Student: ___________________________________________________________________________
1. Write an essay in which you define communication and the eight components of communication. Explain
how those components function together in the communication process.
2. Write an essay in which you answer the question "Why should I study communication?" You may
use answers based on the book, but you should also think of some of your own reasons for studying
communication.
3. Write an essay in which you explain why our society might especially need to improve communication
between and among people.
4. Explain in an essay why the concept of process is important in understanding how communication
works.
5. Write an essay in which you explain what is meant by the idea of "understanding and sharing
meaning."
,6. Explain in an essay the idea that communication begins with the self.
7. Write an essay explaining the role of "others" in communication.
8. Explain in an essay the difference between the content and the relational elements of communication.
9. Write an essay that explains the concepts of encoding and decoding as they function in
communication.
10. Write an essay in which you define and provide examples of the four contexts of communication.
11. Discuss reasons why studying communication can improve the way you see yourself.
,12. Explain reasons why the study of communication can help you succeed in your professional career.
13. Write an essay in which you explain the eight principles of communication discussed in chapter 1.
14. Write an essay in which you explain how studying communication helps you exercise your
constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech.
15. Explain and provide at least one example of media convergence.
16. Describe at least one way in which technological convergence has directly influenced your life.
17. The term dyadic communication refers to the context in which people in a group communicate with each
other.
True False
18. The mode by which a message moves from source to receiver is called feedback.
True False
19. A systematic arrangement of symbols, letters, or words is called nonverbal communication.
True False
20. Your perceptions shape your speaking and your listening.
True False
, 21. Encoding is assigning meaning to an idea or thought.
True False
22. The process of understanding and sharing meaning within the self is called interpersonal
communication.
True False
23. Communication changes in different contexts.
True False
24. The message that is sent to another person or group of people can be both verbal and nonverbal.
True False
25. The word communication comes from a Latin term meaning "to speak with understanding."
True False
26. Communication is the process of using messages to generate meaning.
True False
27. Communication plays a minor role in fulfilling the purposes of a democratic society.
True False
28. The context of communication requires the most prestructuring of the message in public
communication.
True False
29. According to the book, the most intimate context of human communication is interpersonal
communication.
True False
30. There are more opportunities for feedback in the dyadic context than in the small group context.
True False
31. Communication is best understood as a dialogic process.
True False
32. Communication is the simple transmission of information from one person to another.
True False
33. An increased quantity of communication promotes more harmony and understanding.
True False
34. Using your computer to check the voice mail for your office telephone is an example of media
convergence.
True False
35. Having a local newspaper start placing video about news events on its website is an example of media
convergence.
True False
36. The word communication comes from the Latin "communicare," which means
A. "to speak with understanding."
B. "to make common."
C. "to form a community of believers."
D. "to care for others."
37. Which of the following does not relate to the term process?
A. continuous
B. ongoing
C. dynamic
D. static