COM 114 Exam 1 Chapters 1–6 Review 2026 | Most Tested
Questions & Verified Answers | Latest Update | Graded A+
1. If a speaker chooses to deliver a message through social media instead of
face-to-face, what aspect of communication is being altered?
The message
The medium
The sender
The context
2. How does historiography influence our understanding of communication in
historical contexts?
Historiography is unrelated to communication and focuses only on
historical events.
Historiography emphasizes the importance of oral traditions in history.
Historiography focuses solely on factual accuracy in historical writing.
Historiography reveals how the presentation of history can shape
perceptions and interpretations of events.
3. In a situation where a speaker uses a sarcastic tone while delivering a
compliment, what role does vocalic play in the audience's understanding?
It indicates that the compliment may not be sincere.
It has no impact on the audience's understanding.
It suggests that the speaker is unsure of their message.
It reinforces the sincerity of the compliment.
,4. Describe the logical fallacy represented by 'post hoc ergo propter hoc' in
your own words.
It is the reasoning that events are always random.
It is the assumption that one event causes another simply because it
occurred first.
It is the conclusion that events are only coincidental.
It is the belief that all events are unrelated.
5. In a situation where a person is expressing frustration verbally, but their body
language is relaxed, what might this indicate about their nonverbal
communication?
Their nonverbal communication supports their verbal message.
They are likely feeling calm and content.
Their nonverbal communication is irrelevant to the conversation.
There may be a disconnect between their verbal expression and
nonverbal cues.
6. What causes environmental listening distractions?
Emotional state and personal biases
Cultural differences and language barriers
Technological interference and noise
Physical location and competing sources
7. If a speaker presents a message that lacks plausibility, what might be a
potential consequence in a communication scenario?
The audience may reject the message.
, The audience may become more engaged.
The audience may ask for clarification.
The audience may feel more connected to the speaker.
8. An example of a barrier to communication in the external environment is:
Lack of clarity in the speaker's message.
Divided attention of the listener.
Misunderstandings due to cultural differences.
Background noise and distractions.
9. Critical listening is the analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of a message
and is considered a pre-requisite to evaluative listening.
FALSE
TRUE
10. In nonverbal communication, what does "vocalics" primarily focus on?
the study of facial expressions
the study of touch communication
the study of eye behavior
the study of vocal characteristics such as pitch and tone
11. According to Burgoon, personal space:
Is the zone within 18 inches of a person.
Is bigger for women than for men.
Varies based on cultural norms and individual preferences.
, Cannot be violated without negative reactions from the person.
12. In a group meeting Ben states, "I think your opinion is invalid. I have been
doing this for five years and know how things should be done around here."
Ben's statement reflects which type of personal obstacle to effective
listening?
defensiveness
dogmatism
experiential superiority
ethnocentrism
13. What is the definition of experiential superiority in the context of listening?
Experiential superiority is when listeners fail to fully engage
because they believe they have superior knowledge.
Experiential superiority describes the emotional connection between
the speaker and listener.
Experiential superiority refers to the ability to listen without
distractions.
Experiential superiority is the tendency to interrupt the speaker
frequently.
14. Describe the concept of selective listening and its impact on
communication.
Selective listening means hearing all parts of a message equally,
ensuring full understanding.
Selective listening involves concentrating on aspects of a message
that confirm one's own opinions, which can lead to
misunderstandings.
Questions & Verified Answers | Latest Update | Graded A+
1. If a speaker chooses to deliver a message through social media instead of
face-to-face, what aspect of communication is being altered?
The message
The medium
The sender
The context
2. How does historiography influence our understanding of communication in
historical contexts?
Historiography is unrelated to communication and focuses only on
historical events.
Historiography emphasizes the importance of oral traditions in history.
Historiography focuses solely on factual accuracy in historical writing.
Historiography reveals how the presentation of history can shape
perceptions and interpretations of events.
3. In a situation where a speaker uses a sarcastic tone while delivering a
compliment, what role does vocalic play in the audience's understanding?
It indicates that the compliment may not be sincere.
It has no impact on the audience's understanding.
It suggests that the speaker is unsure of their message.
It reinforces the sincerity of the compliment.
,4. Describe the logical fallacy represented by 'post hoc ergo propter hoc' in
your own words.
It is the reasoning that events are always random.
It is the assumption that one event causes another simply because it
occurred first.
It is the conclusion that events are only coincidental.
It is the belief that all events are unrelated.
5. In a situation where a person is expressing frustration verbally, but their body
language is relaxed, what might this indicate about their nonverbal
communication?
Their nonverbal communication supports their verbal message.
They are likely feeling calm and content.
Their nonverbal communication is irrelevant to the conversation.
There may be a disconnect between their verbal expression and
nonverbal cues.
6. What causes environmental listening distractions?
Emotional state and personal biases
Cultural differences and language barriers
Technological interference and noise
Physical location and competing sources
7. If a speaker presents a message that lacks plausibility, what might be a
potential consequence in a communication scenario?
The audience may reject the message.
, The audience may become more engaged.
The audience may ask for clarification.
The audience may feel more connected to the speaker.
8. An example of a barrier to communication in the external environment is:
Lack of clarity in the speaker's message.
Divided attention of the listener.
Misunderstandings due to cultural differences.
Background noise and distractions.
9. Critical listening is the analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of a message
and is considered a pre-requisite to evaluative listening.
FALSE
TRUE
10. In nonverbal communication, what does "vocalics" primarily focus on?
the study of facial expressions
the study of touch communication
the study of eye behavior
the study of vocal characteristics such as pitch and tone
11. According to Burgoon, personal space:
Is the zone within 18 inches of a person.
Is bigger for women than for men.
Varies based on cultural norms and individual preferences.
, Cannot be violated without negative reactions from the person.
12. In a group meeting Ben states, "I think your opinion is invalid. I have been
doing this for five years and know how things should be done around here."
Ben's statement reflects which type of personal obstacle to effective
listening?
defensiveness
dogmatism
experiential superiority
ethnocentrism
13. What is the definition of experiential superiority in the context of listening?
Experiential superiority is when listeners fail to fully engage
because they believe they have superior knowledge.
Experiential superiority describes the emotional connection between
the speaker and listener.
Experiential superiority refers to the ability to listen without
distractions.
Experiential superiority is the tendency to interrupt the speaker
frequently.
14. Describe the concept of selective listening and its impact on
communication.
Selective listening means hearing all parts of a message equally,
ensuring full understanding.
Selective listening involves concentrating on aspects of a message
that confirm one's own opinions, which can lead to
misunderstandings.
