WGU C464 – Introduction to Communication
Objective Assessment (OA) Practice Exam
Latest Exam Update 2026 With Detailed
Rationale And Correct Answers
Course: C464 Introduction to Communication
Institution: Western Governors University
Exam Type: Objective Assessment (OA) Practice
Total Questions: 100
Time Limit: 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
Passing Score: 70% (70 correct answers)
Format: Multiple Choice (4 options each)
Exam Instructions
● Read each question carefully and select the single best answer.
● All questions are weighted equally. There is no penalty for
guessing.
● You may flag questions for review.
● The timer does not stop once the exam begins.
● Do not communicate with anyone during the exam.
Reference: This exam covers the C464 competencies: Foundations of
Communication, Communication and Perception, Self and
Communication, Listening, Verbal and Nonverbal Communication,
,Intercultural Communication, Communication in Relationships, Small
Group and Organizational Communication, and Public Speaking.
Section 1: Foundations of Communication
(Questions 1–15)
1. Which of the following best defines communication?
● A) The simple transmission of information from a sender to a
receiver
● B) The exchange of verbal and nonverbal messages with the
intent of stimulating meaning in others
● C) The process of persuading others to adopt a specific
viewpoint
● D) The use of technology to share information across distances
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Communication is defined as the exchange of verbal and
nonverbal messages with the intent of stimulating meaning in others.
2. What is the primary limitation of the linear model of
communication?
● A) It is too complex
● B) It assumes communication is a one-way process
● C) It does not include a sender
● D) It requires digital technology
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The linear model reveals the basic components of a simple
exchange between two people, illustrating a straightforward one-way
process in which a communicator transmits a message to a receiving
communicator.
3. Which communication model accounts for context, relationship,
and simultaneous sending and receiving?
● A) Linear model
● B) Interactive model
● C) Transactional model
● D) Encoding-decoding model
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The transactional model is more realistic than the linear
model because it is dependent on many factors such as context,
relationship between communicators, and simultaneous sending and
receiving of messages.
4. In the linear model of communication, what is the first phase?
● A) Encoding the message
● B) Deciding on the message
● C) Transmitting the message
● D) Perceiving the message
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The linear model of communication consists of five phases:
deciding on the message, encoding the message, transmitting the
, message, perceiving the message, and decoding and assigning
meaning to the message. The first phase is deciding on the message
content.
5. What is encoding in the communication process?
● A) Assigning meaning to a received message
● B) Translating thoughts and feelings into symbols
● C) Sending a message through a channel
● D) Ignoring a message
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Encoding refers to a psychological process in which the
sender of a message assigns symbols, such as words, sounds, or
gestures, to his or her thoughts and feelings.
6. What is decoding in the communication process?
● A) Translating thoughts into symbols
● B) Sending a message
● C) Assigning meaning to a received message
● D) Creating noise
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Decoding is the opposite of encoding; the receiver translates
the symbols (words, sounds, and gestures) perceived into thoughts
and feelings.
Objective Assessment (OA) Practice Exam
Latest Exam Update 2026 With Detailed
Rationale And Correct Answers
Course: C464 Introduction to Communication
Institution: Western Governors University
Exam Type: Objective Assessment (OA) Practice
Total Questions: 100
Time Limit: 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
Passing Score: 70% (70 correct answers)
Format: Multiple Choice (4 options each)
Exam Instructions
● Read each question carefully and select the single best answer.
● All questions are weighted equally. There is no penalty for
guessing.
● You may flag questions for review.
● The timer does not stop once the exam begins.
● Do not communicate with anyone during the exam.
Reference: This exam covers the C464 competencies: Foundations of
Communication, Communication and Perception, Self and
Communication, Listening, Verbal and Nonverbal Communication,
,Intercultural Communication, Communication in Relationships, Small
Group and Organizational Communication, and Public Speaking.
Section 1: Foundations of Communication
(Questions 1–15)
1. Which of the following best defines communication?
● A) The simple transmission of information from a sender to a
receiver
● B) The exchange of verbal and nonverbal messages with the
intent of stimulating meaning in others
● C) The process of persuading others to adopt a specific
viewpoint
● D) The use of technology to share information across distances
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Communication is defined as the exchange of verbal and
nonverbal messages with the intent of stimulating meaning in others.
2. What is the primary limitation of the linear model of
communication?
● A) It is too complex
● B) It assumes communication is a one-way process
● C) It does not include a sender
● D) It requires digital technology
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The linear model reveals the basic components of a simple
exchange between two people, illustrating a straightforward one-way
process in which a communicator transmits a message to a receiving
communicator.
3. Which communication model accounts for context, relationship,
and simultaneous sending and receiving?
● A) Linear model
● B) Interactive model
● C) Transactional model
● D) Encoding-decoding model
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The transactional model is more realistic than the linear
model because it is dependent on many factors such as context,
relationship between communicators, and simultaneous sending and
receiving of messages.
4. In the linear model of communication, what is the first phase?
● A) Encoding the message
● B) Deciding on the message
● C) Transmitting the message
● D) Perceiving the message
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The linear model of communication consists of five phases:
deciding on the message, encoding the message, transmitting the
, message, perceiving the message, and decoding and assigning
meaning to the message. The first phase is deciding on the message
content.
5. What is encoding in the communication process?
● A) Assigning meaning to a received message
● B) Translating thoughts and feelings into symbols
● C) Sending a message through a channel
● D) Ignoring a message
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Encoding refers to a psychological process in which the
sender of a message assigns symbols, such as words, sounds, or
gestures, to his or her thoughts and feelings.
6. What is decoding in the communication process?
● A) Translating thoughts into symbols
● B) Sending a message
● C) Assigning meaning to a received message
● D) Creating noise
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Decoding is the opposite of encoding; the receiver translates
the symbols (words, sounds, and gestures) perceived into thoughts
and feelings.
