Chapter 28 – Communication Accommodation Theory
Chapter 28
Communication Accommodation Theory
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Social Identity Theory suggests that a person’s self-concept comprises
2. All of the following are examples of communication accommodation EXCEPT
3. Convergence is a selective process that is based on
4. _____ is defined as the ability to adjust, modify, or regulate one’s behavior in response to
another.
5. The _____ similar our attitudes and beliefs are to those of others, the _____ we will be
attracted to and accommodate those others.
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11. When Alan communicates with his African-American friend, he uses terms like “crib” and
“brother” quite frequently. This is because Alan thinks that all African Americans use these
words as part of their everyday communication. In this scenario, Alan is employing _____.
12. Since Communication Accommodation Theory has been invoked in a lot of studies in
various contexts, it is said to have good _____.
13. Which of the following statements is a criticism of Communication Accommodation
Theory?
14. McKenna spent the summer with her aunt and uncle in New York City. While living there,
she began to integrate New York slang words like “schlepping” into her conversations with
other New Yorkers. She found that it helped to make herself understood when interacting with
her new friends. Which of the following types of accommodation did McKenna employ?
15. All of the following statements about convergence are true EXCEPT
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26. Accommodation is not necessarily a worthwhile or beneficial process.
27. Dependency overaccommodation is typically used when communicating with those who
have a limitation of some nature.
28. Stereotyping is at the root of intergroup overaccommodation.
29. Divergence frequently occurs in conversations where there are distinct role differences.
30. People from marginalized cultures are usually expected to accommodate others.
31. Communication Accommodation Theory has been criticized for not being heuristic.
32. Divergence has received as much research attention as convergence. Therefore, our
knowledge about the process is vast.
33. Divergence is an effort to disagree or to not respond to another communicator and is the
same as inattentiveness.
34. When conversants are accommodating, they are agreeing with things.
Essay Questions
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35. Describe the three forms of overaccommodation. Provide an example of a situation in
which each could be used.
Answers will vary.
36. What factors are important to consider when making a decision to engage in convergence?
Discuss the potential pros and cons of using convergence as an accommodation strategy.
Answers will vary.
37. Distinguish between the following: convergence, divergence, and overaccommodation.
Provide an example of a situation in which you have experienced or engaged in each of these
forms of accommodation.
Answers will vary.
38. Discuss the role of in-groups in influencing your decision to engage in communication
accommodation. Describe a situation in which you either engaged in accommodation or
witnessed another person who accommodated his/her speech.
Answers will vary.
39. Looking at how conversations pervade our lives, examine how the principles and concepts
of Communication Accommodation Theory relate to our dialogues with our physicians,
teachers, and/or family members. Provide an example of a conversation to analyze (it can be
fictional or real).
Answers will vary.
40. Discuss the various reasons one might choose to engage in divergence, noting the functions
it is intended to serve. Under what circumstances might such divergence be expected by the
other person, and when might it offend instead? Provide examples to illustrate your points.
Answers will vary.
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41. How would you go about studying the phenomenon of accommodation (or divergence)?
Select a particular context and specify the groups you would study. Formulate a hypothesis or
research question, and describe your study.
Answers will vary.