Communication Theory: A Comprehensive Guide for University Students

Question 1

According to the Communication Accommodation Theory, individuals:

Accepted Answer

Adapt their communication style to match others in social situations.

Answer

Maintain a consistent communication style regardless of social context.

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Avoid communication situations that involve cultural differences.

Answer

Use formal language in all communication situations.

Question 2

The concept of 'framing' in communication refers to:

Accepted Answer

The way information is presented to influence its perception

Answer

The use of non-verbal cues to convey messages

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The structure and organization of communication messages

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The cultural context in which communication takes place

Question 3

The 'uses and gratifications' approach emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

How individuals actively use media to fulfill their needs

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The impact of media on society

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The production and distribution of media content

Answer

The role of technology in communication

Question 4

According to the Shannon-Weaver model, which component adds meaning and content to the signal?

Accepted Answer

Information source

Answer

Transmitter

Answer

Receiver

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Information destination

Question 5

Which key assumption of the symbolic interactionist perspective on communication emphasizes that meaning is negotiated and shared through symbols?

Accepted Answer

Meaning is created and interpreted by individuals.

Answer

Communication is primarily a one-way process.

Answer

Language is the primary means of communication.

Answer

Communication is a neutral and objective process.

Question 6

Which communication theory places great importance on context and interpersonal dynamics in shaping communication patterns?

Accepted Answer

Social penetration theory

Answer

Cybernetics theory

Answer

Cognitive dissonance theory

Answer

Uncertainty reduction theory

Question 7

Which limitation of quantitative methods in communication research refers to their difficulty in capturing the complexity of human experiences?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty in capturing complex human experiences

Answer

Inability to generalize findings to larger populations

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Limited scope for exploratory research

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Bias towards statistical significance

Question 8

Which research design is commonly used to investigate causal relationships between variables?

Accepted Answer

Experimental

Answer

Descriptive

Answer

Correlational

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Narrative

Question 9

Which communication theory proposes that people adapt attitudes and behaviors to reduce psychological discomfort caused by inconsistencies?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive dissonance theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Cultivation theory

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Diffusion of innovations theory

Question 10

When conducting cross-cultural communication research, which key challenge arises from variations in language and cultural contexts?

Accepted Answer

Differences in language and cultural context

Answer

Researcher bias and subjectivity

Answer

Lack of access to reliable data

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Ethical concerns related to participant protection

Question 11

Which strength of qualitative research methods in communication lies in their ability to provide in-depth understanding and rich data?

Accepted Answer

Depth of understanding and richness of data

Answer

Generalizability of findings to larger populations

Answer

Precision and objectivity in data analysis

Answer

Ease of data collection and analysis

Question 12

Improved Question: According to the transactional model of communication, communication is characterized as:

Accepted Answer

Dynamic and ongoing

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Linear and one-way

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Context-independent

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Nonverbal and implicit

Question 13

Improved Question: Symbolic interactionism proposes that:

Accepted Answer

Meaning is constructed through social interactions

Answer

Communication is solely a verbal process

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The individual is the primary unit of communication analysis

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Culture has no influence on communication

Question 14

Improved Question: A key principle of intercultural communication competence involves:

Accepted Answer

Suspending judgment and avoiding stereotypes

Answer

Communicating exclusively in the receiver's native language

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Assuming all cultures are fundamentally identical

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Prioritizing verbal communication over nonverbal cues

Question 15

Improved Question: Cognitive dissonance theory predicts that individuals:

Accepted Answer

Strive to maintain consistency in their beliefs and attitudes

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Always engage in rational and logical communication

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Do not experience emotions in communication

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Perceive cognitive dissonance as a solely negative state

Question 16

Improved Question: A benefit of employing qualitative research methods in communication studies is:

Accepted Answer

Providing in-depth insights into individuals' experiences

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Enabling generalizations to larger populations

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Having highly structured and standardized procedures

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Eliminating the need for researcher interpretation

Question 17

Improved Question: The concept of media literacy encompasses:

Accepted Answer

The ability to critically examine media messages

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The proficiency in producing high-quality media content

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The control over media ownership and distribution

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The comprehensive knowledge of all media technologies

Question 18

Which of the following is an essential component proposed by Shannon and Weaver's model of communication?

Accepted Answer

Noise

Answer

Culture

Answer

Feedback

Answer

Context

Question 19

The concept of 'agenda-setting' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The ability of the media to influence the public's perception of the relative importance of particular issues.

Answer

The shaping of public opinion through the strategic framing of news stories.

Answer

The control of media content by certain individuals or groups.

Question 20

Which of the following is a key characteristic of postmodern communication theory?

Accepted Answer

It rejects the idea of a single, objective reality and embraces multiple perspectives.

Answer

It assumes a straightforward, cause-effect relationship between media and audience.

Answer

It focuses solely on the content and structure of media messages.

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It emphasizes the role of logical argumentation and rationality in communication.

Question 21

The 'spiral of silence' theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Individuals who hold minority opinions are less likely to express them publicly due to fear of isolation or negative consequences.

Answer

Individuals who hold majority opinions are more likely to express them publicly to gain social approval.

Answer

The media plays a dominant role in shaping public opinion, regardless of individual beliefs.

Question 22

Which of the following is a key principle of cybernetics theory in communication?

Accepted Answer

Feedback loops, where communication involves ongoing cycles of information exchange and adjustment.

Answer

Cognitive dissonance arises when individuals hold conflicting beliefs.

Answer

Cultural norms govern the ways in which communication is structured and interpreted.

Answer

Gatekeeping refers to the process of controlling the flow of information in communication channels.

Question 23

The 'elaboration likelihood model' proposes that:

Accepted Answer

The persuasiveness of a message depends on the level of motivation and cognitive processing that individuals engage in.

Answer

Individuals always make rational and logical decisions when processing persuasive messages.

Question 24

The 'transactional model of communication' conceptualizes communication as:

Accepted Answer

A dynamic, interactive process where communicators negotiate meaning through ongoing exchanges.

Answer

A sequential, linear process controlled by the communication initiator.

Answer

A one-directional transmission of information from a sender to a passive receiver.

Question 25

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of interpersonal communication?

Accepted Answer

It involves close physical proximity, immediate feedback, and a focus on personal connections.

Answer

It is typically formal, structured, and aimed at large audiences.

Answer

It always involves a large number of participants and is impersonal.