COM 101 Exam 2 V1 | COM 101 Intro to
Communication | StraighterLine | Q&A
with Rationale (StraighterLine COM101
Exam 2)
1. The stage of the listening process where we assign meaning to the stimuli we have
received is called:
A. Receiving
B. Understanding
C. Evaluating
D. Remembering
Answer: B
Rationale: Understanding involves interpreting the message based on our own
experiences and knowledge. It allows the listener to make sense of the verbal and
nonverbal cues provided by the speaker. This stage is critical for effective communication
and follows the initial physical reception of sound.
2. Which term refers to the study of how people use touch to communicate?
A. Kinesics
B. Haptics
C. Proxemics
,D. Chronemics
Answer: B
Rationale: Haptics is a branch of nonverbal communication that focuses specifically on the
sense of touch. It examines how different types of touch, such as a handshake or a hug,
convey specific messages. Understanding haptics is essential because touch is one of the
most powerful ways humans establish intimacy and social bonds.
3. The literal, dictionary definition of a word is its:
A. Connotative meaning
B. Abstract meaning
C. Relative meaning
D. Denotative meaning
Answer: D
Rationale: Denotative meaning is the objective and standardized definition of a word
found in dictionaries. It differs from connotative meaning, which involves the emotional or
cultural associations individuals attach to words. Clear communication often relies on a
shared understanding of denotative meanings to avoid confusion.
4. Which perceptual tendency involves focusing on certain stimuli while ignoring others?
A. Selective perception
B. Self-serving bias
, C. Halo effect
D. Fundamental attribution error
Answer: A
Rationale: Selective perception occurs because the human brain cannot process every
single stimulus in the environment at once. We naturally gravitate toward things that are
intense, repetitious, or relevant to our current needs. This process shapes our unique
reality and can sometimes lead to biased interpretations of events.
5. Edward T. Hall defined ‘intimate distance’ as the space extending from skin contact to
approximately:
A. 18 inches
B. 4 feet
C. 12 feet
D. 25 feet
Answer: A
Rationale: Intimate distance is reserved for people with whom we have a very close
relationship, such as family or romantic partners. It ranges from actual physical contact to
about 18 inches away from the body. Encroaching on this space without permission can
lead to significant discomfort or feelings of threat.
Communication | StraighterLine | Q&A
with Rationale (StraighterLine COM101
Exam 2)
1. The stage of the listening process where we assign meaning to the stimuli we have
received is called:
A. Receiving
B. Understanding
C. Evaluating
D. Remembering
Answer: B
Rationale: Understanding involves interpreting the message based on our own
experiences and knowledge. It allows the listener to make sense of the verbal and
nonverbal cues provided by the speaker. This stage is critical for effective communication
and follows the initial physical reception of sound.
2. Which term refers to the study of how people use touch to communicate?
A. Kinesics
B. Haptics
C. Proxemics
,D. Chronemics
Answer: B
Rationale: Haptics is a branch of nonverbal communication that focuses specifically on the
sense of touch. It examines how different types of touch, such as a handshake or a hug,
convey specific messages. Understanding haptics is essential because touch is one of the
most powerful ways humans establish intimacy and social bonds.
3. The literal, dictionary definition of a word is its:
A. Connotative meaning
B. Abstract meaning
C. Relative meaning
D. Denotative meaning
Answer: D
Rationale: Denotative meaning is the objective and standardized definition of a word
found in dictionaries. It differs from connotative meaning, which involves the emotional or
cultural associations individuals attach to words. Clear communication often relies on a
shared understanding of denotative meanings to avoid confusion.
4. Which perceptual tendency involves focusing on certain stimuli while ignoring others?
A. Selective perception
B. Self-serving bias
, C. Halo effect
D. Fundamental attribution error
Answer: A
Rationale: Selective perception occurs because the human brain cannot process every
single stimulus in the environment at once. We naturally gravitate toward things that are
intense, repetitious, or relevant to our current needs. This process shapes our unique
reality and can sometimes lead to biased interpretations of events.
5. Edward T. Hall defined ‘intimate distance’ as the space extending from skin contact to
approximately:
A. 18 inches
B. 4 feet
C. 12 feet
D. 25 feet
Answer: A
Rationale: Intimate distance is reserved for people with whom we have a very close
relationship, such as family or romantic partners. It ranges from actual physical contact to
about 18 inches away from the body. Encroaching on this space without permission can
lead to significant discomfort or feelings of threat.
