Beebe/Beebe/Ivy Communication: Principles for a Lifetime, 6e Test Bank
6.2 True/False
TB_Q6.41 Essentially, men often communicate to report and women often
communicate to establish rapport.
Answer: true
Learning Objective: LO 6.1 Describe how differences of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity,
and age influence communication.
Topic: Understanding Diversity
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.42 An expressive orientation toward communication values assertiveness and
action.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 6.1 Describe how differences of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity,
and age influence communication.
Topic: Understanding Diversity
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.43 The term sexual preference is preferred over the term sexual orientation.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 6.1 Describe how differences of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity,
and age influence communication.
Topic: Understanding Diversity
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.44 The concept of race is based on the genetically transmitted physical
characteristics of a group of people who are also classified together because of a
common history, nationality, or geographical location.
Answer: true
Learning Objective: LO 6.1 Describe how differences of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity,
and age influence communication.
Topic: Understanding Diversity
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.45 Globalization is the spread of one culture around the globe.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts and
cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.46 A culture in which people derive much information from nonverbal and
environmental cues is described as a co-culture.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts and
cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.47 A co-culture is a group that lives near, but not in, a larger culture.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts and
cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.52 Cultures that tend to have equal distribution of authority and control have
a decentralized approach to power.
Answer: true
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts and
cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.53 A masculine-based culture is typically less assertive than a feminine–
based culture.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts and
cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.54 Feminine cultures value such things as being sensitive toward each other
and enhancing the overall quality of life.
Answer: true
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts and
cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.55 Stereotyping is the judgment of others based on the assumption that we
already know all we need to know.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 6.3. Illustrate four barriers that inhibit communication between
individuals.
Topic: Barriers to Bridging Differences and Adapting to Others
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
TB_Q6.56 Stereotyping helps us to consider the uniqueness of others.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 6.3. Illustrate four barriers that inhibit communication between
individuals.
Topic: Barriers to Bridging Differences and Adapting to Others
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.57 Social decentering is viewing the world only from within your own
perspective.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 6.4 Describe six strategies that will help bridge differences between
people and help them adapt to differences.
Topic: Adapting to Others Who Are Different from You
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.58 In the framework for the stages of interpersonal communication
competence, the first stage is called denial.
Answer: true
Learning Objective: LO 6.4 Describe six strategies that will help bridge differences between
people and help them adapt to differences.
Topic: Adapting to Others Who Are Different from You
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
work and communicate because we have the capability to communicate with others from
TB_Q6.59 Sympathy is an acknowledgement that someone is feeling a certain
emotion.
Answer: true
Learning Objective: LO 6.4 Describe six strategies that will help bridge differences between
people and help them adapt to differences.
Topic: Adapting to Others Who Are Different from You
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.60 An ethnorelative cultural perspective reflects the view that one’s own
culture is superior to all other cultures.
Answer: false
Learning Objective: LO 6.4 Describe six strategies that will help bridge differences
between people and help them adapt to differences.
Topic: Adapting to Others Who Are Different from You
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
6.3 Short Answer
TB_Q6.61 Describe some characteristics of a masculine approach to
communication.
Answer: The masculine approach is more instrumental and is often characterized by
assertiveness and getting things done. There is usually more emphasis on the content of
messages and the information being exchanged rather than on the relational elements of
the message. More attention is given to verbal than nonverbal messages.
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts and
cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.62 Explain how ethnicity and race are related but different.
Answer: Ethnicity is a social classification based on a variety of factors, such as
nationality, religion, and language as well as biological ancestral heritage (race), which are
shared by a group of people with a common geographic origin. An ethnic group is a group
of people who have identified themselves as such, based on a variety of factors that may
or may not include ancestral heritage or biological characteristics such as skin color.
Ethnicity fosters common bonds that affect communication patterns. Race is based on the
genetically transmitted physical characteristics of a group of people who are also classified
together because of a common history, nationality, or geographical location. Skin color
and other physical characteristics affect our responses and influence the way people of
different races interact. A person’s racial classification is typically based on such visible
physiological attributes as phenotypes, which include skin color and other physical
features including body type, hair color and texture, and facial attributes.
Learning Objective: LO 6.1 Describe how differences of gender, sexual orientation,
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
TB_Q6.63 What is globalization? How is it affecting our ability to communicate?
all around the world rather than being limited by geography. This will put us in direct
contact with others whose cultural background is different from our own. Adapting to other
cultures is becoming more vital to successful business ventures.
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts and
cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
TB_Q6.64 Explain the concept of worldview and offer one example of your own.
Answer: Worldview is the perception shared by a culture or group of people about key
beliefs and issues such as death, God, and the meaning of life. Your worldview will
influence your interaction with others. It is described as the “lens” through which you view
the world. Examples may include belief in life after death, the belief or nonbelief in a god,
etc.
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts and
cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
TB_Q6.65 Define a high-context culture.
Answer: A high-context culture is one in which people derive much of their information
from nonverbal and environmental cues rather than the words of a message. Subtle
information such as facial expressions, vocal cues, and even silence are noticed.
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts and
cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
TB_Q6.66 Briefly explain two characteristics of an individualistic culture.
Answer: In an individualist culture, the individual is considered more important than the
group. One assumes responsibility for self, and perhaps for one’s immediate family, but
not much for other extended groups. Individual achievement is rewarded over group
achievement, implying that competition within the group becomes a means of motivation.
Because of this, teamwork in an individualist culture may take a great deal of training and
effort to be successful.
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts and
cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
TB_Q6.67 Briefly explain at least two differences between a masculine and a
feminine culture.
Answer: Masculine cultures value getting things done, achievement, heroism, material
wealth, and traditional sex roles. Feminine cultures value nurturing, taking care of the less
fortunate, and seeking peace and harmony with others. Feminine cultures do not value
traditional sex roles for men and women.
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts and
cultural values.
TB_Q6.68 Define what it means to have a long-term time orientation.
Answer: A long-term time orientation means that emphasis is placed on the future, and
perseverance and thrift are valued because they are virtues that pay off in the long-term.
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts and
cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
TB_Q6.69 Explain why listening and asking questions is valuable for adapting to
people from different cultures.
Answer: When we encounter people from different cultures, we may experience anxiety
from uncertainty. Asking thoughtful questions and taking the time to listen to the response
will help you develop a greater understanding of how the person will behave and confirm
the accuracy of your expectations and assumptions. Asking questions and listening will
help reduce the level of uncertainty.
Learning Objective: LO 6.4 Describe six strategies that will help bridge differences
between people and help them adapt to differences.
Topic: Adapting to Others Who Are Different from You
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
TB_Q6.70 Define self-talk. How can it help you to become more mindful?
Answer: Self talk is inner speech (communication with yourself) that helps you become
more mindful about how you are processing information and relating to various situations.
Self-talk can help manage the discomfort, emotions, or negative thoughts about a
situation. Thus, you can be more aware of your communication with others and recognize
that others are not like you, and you can focus on the communication between you and
the other person.
Learning Objective: LO 6.4 Describe six strategies that will help bridge differences
between people and help them adapt to differences.
Topic: Adapting to Others Who Are Different from You
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
TB_Q6.71 Review the six stages of the intercultural communication framework.
Answer: Stage one: denial. Stage two: defense. Stage three: minimization. Stage four:
acceptance. Stage five: adaptation. Stage six: integration. This framework notes that
before a person is able to behave appropriately toward others, he or she needs to have
knowledge about other cultures, and the motivation to adapt or modify his or her behavior.
Learning Objective: LO 6.4 Describe six strategies that will help bridge differences
between people and help them adapt to differences.
Topic: Adapting to Others Who Are Different from You
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
6.4 Fill-in-the-Blank
TB_Q6.72 _____-context cultures are those that emphasize nonverbal cues and the
immediate environment over words when interpreting messages.
Answer: High
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts and
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.73 A culture that values teamwork over individual accomplishment would be
known as a(n) _____ culture.
Answer: collectivistic
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts and
cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.74 A culture that values personal accomplishment would be known as a(n)
_____ culture.
Answer: individualistic
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts
and cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.75 Cultures that value having power in the hands of a smaller number of
people accept an approach to power known as _____.
Answer: centralized
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts
and cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.76 The belief that one’s own cultural traditions are superior to those of
other countries is called ____.
Answer: ethnocentrism
Learning Objective: LO 6.3 Illustrate four barriers that inhibit communication between
individuals.
Topic: Barriers to Bridging Differences and Adapting to Others
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.77 Being _____ is to be aware of what you are doing and how you are
communicating with others.
Answer: mindful
Learning Objective: LO 6.4 Describe six strategies that will help bridge differences
between people and help them adapt to differences.
Topic: Adapting to Others Who Are Different from You
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.78 _____ is the cognitive process in which we take into account another
person’s thoughts, values, background, and perspectives.
Answer: Social-decentering
Learning Objective: LO 6.4 Describe six strategies that will help bridge differences
between people and help them adapt to differences.
Topic: Adapting to Others Who Are Different from You
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.79 _____ is the process of developing an emotional reaction that is similar
to the reaction being experienced by another person.
Answer: Empathy
Learning Objective: LO 6.4 Describe six strategies that will help bridge differences
between people and help them adapt to differences.
Topic: Adapting to Others Who Are Different from You
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q6.80 To adjust your behavior in response to the other person or persons you
are communicating with is to _____.
Answer: adapt
Learning Objective: LO 6.4 Describe six strategies that will help bridge differences
between people and help them adapt to differences.
Topic: Adapting to Others Who Are Different from You
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
6.5 Essay Questions
TB_Q6.81 The United States is considered to be primarily an individualistic
culture. Briefly explain why that is.
Answer: Collectivistic cultures appreciate more of what people do together and reward
group achievement. In contrast, the “I did it my way” phrase emphasizes the importance
of the individual over the group. In the U.S., there is generally a greater appreciation for
individual achievement and individual recognition. That individual spirit is found to be the
prevalent cultural value in the United States.
Learning Objective: LO 6.2 Define culture, and compare and contrast cultural contexts
and cultural values.
Topic: Culture and Communication
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
TB_Q6.82 Explain and give examples for two of the barriers to effective
intercultural communication.
Answer: Assuming superiority: Ethnocentrism is a belief that our own culture, its values
and assumptions, are superior to another culture. This may lead to negative
interpretations of another culture’s traditions and lead to the communication of
superiority. If I were to travel to a Latin country, I might find their easygoing approach
unacceptable and an indication of laziness. This attitude could inhibit communication and
create a negative or hostile atmosphere.
Assuming similarity: Different communication codes may result in confusion due to
her that you are sorry about her loss.
Stereotyping and prejudice: They are based on inaccurate and negative impressions that
we have of others that do not allow for individual or cultural differences. They tend to be
all encompassing categories applied to members of a group. A stereotype that identifies
Africans as ignorant and backward people could seriously impair economic or
humanitarian interactions. Assuming similarity can impact intercultural communication by
identifying similarities in beliefs and behavior that are not there. While human beings
have certain similarities, cultural differences can generate wide discrepancies in how
people understand the world and act. Americans tend to place great emphasis on
timeliness, other cultures do not. Assuming that someone adopts the same approach to
timeliness may result in considerable frustration and ill will.
Learning Objective: LO 6.3 Illustrate four barriers that inhibit communication between
individuals.
Topic: Barriers to Bridging Differences and Adapting to Others
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
TB_Q6.83 Describe the philosophy toward “similarities” as noted by
anthropologists Clyde Kluckhohn and Henry Murray.
Answer: They suggested that every person is, in some respects, (1) like all other
people, (2) like some other people, and (3) like no other people. The challenge, then,
when meeting other people is to sort out how we are alike and how we are unique.
Focusing on superficial factors such as clothing and appearance can lead to false
impressions. Instead, we must take time to explore that person’s background before we
can determine what we really have in common.
Learning Objective: LO 6.3 Illustrate four barriers that inhibit communication between
individuals.
Topic: Barriers to Bridging Differences and Adapting to Others
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
TB_Q6.84 Briefly explain an ethnorelative cultural perspective.
Answer: An ethnorelative cultural perspective requires that you have an appreciation for
and sensitivity to cultural differences, recognizing that your culture should not be viewed
as superior to the cultures of others.
Learning Objective: LO 6.4 Describe six strategies that will help bridge differences
between people and help them adapt to differences.
Topic: Adapting to Others Who Are Different from You
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
TB_Q6.85 Discuss the difference between empathy and sympathy and give an
example of each term.
Answer: Empathy is feeling the emotional reaction that the other person is experiencing.
You do this by assessing how you felt in a similar situation and imagine how the other
person feels in this situation. For example, you may observe that your best friend looks
upset, and you ask her what is wrong. You learn that she failed a Calculus exam. You
recall a time when you did poorly on an English composition and recall the emotions you
felt. Then, you imagine how you would feel if you were in her position. You ask questions
to gain more information and paraphrase what happened as well as her emotions. Then,
you listen and observe her response. Sympathy means that you acknowledge the
Learning Objective: LO 6.4 Describe six strategies that will help bridge differences
between people and help them adapt to differences.
Topic: Adapting to Others Who Are Different from You
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It