the
communication process.
Topic: The Communication Process
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
TB_Q1.78 A followable prescription that indicates what behavior is obligated, expected,
preferred, or prohibited in a specific situation is a _____.
Answer: rule
Learning Objective: LO 1.2 Define communication and describe five characteristics of the
communication process.
Topic: The Communication Process
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
TB_Q1.79 Communication that occurs within yourself is referred to
as _____ communication.
Answer: intrapersonal
Learning Objective: LO 1.7 List and explain five fundamental principles of communication.
Topic: Communication Principles for a Lifetime
Difficulty Level: Medium
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q1.80 To be _____ is to consider the needs, motives, desires, and goals of our
communication partners while still maintaining our integrity.
Answer: other-oriented
Learning Objective: LO 1.7 List and explain five fundamental principles of communication.
Topic: Communication Principles for a Lifetime
Difficulty Level: Medium
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q1.81 Small group communication via a webinar is an example of _____
communication.
Answer: virtual
Learning Objective: LO 1.6 Identify and explain three communication contexts.
Topic: Communication Contexts
Difficulty Level: Medium
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
1.5 Essay Questions
TB_Q1.82 Explain why it is useful to study interpersonal communication. Use examples
taken from the life of a typical college student to illustrate the points you make.
Answer: Studying interpersonal communication may help us improve our relationships with family,
friends, and colleagues, and improve our own physical and mental health. The communication of
our family helps to shape our self-concept and to influence how we interact with others. If our
parents have been patient and supportive, we will likely have a positive self-concept and treat
others with patience and support. Outside of our family, developing friendships and loving
relationships with others is a major source of satisfaction and happiness for the individual. Friends
and lovers can help us weather stressful situations and provide guidance in times of decision.
Being able to establish supportive and caring relationships with others is vital to our overall well-
being. Even though we do not always have a choice in our professional relationships, we can help
to improve those relationships to make our jobs easier. Effective interpersonal communication can
help us manage conflict, improve problem solving, and generate a less stressful environment. We
also know that loneliness can have disastrous effects on a person’s health. People who feel alone
and alienated are more prone to stress-related diseases, depression, and even death. Strong
relationships with caring partners can improve one’s physical and mental health. The study of
communication can also improve our employability.
Learning Objective: LO 1.1 Explain why it is important to study communication.
Topic: Why Study Communication?
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
TB_Q1.83 Discuss ways in which communication can be an important factor in the
improvement of our health.
Answer: Having a social support system, good friends and supportive family members, seems to
make a difference in our overall health and quality of life. The separation from a romantic partner
through death or divorce can contribute to serious illnesses; opportunities for intimacy and stress-
managing communication are diminished without companions and close friends. Clearly, having a
social support system through effective communication can lead to improved health.
Learning Objective: LO 1.1 Explain why it is important to study communication.
Topic: Why Study Communication?
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
TB_Q1.84 Compare and contrast the three models of communication presented in the
textbook: communication as action, communication as interaction, communication as
transaction. Explain the basic components of each model and identify how each model is
different and/or more realistic than the other models.
Answer: The communication as action model is composed of a source or the originator of a
thought or emotion who encodes a message and sends it to the receiver via a channel. This
message may encounter noise or interference that may prevent clear understanding. The receiver
decodes the message by trying to make sense out of it. Interpretation of the message may be
affected by literal or psychological noise. The communication as action model is flawed because it
views communication as a linear input/output process. It does not take into account that the
receiver may or may not understand the message the way the source intended. Essentially, the
source transfers the message into the receiver without regard for the receiver’s level of
understanding. The model does not account for the complexity of the communication process.
The communication as interaction model is similar to the communication as action model, but it
accurate description of human communication.
Learning Objective: LO 1.3 Explain three communication models.
Topic: Communication Models
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
TB_Q1.85 Discuss types of noise and relate how noise creates interference in
communication.
Answer: Noise is interference, either literal or psychological that hinders the accurate encoding or
decoding of a message. Without noise, all our messages would probably be accurate, but noise is
always present. For example, literal noise can be a loud air-conditioning unit in the room where
communication is taking place, or it can be psychological noise such as being distracted by
competing thoughts and worries. All forms of noise interfere with communication and may even
distort it.
Learning Objective: LO 1.3 Explain three communication models.
Topic: Communication Models
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
TB_Q1.86 Discuss and explain the three criteria associated with communication
competence.
Answer: There are three criteria assigned to communication competence—the ability to
communicate successfully. The first refers to the idea that the message should be understood as
the communicator intended it to be understood. There should be a common understanding
between the sender and the receiver. Message clarity adds to these criteria. Special note should be
given to communication involving cultures that vary from the speaker’s own.
The second criterion focuses on the idea that the message should achieve its intended effect. In
other words, the message should be intentional. The speaker should communicate for a specific
purpose: to achieve a goal or to accomplish something.
Finally, the third criterion is that the message should be ethical. The text defines ethics as the
beliefs, values, and moral principles by which we determine what is right or wrong. Philosophers
have long-debated the concept of a universal moral and ethical code. Most ethical codes are based
on the various religions. From these, humans must develop an ethical code to guide their
interactions with others.
Learning Objective: LO 1.4 Describe three criteria that can be used to determine whether
communication is competent.
Topic: Communication Competence
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
TB_Q1.87 Explain what it means to be “other–oriented” and why you should be other–
Skill Level: Analyze It
Beebe/Beebe/Ivy Communication: Principles for a Lifetime, 6e Test Bank
communication.
Answer: Interpersonal communication is a particular type of human communication that focuses on
simultaneous interaction between people in relationships in which they attempt to mutually
influence one another, usually for the purpose of managing their relationship. For example, a
discussion between best friends about the state of their friendship would be an interpersonal
exchange. Impersonal communication is the type of communication that occurs when we treat
others as objects or that responds only to the role the person is playing. When you order pizza, you
are communicating on an impersonal level.
Learning Objective: LO 1.6 Identify and explain three communication contexts.
Topic: Communication Contexts
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It