COM 101 Final Exam V1 | COM 101 Intro to
Communication | StraighterLine | Q&A
with Rationale (StraighterLine COM101
Final Exam)
1. Which model of communication treats communication as a one-way process where a
sender transmits a message to a receiver?
A. Transactional Model
B. Linear Model
C. Interactive Model
D. Relational Model
Answer: B
Rationale: The linear model of communication depicts a simple, one-way flow of
information from the source to the target. This model primarily focuses on the
transmission of the message and does not account for immediate feedback. It is often used
to describe traditional media forms like radio or television broadcasts.
2. In the communication process, ‘noise’ refers to which of the following?
A. Only loud sounds in the environment
B. The channel used to send a message
C. Any interference that distorts or interferes with a message
,D. The verbal feedback from a listener
Answer: C
Rationale: Noise represents any factor that inhibits the clear reception and interpretation
of a message. It can be physical, such as a loud jackhammer, or psychological, such as
personal bias or stress. Effective communicators work to identify and minimize these
distractions to ensure the message is received as intended.
3. Which component of the communication process involves the receiver assigning meaning
to the symbols sent by the source?
A. Encoding
B. Decoding
C. Channeling
D. Feedback
Answer: B
Rationale: Decoding is the mental process wherein the receiver interprets the words or
symbols provided by the sender. This process is heavily influenced by the receiver’s past
experiences, culture, and language skills. Miscommunication often occurs if the receiver’s
decoding does not match the sender’s original encoding intent.
4. A person who is distracted by their own hunger during a lecture is experiencing which type
of noise?
A. Physical noise
, B. Semantic noise
C. Physiological noise
D. Psychological noise
Answer: C
Rationale: Physiological noise refers to biological factors that interfere with a person’s
ability to communicate or listen effectively. Examples include hunger, fatigue, illness, or
hearing loss. Because these issues occur within the body, they can significantly reduce a
person’s cognitive focus on the interaction.
5. The transactional model of communication is unique because it suggests that:
A. Messages are sent one at a time.
B. Communicators act as both senders and receivers simultaneously.
C. Feedback is delayed rather than immediate.
D. Communication is always successful.
Answer: B
Rationale: The transactional model views communication as a continuous, dynamic
process where meaning is co-created. Unlike the linear model, it recognizes that people
send and receive messages at the exact same time through nonverbal cues. This
perspective emphasizes the shared responsibility of participants in maintaining the flow of
communication.
Communication | StraighterLine | Q&A
with Rationale (StraighterLine COM101
Final Exam)
1. Which model of communication treats communication as a one-way process where a
sender transmits a message to a receiver?
A. Transactional Model
B. Linear Model
C. Interactive Model
D. Relational Model
Answer: B
Rationale: The linear model of communication depicts a simple, one-way flow of
information from the source to the target. This model primarily focuses on the
transmission of the message and does not account for immediate feedback. It is often used
to describe traditional media forms like radio or television broadcasts.
2. In the communication process, ‘noise’ refers to which of the following?
A. Only loud sounds in the environment
B. The channel used to send a message
C. Any interference that distorts or interferes with a message
,D. The verbal feedback from a listener
Answer: C
Rationale: Noise represents any factor that inhibits the clear reception and interpretation
of a message. It can be physical, such as a loud jackhammer, or psychological, such as
personal bias or stress. Effective communicators work to identify and minimize these
distractions to ensure the message is received as intended.
3. Which component of the communication process involves the receiver assigning meaning
to the symbols sent by the source?
A. Encoding
B. Decoding
C. Channeling
D. Feedback
Answer: B
Rationale: Decoding is the mental process wherein the receiver interprets the words or
symbols provided by the sender. This process is heavily influenced by the receiver’s past
experiences, culture, and language skills. Miscommunication often occurs if the receiver’s
decoding does not match the sender’s original encoding intent.
4. A person who is distracted by their own hunger during a lecture is experiencing which type
of noise?
A. Physical noise
, B. Semantic noise
C. Physiological noise
D. Psychological noise
Answer: C
Rationale: Physiological noise refers to biological factors that interfere with a person’s
ability to communicate or listen effectively. Examples include hunger, fatigue, illness, or
hearing loss. Because these issues occur within the body, they can significantly reduce a
person’s cognitive focus on the interaction.
5. The transactional model of communication is unique because it suggests that:
A. Messages are sent one at a time.
B. Communicators act as both senders and receivers simultaneously.
C. Feedback is delayed rather than immediate.
D. Communication is always successful.
Answer: B
Rationale: The transactional model views communication as a continuous, dynamic
process where meaning is co-created. Unlike the linear model, it recognizes that people
send and receive messages at the exact same time through nonverbal cues. This
perspective emphasizes the shared responsibility of participants in maintaining the flow of
communication.
