COM 101 Exam 2 V2 | COM 101 Intro to
Communication | StraighterLine | Q&A
with Rationale (StraighterLine COM101
Exam 2)
1. Which component of the listening process involves the physiological reception of sound
waves?
A. Hearing
B. Understanding
C. Evaluating
D. Attending
Answer: A
Rationale: Hearing is a passive physiological process that occurs when sound waves hit
the eardrum. It is the first step in the listening process but does not require conscious
effort. In contrast, listening is a cognitive process that involves making sense of those
sounds.
2. When a listener assigns meaning to the stimuli they have received, which stage of the
listening process are they engaged in?
A. Responding
B. Remembering
,C. Understanding
D. Hearing
Answer: C
Rationale: Understanding occurs when the brain processes the sounds heard and gives
them a specific meaning. This stage is crucial for effective communication because it
ensures the message is interpreted as intended. Without this cognitive step, the listener is
merely hearing noise without context.
3. Edward T. Hall’s study of how humans use space to communicate is known as:
A. Haptics
B. Kinesics
C. Chronemics
D. Proxemics
Answer: D
Rationale: Proxemics is the study of personal space and the distances between people as
they interact. Hall identified four distinct zones: intimate, personal, social, and public space.
Each zone reflects a different level of relationship and social expectation.
4. Which type of nonverbal communication refers to the use of touch in interaction?
A. Haptics
B. Paralanguage
, C. Vocalics
D. Artifacts
Answer: A
Rationale: Haptics is the study of touch as a form of nonverbal communication. Touch can
convey a wide range of meanings, from professional interest to deep affection or even
aggression. The appropriateness of touch is heavily influenced by cultural norms and the
nature of the relationship.
5. According to Social Penetration Theory, what two dimensions characterize self-disclosure?
A. Length and frequency
B. Stability and change
C. Clarity and honesty
D. Breadth and depth
Answer: D
Rationale: Social Penetration Theory uses the ‘onion’ metaphor to describe how
relationships develop through disclosure. Breadth refers to the range of topics discussed,
while depth refers to the personal significance of those topics. As relationships move from
superficial to intimate, both breadth and depth generally increase.
Communication | StraighterLine | Q&A
with Rationale (StraighterLine COM101
Exam 2)
1. Which component of the listening process involves the physiological reception of sound
waves?
A. Hearing
B. Understanding
C. Evaluating
D. Attending
Answer: A
Rationale: Hearing is a passive physiological process that occurs when sound waves hit
the eardrum. It is the first step in the listening process but does not require conscious
effort. In contrast, listening is a cognitive process that involves making sense of those
sounds.
2. When a listener assigns meaning to the stimuli they have received, which stage of the
listening process are they engaged in?
A. Responding
B. Remembering
,C. Understanding
D. Hearing
Answer: C
Rationale: Understanding occurs when the brain processes the sounds heard and gives
them a specific meaning. This stage is crucial for effective communication because it
ensures the message is interpreted as intended. Without this cognitive step, the listener is
merely hearing noise without context.
3. Edward T. Hall’s study of how humans use space to communicate is known as:
A. Haptics
B. Kinesics
C. Chronemics
D. Proxemics
Answer: D
Rationale: Proxemics is the study of personal space and the distances between people as
they interact. Hall identified four distinct zones: intimate, personal, social, and public space.
Each zone reflects a different level of relationship and social expectation.
4. Which type of nonverbal communication refers to the use of touch in interaction?
A. Haptics
B. Paralanguage
, C. Vocalics
D. Artifacts
Answer: A
Rationale: Haptics is the study of touch as a form of nonverbal communication. Touch can
convey a wide range of meanings, from professional interest to deep affection or even
aggression. The appropriateness of touch is heavily influenced by cultural norms and the
nature of the relationship.
5. According to Social Penetration Theory, what two dimensions characterize self-disclosure?
A. Length and frequency
B. Stability and change
C. Clarity and honesty
D. Breadth and depth
Answer: D
Rationale: Social Penetration Theory uses the ‘onion’ metaphor to describe how
relationships develop through disclosure. Breadth refers to the range of topics discussed,
while depth refers to the personal significance of those topics. As relationships move from
superficial to intimate, both breadth and depth generally increase.
