COMM 311 Midterm Exam 2 | Questions and
Full Solutions | 2026/27 Updated | 100%
Correct - Queens University.
Practice Question Bank & Answer Rationale
THIS PACK CONTAINS
150 exam-style multiple-choice questions. Each question includes the correct answer and a complete
rationale for focused revision.
COVERAGE
This exam assesses advanced understanding of communication theory, research methods, and applied
communication contexts, including interpersonal, organizational, mediated, and intercultural communication. It
emphasizes critical analysis, synthesis of theories, and application to contemporary issues.
STUDY GUIDE
Recommended duration: 2 hours. Passing target: 70%.
HIGHP - Page 1 of 53
,1. Which theoretical framework best explains how individuals use communication to
manage uncertainty in initial interactions while simultaneously reducing cognitive
dissonance?
[ ] A. Uncertainty Reduction Theory
[ ] B. Cognitive Dissonance Theory
[ ] C. A synthesis of Uncertainty Reduction Theory and Cognitive Dissonance Theory
[ ] D. Social Exchange Theory
CORRECT: C. A synthesis of Uncertainty Reduction Theory and Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Uncertainty Reduction Theory addresses initial interactions, while Cognitive Dissonance Theory explains
discomfort from conflicting cognitions. Integrating both provides a comprehensive explanation for managing
uncertainty and dissonance in communication. Other options are singular theories that do not fully capture
the combined process.
2. In a study examining the impact of social media on political polarization, which
research design would best establish causality?
[ ] A. Cross-sectional survey
[ ] B. Longitudinal panel study with random assignment
[ ] C. Content analysis of social media posts
[ ] D. Focus group interviews
CORRECT: B. Longitudinal panel study with random assignment
A longitudinal panel study with random assignment allows for control of confounding variables and temporal
precedence, enabling causal inference. Cross-sectional surveys and content analysis cannot establish
causality, and focus groups provide qualitative insights but not causal evidence.
3. According to Communication Accommodation Theory, which strategy involves
adjusting one's communication style to match that of the interlocutor to gain social
approval?
[ ] A. Divergence
[ ] B. Convergence
[ ] C. Maintenance
[ ] D. Over-accommodation
CORRECT: B. Convergence
Convergence refers to adapting communication to become more similar to the other person, often to seek
approval or increase attraction. Divergence emphasizes differences, maintenance involves no adjustment,
and over-accommodation is excessive adjustment that can be patronizing.
HIGHP - Page 2 of 53
,4. Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'organizational culture' as defined
by Schein?
[ ] A. The formal hierarchy and reporting lines within a company
[ ] B. The shared basic assumptions that a group learned as it solved problems
[ ] C. The written policies and procedures manual
[ ] D. The physical layout of the office space
CORRECT: B. The shared basic assumptions that a group learned as it solved problems
Schein defines organizational culture as shared basic assumptions developed over time. Formal hierarchy,
written policies, and office layout are artifacts or structures, not the underlying assumptions.
5. In the context of intercultural communication, which dimension of Hofstede's cultural
dimensions theory describes the extent to which less powerful members accept that
power is distributed unequally?
[ ] A. Individualism vs. Collectivism
[ ] B. Power Distance
[ ] C. Uncertainty Avoidance
[ ] D. Masculinity vs. Femininity
CORRECT: B. Power Distance
Power Distance measures acceptance of unequal power distribution. Individualism/Collectivism focuses on
group vs. individual ties, Uncertainty Avoidance deals with ambiguity, and Masculinity/Femininity relates to
gender roles.
6. Which ethical principle in communication research requires that participants be fully
informed about the study's purpose and potential risks?
[ ] A. Confidentiality
[ ] B. Informed consent
[ ] C. Anonymity
[ ] D. Debriefing
CORRECT: B. Informed consent
Informed consent ensures participants understand the study and voluntarily agree to participate.
Confidentiality and anonymity protect identity, while debriefing occurs after participation.
7. A researcher finds a strong negative correlation between time spent on social media
and face-to-face communication. Which conclusion is most appropriate?
[ ] A. Social media use causes reduced face-to-face communication.
[ ] B. Reduced face-to-face communication causes increased social media use.
HIGHP - Page 3 of 53
, [ ] C. There is a relationship, but causality cannot be determined from correlation alone.
[ ] D. The correlation is spurious and should be ignored.
CORRECT: C. There is a relationship, but causality cannot be determined from correlation alone.
Correlation does not imply causation; a third variable or reverse causality may be at play. Thus, only a
relationship can be inferred, not causation.
8. Which model of persuasion emphasizes the role of argument quality and source
credibility in influencing attitude change?
[ ] A. Elaboration Likelihood Model
[ ] B. Heuristic-Systematic Model
[ ] C. Theory of Planned Behavior
[ ] D. Social Judgment Theory
CORRECT: A. Elaboration Likelihood Model
The Elaboration Likelihood Model posits two routes: central (argument quality) and peripheral (source
credibility). The Heuristic-Systematic Model also involves processing but is distinct; Theory of Planned
Behavior focuses on intentions, and Social Judgment Theory deals with assimilation and contrast.
9. In a communication audit, which method would best capture employees' perceptions of
communication effectiveness within an organization?
[ ] A. Network analysis
[ ] B. Surveys and interviews
[ ] C. Content analysis of emails
[ ] D. Observation of meetings
CORRECT: B. Surveys and interviews
Surveys and interviews directly assess perceptions. Network analysis maps communication flows, content
analysis examines message content, and observation may not capture subjective perceptions.
10. Which theory suggests that individuals seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs
in their relationships?
[ ] A. Social Penetration Theory
[ ] B. Social Exchange Theory
[ ] C. Equity Theory
[ ] D. Relational Dialectics Theory
CORRECT: B. Social Exchange Theory
Social Exchange Theory is based on cost-benefit analysis. Social Penetration Theory focuses on
self-disclosure, Equity Theory on fairness, and Relational Dialectics on tensions.
HIGHP - Page 4 of 53
Full Solutions | 2026/27 Updated | 100%
Correct - Queens University.
Practice Question Bank & Answer Rationale
THIS PACK CONTAINS
150 exam-style multiple-choice questions. Each question includes the correct answer and a complete
rationale for focused revision.
COVERAGE
This exam assesses advanced understanding of communication theory, research methods, and applied
communication contexts, including interpersonal, organizational, mediated, and intercultural communication. It
emphasizes critical analysis, synthesis of theories, and application to contemporary issues.
STUDY GUIDE
Recommended duration: 2 hours. Passing target: 70%.
HIGHP - Page 1 of 53
,1. Which theoretical framework best explains how individuals use communication to
manage uncertainty in initial interactions while simultaneously reducing cognitive
dissonance?
[ ] A. Uncertainty Reduction Theory
[ ] B. Cognitive Dissonance Theory
[ ] C. A synthesis of Uncertainty Reduction Theory and Cognitive Dissonance Theory
[ ] D. Social Exchange Theory
CORRECT: C. A synthesis of Uncertainty Reduction Theory and Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Uncertainty Reduction Theory addresses initial interactions, while Cognitive Dissonance Theory explains
discomfort from conflicting cognitions. Integrating both provides a comprehensive explanation for managing
uncertainty and dissonance in communication. Other options are singular theories that do not fully capture
the combined process.
2. In a study examining the impact of social media on political polarization, which
research design would best establish causality?
[ ] A. Cross-sectional survey
[ ] B. Longitudinal panel study with random assignment
[ ] C. Content analysis of social media posts
[ ] D. Focus group interviews
CORRECT: B. Longitudinal panel study with random assignment
A longitudinal panel study with random assignment allows for control of confounding variables and temporal
precedence, enabling causal inference. Cross-sectional surveys and content analysis cannot establish
causality, and focus groups provide qualitative insights but not causal evidence.
3. According to Communication Accommodation Theory, which strategy involves
adjusting one's communication style to match that of the interlocutor to gain social
approval?
[ ] A. Divergence
[ ] B. Convergence
[ ] C. Maintenance
[ ] D. Over-accommodation
CORRECT: B. Convergence
Convergence refers to adapting communication to become more similar to the other person, often to seek
approval or increase attraction. Divergence emphasizes differences, maintenance involves no adjustment,
and over-accommodation is excessive adjustment that can be patronizing.
HIGHP - Page 2 of 53
,4. Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'organizational culture' as defined
by Schein?
[ ] A. The formal hierarchy and reporting lines within a company
[ ] B. The shared basic assumptions that a group learned as it solved problems
[ ] C. The written policies and procedures manual
[ ] D. The physical layout of the office space
CORRECT: B. The shared basic assumptions that a group learned as it solved problems
Schein defines organizational culture as shared basic assumptions developed over time. Formal hierarchy,
written policies, and office layout are artifacts or structures, not the underlying assumptions.
5. In the context of intercultural communication, which dimension of Hofstede's cultural
dimensions theory describes the extent to which less powerful members accept that
power is distributed unequally?
[ ] A. Individualism vs. Collectivism
[ ] B. Power Distance
[ ] C. Uncertainty Avoidance
[ ] D. Masculinity vs. Femininity
CORRECT: B. Power Distance
Power Distance measures acceptance of unequal power distribution. Individualism/Collectivism focuses on
group vs. individual ties, Uncertainty Avoidance deals with ambiguity, and Masculinity/Femininity relates to
gender roles.
6. Which ethical principle in communication research requires that participants be fully
informed about the study's purpose and potential risks?
[ ] A. Confidentiality
[ ] B. Informed consent
[ ] C. Anonymity
[ ] D. Debriefing
CORRECT: B. Informed consent
Informed consent ensures participants understand the study and voluntarily agree to participate.
Confidentiality and anonymity protect identity, while debriefing occurs after participation.
7. A researcher finds a strong negative correlation between time spent on social media
and face-to-face communication. Which conclusion is most appropriate?
[ ] A. Social media use causes reduced face-to-face communication.
[ ] B. Reduced face-to-face communication causes increased social media use.
HIGHP - Page 3 of 53
, [ ] C. There is a relationship, but causality cannot be determined from correlation alone.
[ ] D. The correlation is spurious and should be ignored.
CORRECT: C. There is a relationship, but causality cannot be determined from correlation alone.
Correlation does not imply causation; a third variable or reverse causality may be at play. Thus, only a
relationship can be inferred, not causation.
8. Which model of persuasion emphasizes the role of argument quality and source
credibility in influencing attitude change?
[ ] A. Elaboration Likelihood Model
[ ] B. Heuristic-Systematic Model
[ ] C. Theory of Planned Behavior
[ ] D. Social Judgment Theory
CORRECT: A. Elaboration Likelihood Model
The Elaboration Likelihood Model posits two routes: central (argument quality) and peripheral (source
credibility). The Heuristic-Systematic Model also involves processing but is distinct; Theory of Planned
Behavior focuses on intentions, and Social Judgment Theory deals with assimilation and contrast.
9. In a communication audit, which method would best capture employees' perceptions of
communication effectiveness within an organization?
[ ] A. Network analysis
[ ] B. Surveys and interviews
[ ] C. Content analysis of emails
[ ] D. Observation of meetings
CORRECT: B. Surveys and interviews
Surveys and interviews directly assess perceptions. Network analysis maps communication flows, content
analysis examines message content, and observation may not capture subjective perceptions.
10. Which theory suggests that individuals seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs
in their relationships?
[ ] A. Social Penetration Theory
[ ] B. Social Exchange Theory
[ ] C. Equity Theory
[ ] D. Relational Dialectics Theory
CORRECT: B. Social Exchange Theory
Social Exchange Theory is based on cost-benefit analysis. Social Penetration Theory focuses on
self-disclosure, Equity Theory on fairness, and Relational Dialectics on tensions.
HIGHP - Page 4 of 53
