COM 101 Exam 4 V2 | COM 101 Intro to
Communication | StraighterLine | Q&A
with Rationale (StraighterLine COM101
Exam 4)
1. According to standard communication theory, what is the minimum number of people
required to constitute a ‘small group’?
A. Two
B. Five
C. Three
D. Seven
Answer: C
Rationale: A small group is defined as having at least three members to differentiate it
from a dyad. This minimum number allows for the possibility of coalition building and
more complex interaction patterns. Understanding this size constraint is fundamental for
analyzing group dynamics in professional and social settings.
2. Which phenomenon occurs when a highly cohesive group prioritizes consensus over critical
evaluation?
A. Group synergy
B. Groupthink
,C. Social loafing
D. Brainstorming
Answer: B
Rationale: Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that discourages creativity and
individual responsibility. It typically happens in groups where the desire for harmony
overrides the realistic appraisal of alternatives. Recognizing groupthink is essential for
leaders who want to maintain objective decision-making processes.
3. A group member who helps settle disagreements and reduces tension is performing which
type of role?
A. Maintenance role
B. Individual role
C. Task role
D. Leadership role
Answer: A
Rationale: Maintenance roles are focused on the social and emotional climate of the group.
The harmonizer specifically works to resolve conflicts and keep the group cohesive. These
roles are just as important as task roles for long-term group success and productivity.
, 4. In the context of small group communication, what does the term ‘interdependence’
signify?
A. Each member works completely alone on separate tasks.
B. The actions of one member affect all other members.
C. Only the leader is responsible for the final outcome.
D. Members compete against each other for individual rewards.
Answer: B
Rationale: Interdependence means that the group members rely on one another to achieve
their common goal. When one person fails or succeeds, it has a ripple effect on the rest of
the team. This mutual reliance is a core characteristic that defines a collection of people as
a functional group.
5. Which leadership style involves a leader who maintains total control and makes decisions
without consulting others?
A. Democratic
B. Autocratic
C. Laissez-faire
D. Situational
Answer: B
Communication | StraighterLine | Q&A
with Rationale (StraighterLine COM101
Exam 4)
1. According to standard communication theory, what is the minimum number of people
required to constitute a ‘small group’?
A. Two
B. Five
C. Three
D. Seven
Answer: C
Rationale: A small group is defined as having at least three members to differentiate it
from a dyad. This minimum number allows for the possibility of coalition building and
more complex interaction patterns. Understanding this size constraint is fundamental for
analyzing group dynamics in professional and social settings.
2. Which phenomenon occurs when a highly cohesive group prioritizes consensus over critical
evaluation?
A. Group synergy
B. Groupthink
,C. Social loafing
D. Brainstorming
Answer: B
Rationale: Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that discourages creativity and
individual responsibility. It typically happens in groups where the desire for harmony
overrides the realistic appraisal of alternatives. Recognizing groupthink is essential for
leaders who want to maintain objective decision-making processes.
3. A group member who helps settle disagreements and reduces tension is performing which
type of role?
A. Maintenance role
B. Individual role
C. Task role
D. Leadership role
Answer: A
Rationale: Maintenance roles are focused on the social and emotional climate of the group.
The harmonizer specifically works to resolve conflicts and keep the group cohesive. These
roles are just as important as task roles for long-term group success and productivity.
, 4. In the context of small group communication, what does the term ‘interdependence’
signify?
A. Each member works completely alone on separate tasks.
B. The actions of one member affect all other members.
C. Only the leader is responsible for the final outcome.
D. Members compete against each other for individual rewards.
Answer: B
Rationale: Interdependence means that the group members rely on one another to achieve
their common goal. When one person fails or succeeds, it has a ripple effect on the rest of
the team. This mutual reliance is a core characteristic that defines a collection of people as
a functional group.
5. Which leadership style involves a leader who maintains total control and makes decisions
without consulting others?
A. Democratic
B. Autocratic
C. Laissez-faire
D. Situational
Answer: B
