Saylor Academy: COM101 Exam Questions
and Correct Answers
Question 1
Formal organizational messages most frequently travel in which direction within the
organization?
Select one:
a. Only upward
b. Only downward
c. Upward and downward
d. Horizontally across departments
Correct Answer
c. Upward and downward
Question 2
Which of the following statements about ethics in communication is false?
Select one:
a. Ethical communication results in ethical outcomes or ends.
b. Ethical communication is prepared with the intention of telling the truth.
c. Ethical communication relies on manipulating facts to achieve a covert outcome.
d. Ethical communication relies on the use of ethical means or rationales to achieve
an outcome.
Correct Answer
c. Ethical communication relies on manipulating facts to achieve a covert outcome.
Page 1 of 19
,Question 3
There are many models for the development of relationships, for example friendships.
These models share a similar pattern of development from initiation to termination.
Which stage of relationship development is characterized by communication that
moves beyond initial roles as the participants begin to interact with one another to
see if there are common interests, as well as an interest to continue getting to know
about one another?
Select one:
a. Coming together
b. Friendly relations
c. Nascent friendship
d. Role-limited interaction
Correct Answer
b. Friendly relations
Question 4
When people participate in groups, they take on one or more roles that contribute or
distract from the functions of the group. The following behaviors describe which
group role? This person complains about insignificant concerns and blocks the
group's progress by not letting them get on with their work.
Select one:
a. Blocker
b. Deserter
c. Recognition seeker
d. Self-interest pleader
Correct Answer
a. Blocker
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, Question 5
For as long as you have known Pat and Dale they have been inseparable. Lately, you
have seen Dale drinking coffee alone in the cafeteria. Dale rarely talks about
adventures with Pat. From these observations you might conclude that Pat and Dale
are in which stage of their relationship?
Select one:
a. Coming together
b. Waning friendship
c. Nascent friendship
d. Stabilized friendship
Correct Answer
b. Waning friendship
Question 6
Which of the following paradigms of communication theory maintains that we follow
shared rules of communication, rather than strict laws?
Select one:
a. Systems
b. Rhetoric
c. Empiricism
d. Human rules
Correct Answer
d. Human rules
Question 7
In the following scenario, identify the listening barrier. You are having a conversation
with a friend. She is explaining her feelings about a recent situation at work that has
upset her. You are trying to pay close attention to the details of her story, but you
have not eaten anything since breakfast and your stomach is growling.
Select one:
a. Physical noise
b. Semantic noise
c. Psychological noise
d. Physiological noise
Correct Answer
d. Physiological noise
Page 3 of 19
and Correct Answers
Question 1
Formal organizational messages most frequently travel in which direction within the
organization?
Select one:
a. Only upward
b. Only downward
c. Upward and downward
d. Horizontally across departments
Correct Answer
c. Upward and downward
Question 2
Which of the following statements about ethics in communication is false?
Select one:
a. Ethical communication results in ethical outcomes or ends.
b. Ethical communication is prepared with the intention of telling the truth.
c. Ethical communication relies on manipulating facts to achieve a covert outcome.
d. Ethical communication relies on the use of ethical means or rationales to achieve
an outcome.
Correct Answer
c. Ethical communication relies on manipulating facts to achieve a covert outcome.
Page 1 of 19
,Question 3
There are many models for the development of relationships, for example friendships.
These models share a similar pattern of development from initiation to termination.
Which stage of relationship development is characterized by communication that
moves beyond initial roles as the participants begin to interact with one another to
see if there are common interests, as well as an interest to continue getting to know
about one another?
Select one:
a. Coming together
b. Friendly relations
c. Nascent friendship
d. Role-limited interaction
Correct Answer
b. Friendly relations
Question 4
When people participate in groups, they take on one or more roles that contribute or
distract from the functions of the group. The following behaviors describe which
group role? This person complains about insignificant concerns and blocks the
group's progress by not letting them get on with their work.
Select one:
a. Blocker
b. Deserter
c. Recognition seeker
d. Self-interest pleader
Correct Answer
a. Blocker
Page 2 of 19
, Question 5
For as long as you have known Pat and Dale they have been inseparable. Lately, you
have seen Dale drinking coffee alone in the cafeteria. Dale rarely talks about
adventures with Pat. From these observations you might conclude that Pat and Dale
are in which stage of their relationship?
Select one:
a. Coming together
b. Waning friendship
c. Nascent friendship
d. Stabilized friendship
Correct Answer
b. Waning friendship
Question 6
Which of the following paradigms of communication theory maintains that we follow
shared rules of communication, rather than strict laws?
Select one:
a. Systems
b. Rhetoric
c. Empiricism
d. Human rules
Correct Answer
d. Human rules
Question 7
In the following scenario, identify the listening barrier. You are having a conversation
with a friend. She is explaining her feelings about a recent situation at work that has
upset her. You are trying to pay close attention to the details of her story, but you
have not eaten anything since breakfast and your stomach is growling.
Select one:
a. Physical noise
b. Semantic noise
c. Psychological noise
d. Physiological noise
Correct Answer
d. Physiological noise
Page 3 of 19
