COM 101 Final Exam V2 | COM 101 Intro to
Communication | StraighterLine | Q&A
with Rationale (StraighterLine COM101
Final Exam)
1. Which model of communication views communication as a one-way process in which a
sender transmits a message to a receiver?
A. Transactional Model
B. Interaction Model
C. Linear Model
D. Relational Model
Answer: C
Rationale: The linear model describes communication as a simplistic, unidirectional flow
from sender to receiver. It does not account for simultaneous feedback or the complex
nature of human interaction. This model was one of the earliest concepts in communication
theory and is often associated with the Shannon-Weaver model.
2. What type of noise is characterized by a communicator’s internal thoughts or feelings that
interfere with the ability to receive a message?
A. Physical Noise
B. Semantic Noise
,C. Psychological Noise
D. Physiological Noise
Answer: C
Rationale: Psychological noise refers to mental distractions such as stress, anxiety, or
daydreaming that block effective listening. Unlike physical noise, which originates in the
environment, psychological noise is purely internal to the individual. Understanding this
allows communicators to better manage their focus during interactions.
3. In the context of the Transactional Model of Communication, which of the following is
true?
A. Communication is a series of back-and-forth turns.
B. Communicators act as either senders or receivers, but not both simultaneously.
C. Feedback is only possible in face-to-face settings.
D. Communicators send and receive messages at the same time.
Answer: D
Rationale: The transactional model recognizes that individuals are constantly sending and
receiving nonverbal and verbal cues simultaneously. This model emphasizes the co-
creation of meaning within a specific context. It moves beyond the idea of ‘turns’ and views
communication as a dynamic, continuous process.
, 4. Which component of the self-concept involves the evaluations of our own worth?
A. Self-Image
B. Self-Esteem
C. Self-Actualization
D. Self-Awareness
Answer: B
Rationale: Self-esteem is the subjective evaluation of one’s value or importance. While self-
concept is a broad description of who you are, self-esteem adds a judgmental layer to that
description. High self-esteem generally correlates with positive communication outcomes
and resilience.
5. What is the term for the tendency to attribute our successes to internal factors and our
failures to external factors?
A. Fundamental Attribution Error
B. Self-Serving Bias
C. Halo Effect
D. Confirmation Bias
Answer: B
Rationale: The self-serving bias is a common cognitive distortion used to protect one’s ego.
For instance, a student might credit their intelligence for an ‘A’ but blame a ‘tough teacher’
Communication | StraighterLine | Q&A
with Rationale (StraighterLine COM101
Final Exam)
1. Which model of communication views communication as a one-way process in which a
sender transmits a message to a receiver?
A. Transactional Model
B. Interaction Model
C. Linear Model
D. Relational Model
Answer: C
Rationale: The linear model describes communication as a simplistic, unidirectional flow
from sender to receiver. It does not account for simultaneous feedback or the complex
nature of human interaction. This model was one of the earliest concepts in communication
theory and is often associated with the Shannon-Weaver model.
2. What type of noise is characterized by a communicator’s internal thoughts or feelings that
interfere with the ability to receive a message?
A. Physical Noise
B. Semantic Noise
,C. Psychological Noise
D. Physiological Noise
Answer: C
Rationale: Psychological noise refers to mental distractions such as stress, anxiety, or
daydreaming that block effective listening. Unlike physical noise, which originates in the
environment, psychological noise is purely internal to the individual. Understanding this
allows communicators to better manage their focus during interactions.
3. In the context of the Transactional Model of Communication, which of the following is
true?
A. Communication is a series of back-and-forth turns.
B. Communicators act as either senders or receivers, but not both simultaneously.
C. Feedback is only possible in face-to-face settings.
D. Communicators send and receive messages at the same time.
Answer: D
Rationale: The transactional model recognizes that individuals are constantly sending and
receiving nonverbal and verbal cues simultaneously. This model emphasizes the co-
creation of meaning within a specific context. It moves beyond the idea of ‘turns’ and views
communication as a dynamic, continuous process.
, 4. Which component of the self-concept involves the evaluations of our own worth?
A. Self-Image
B. Self-Esteem
C. Self-Actualization
D. Self-Awareness
Answer: B
Rationale: Self-esteem is the subjective evaluation of one’s value or importance. While self-
concept is a broad description of who you are, self-esteem adds a judgmental layer to that
description. High self-esteem generally correlates with positive communication outcomes
and resilience.
5. What is the term for the tendency to attribute our successes to internal factors and our
failures to external factors?
A. Fundamental Attribution Error
B. Self-Serving Bias
C. Halo Effect
D. Confirmation Bias
Answer: B
Rationale: The self-serving bias is a common cognitive distortion used to protect one’s ego.
For instance, a student might credit their intelligence for an ‘A’ but blame a ‘tough teacher’
