MCQ Questions

Question 1

Define what is meant by communication; what is the critical characteristic of all acts of communication?

Answer 1

A: Communication is the process of sharing information between people to reach a common understanding.

The message must be understood by the receiver if it’s not, then real communication hasn’t happened.

No communication takes place unless there is common understanding of the message between the person sending the message and the person(s) receiving it

Question 2

Explain each of the four elements that are common to all acts of communication.

Answer 2

1. Sender (Source): The person or group who gives the message.

Message: The information or idea being shared.

Channel: The way the message is sent.

Receiver: The person or group who gets the message.

Question 3

Define what is meant by communicator credibility.

Answer 3

It means how believable and trustworthy a speaker seems to their audience.
It’s based on how the audience sees the speaker, not just what the speaker says.
The more credible a communicator is, the more influence they have.

Question 4

Name 8 factors that affect communicator credibility.

Answer 4

Competence

Accessibility

Trustworthiness

Dynamism

Personal Characteristics

Reputation

Power

Status/Position

Question 5

Define what is meant by communicator empathy.

Answer 5

It means being able to see things from the other person’s point of view and understand their feelings, while still staying calm and fair.

Question 6

Why is communicator empathy important? (4)

Answer 6

Helps build trust and connection.

👂 Makes people feel heard and respected.

Leads to clearer, more effective communication.

🚫 Stops you from judging or reacting emotionally.

Question 7

Describe the three receiver response states.

Answer 7

Attention: The receiver notices the message. We pay attention to things that match our wants or needs. To grab attention: use the right media or channel for your audience.

Comprehension: The receiver understands the message. For communication to work, the meaning the receiver gets should be close to what the sender meant.

Acceptance: The receiver agrees with or accepts the message. This is the goal of communication.

Question 8

Explain why communicators must know about this concept for successful communication.

Answer 8

Belief Level: The person believes the message is true or valid.

Attitude Level: The person feels good about the message; sees it as desirable.

Action Level: The person acts on the message; this is the goal

Understanding these steps helps communicators build trust, influence attitudes, and encourage action; not just share information.

Question 9

What is the role of lecture presentations when communicating information to an audience (related to the adoption process)? (4)

Answer 9

Most widely used method of transferring knowledge
To raise awareness
To create interest
To assist in mental evaluation of information

Question 10

Label the X and Y axes of the audience concentration curve and comment on the implications of this when delivering lecture presentations.

Answer 10

Level of concentration is at its maximum at approximately 20 minutes and takes a sharp decline after.

Question 11

List four key issues to consider when planning a lecture presentation.

Answer 11

Audience – Dictates content, language, pace, examples

Subject Matter – Own competence

Purpose / Aim – What do you want to achieve

Time Available

Question 12

List five key steps to complete when preparing a lecture presentation.

Answer 12

Structure your presentation

Draft your talk

Plan and prepare visual aids

Rehearse / Rehearse / Rehearse

Prepare for the unexpected

Question 13

List three types of seating arrangements you would consider if organising a seminar and give two advantages of each type.

Answer 13

Theatre Style: Chairs are arranged in rows facing the front, like in a cinema or theatre.
- Maximizes seating capacity – Ideal for large audiences where attendees mainly listen.
- Focus on the speaker – All seats face the stage or presenter, promoting attention.

Horseshoe Style: Tables and chairs are arranged in a U-shape, with the open end facing the presenter or screen.
- Encourages interaction – Facilitates discussion between participants and speaker.
- Good visibility – Everyone can see each other and the presenter clearly.

Cabaret Style: Round tables with chairs on only one side (or ¾) facing the front, leaving the presenter in view.
- Promotes group work – Encourages collaboration at each table.
- Unobstructed view – Participants don’t have their backs to the stage or screen.

Question 14

List five key principles to consider when preparing and presenting slides to accompany a lecture.

Answer 14

Keep it simple

Use high-quality images and graphics

Use consistent font sizes and styles to limit the amount of text on each slide

Clear and concise language

Gestures: Natural and unforced. Beware of distracting mannerisms

Question 15

List four reasons why it is important to increase audience participation during a lecture presentation or training course.

Answer 15

1. Learning is an active process
2. Helps hold an audience’s attention
3. Essential if the goal is to alter people’s attitudes or behavior
4. Helps check for understanding

Question 16

Identify five methods of achieving audience participation during a lecture presentation or training course.

Answer 16

1. Question and Discussion
2. Buzz / Hum sessions
3. Role Play
4. Brainstorm
5. Interactive polls and surveys

Question 17

List five key differences between writing business and personal emails.

Answer 17

1. Formal Greeting
   Business: Personal:
   “Dear Mr. Robinson” “Hi John” or “Hey”
2. Clear Subject Line
   Business:
   Should clearly say what the email is about.
   Personal: May be casual or even left blank.
3. Introduce Yourself
   Business:
   Always say who you are, especially if it’s your first email.
   Personal:
   Not usually needed with friends or family.
4. State the Purpose Clearly
   Business:
   Be direct and clear about why you’re writing.
   Personal:
   Can be more casual or chatty.
5. Formal Ending
   Business:
   Use “Kind regards” or “Sincerely”.
   Personal: Use “Thanks” or “See you soon”.

Question 18

Describe four criteria used to judge the quality of a list of references:

Answer 18

1. Links to What’s Already Known: Your references should connect to existing knowledge on the topic.
2. Includes Key Authors: Shows you’ve read and included important writers.
3. Backs Up Your Points: References should support your ideas with extra facts or evidence.
4. Used Properly in Your Work: You quote, paraphrase, or refer to these sources in your own words.

Question 19

List five ways to ensure the effective presentation of a table and/or figure:

Answer 19

1. Support the Text: The table or figure adds to what’s written, not replaces it.
2. Make Sense on Their Own: Each one should be clear without needing to read the text.
3. Reference the Source: If using someone else’s data or image, give proper credit.
4. Number Tables: Use Table 1, Table 2, etc. in the order they appear.
5. Number Figures: Use Figure 1, Figure 2, etc. in the correct order too.

Question 20

List five characteristics of the structure and/or writing style of a media article.

Answer 20

1. Headline: Short, attention-grabbing, and factual
2. The Lead: First 2–3 sentences. Answers the 5 W’s: Who, What, Where, When, Why
3. The Body: Gives the main details and key points. Explains the issue, argument, or topic in more depth
4. The Tail: Minor details. Less important info comes at the end
5. News vs. Feature Style

Question 21

Explain the advantages of digital news media compared with print from a news provider’s perspective: (5)

Answer 21

1. Fast Journalism
2. Stronger Reader Insights
3. Equal Story Visibility
4. Easy Access on Devices
5. Lower Costs

Question 22

Define the term communications campaign:

Answer 22

Utilize media and messaging, along with an organized set of communication activities, to achieve specific outcomes for many people.

Question 23

Briefly describe four advantages of communications campaigns

Answer 23

1. Use Different Methods for the Same Goal: Mix of media (e.g. radio, social media, posters) reinforces the message.
2. Repeat the Message: Repetition helps the audience remember and understand the message.
3. Reach a Bigger Audience: Can connect with more people across different locations and backgrounds.
4. Encourages Teamwork: Helps build co-operation between different parts of an organisation.

Question 24

List and briefly describe the five main stages of developing a communication campaign

Answer 24

1. Situation Analysis: Understand the problem using facts, data, and research. Know what’s going on before you plan.
2. Set Objectives: Decide what you want to achieve. Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-based).
3. Plan Your Actions: Choose your message, audience, tools (like social media), timeline, and budget. Create a clear action plan.
4. Take Action: Carry out the plan, send messages, run events, reach the audience.
5. Evaluate: Check if it worked, did you meet your goals? Look for ways to improve next time.

Question 25

In the context of communications campaigns what is a SMART objective?

Answer 25

* Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound

Question 26

What is the key difference between the methods that are appropriate for the diffusion of a simple change compared to a difficult change?

Answer 26

Simple: Group methods Mass methods, Leaflets, Radio, TV Difficult: Individual method is best

Question 27

What is the purpose of evaluating a communications campaign?

Answer 27

* To know what has been achieved against the goal * Accountability, progress, improvement, motivation, and credibility.

Question 28

Distinguish between four types of evaluation that are recognized when evaluating campaigns.

Answer 28

* Formative Evaluation: Assess strengths and weaknesses before and during campaign. * Process Evaluation: Focuses on the effort put into the campaign. Tracks what was done. * Outcome Evaluation: Shows if the campaign is making a difference. Looks at short-term results * Impact Evaluation: Measure long-term change or long-term results of the campaign

Question 29

Describe three characteristics of effective communications campaigns:

Answer 29

Capture the attention of the right audience: Define the target audience, select channels (social media, radio, etc.). Deliver an understandable and credible message: Use a trusted source. Keep the message simple and easy to understand. Deliver a message that influences the audience's beliefs and understanding by providing useful information: Help them see things differently or make better choices.

Question 30

What is the contribution of farm open days and demonstrations for farmers relative to other knowledge transfer approaches? Outline three aspects.

Answer 30

* Result – Show the difference between Old vs New * Method – Teach a new Skill * Action – Challenge policy/advocate for change

Question 31

Outline the four main requirements for a successful farm demonstration.

Answer 31

* Facilitated Dialogue * Real Life Context * Social Interaction * Hands-on Experiences

Question 32

Explain the three aspects of peer learning that are associated with farm demonstrations?

Answer 32

1. Experiential Learning: Learn by doing – farmers watch, try, and reflect on real-life farm activities. Helps build practical skills through hands-on experience. 2. Transformative Learning: Farmers rethink their own ideas after seeing new methods. Encourages big changes in how they farm. 3. Network Learning: Farmers meet and learn from each other at demo events. Builds connections and support for learning and sharing.

Question 33

Outline six key factors to consider when preparing a method demonstration?

Answer 33

1. Identify a practical objective 2. Have everything ready 3. Job/Task analysis 4. Prepare the Audience 5. Teach/Present the practical skill 6. Each participant practices under supervision (individual, groups)

Question 34

Outline five key factors to consider when selecting a site and host farmer for a demonstration on a farm?

Answer 34

1. Easy to Get To: Accessible location 2. The farm should be similar to most farms in the area so the demo is relevant. 3. Willing Host: The farmer should be happy and willing to take part and support the event. 4. Good Relationship: There should be trust and good communication between the farmer and organiser. 5. Ready for the Demo: The farm should have the right tools, space, and safety in place for the event.

Question 35

What is Peyton’s (1998) 4 stage approach to teaching a skill?

Answer 35

Stage 1: Watch: The demonstrator shows the skill at normal speed. No detailed explanation — just observe. Stage 2: Learn with Explanation: The demonstrator does it again, but this time explains each step clearly. Learner can ask questions. Stage 3: Talk Through It: The demonstrator does the skill again, but the learner explains each step out loud. Teacher checks understanding and corrects mistakes. Stage 4: Do It Yourself: The learner performs the skill while talking through each step. The demonstrator closely watches and supports.

Question 36

What are the attributes that help define a group?

Answer 36

A group consists of people who: · Are in interactions and communications · Agree and share a common purpose · Have the ability and willingness to act as a collective unit · Recognise they are interdependent · Have established ground rules for who they operate (organisation) · Have a shared identity

Question 37

Distinguish between advisory groups, task groups and marketing groups.

Answer 37

Advisory groups: Provide expert guidance, recommendations, or strategic input to decision-makers. They check their ideas more thoroughly and make better decisions than individuals Task Groups: Carry out a specific project or solve a particular problem. They are often temporary and disband once the task is completed. Eg: Project groups Marketing groups: Focus on promoting and selling products or services. Example: Farmers working together to market lamb locally Also known as purchasing groups Eg: Farmers working together to market lamb locally

Question 38

Why do farmers join farmer discussion groups? (4)

Answer 38

* Learn from other farmers (most common reason). * Improve farm operations and profitability. * Solve problems collectively. * Enjoy social interactions and peer support

Question 39

List and explain, in order, Tuckman's 5 stages of group formation and development.

Answer 39

1. Forming: Members get to know each other; general politeness; no firm ground rules. 2. Storming: Conflict arises; rules are challenged; personal agendas emerge. 3. Norming: Cohesion develops; members accept differences and focus on unity. 4. Performing: Group functions effectively; roles are flexible and energy is channeled into tasks. 5. Adjourning: Group disbands after achieving its goals or reforms with new members

Question 40

What are the characteristics of good group dynamics? (9)

Answer 40

· Good leadership · Trust · Collaboration · Know each other well · Communication · Adaptability · Shared purpose and goal · Clear expectations · Team culture

Question 41

List and briefly explain five barriers to listening

Answer 41

1. On-Off Listening: You think faster than people talk, so your mind wanders. Happens more when the speaker is slow or dull. 2. Red-Flag Listening: 🚩A word or phrase triggers strong emotions (like anger or boredom). You stop listening because you're reacting emotionally. 3. Open Ears, Closed Mind: 🙉 You judge too quickly and assume the topic or person is boring. You tune out because you think you already know what they’ll say. 4. Glassy-Eyed Listening: 😐 You're daydreaming — your mind is far away. Your face doesn’t match what's being said. 5. Too Deep for Me: 😕 If the topic feels too complex, you give up trying to understand. You assume others won’t get it either.

Question 42

Briefly explain six approaches to decision-making by groups

Answer 42

1. Consensus: Ongoing discussion until everyone agrees. * ✔ Encourages creativity, full participation, and commitment. * ✘ Time-consuming, requires high skill, and can lead to minority veto power. 2. Majority Vote: Decision made by majority rule. * ✔ Quick, efficient for less critical issues. * ✘ Can alienate the minority and limit team input. 3. Minority: A small group or subcommittee decides. * ✔ Useful under time pressure or when only a few have the expertise. * ✘ Excludes wider group input and reduces commitment. 4. Expert: Decision made by a highly knowledgeable individual. * ✔ Ideal when one person's expertise outweighs others. * ✘ Lacks group involvement and commitment. 5. Authority (Without Consultation): Leader makes the decision alone. * ✔ Fast and effective for routine or emergency decisions. * ✘ No team input or ownership. 6. Authority (With Consultation): Leader decides after consulting the team. * ✔ Encourages input, builds commitment. * ✘ Needs good communication and a responsible leader.

Question 43

What is the relevance of culture in group leadership?

Answer 43

Leadership needs to match the culture it operates in. Culture affects how leaders talk to others, solve problems, and make decisions. It also shapes how people view authority, teamwork, and what kind of behavior is seen as normal or respectful. Eg: Irish leadership style, which may be more relaxed and informal, might not work well in Singapore, where a more formal and respectful approach is often expected.

Question 44

Distinguish between the main styles of leadership as they relate to working with groups.

Answer 44

1. Autocratic Leadership: Leader makes all decisions without consulting the group. * ✔ Useful in emergencies or when quick decisions are needed. * ✔ Works in cultures that accept strong authority (high power distance). * ✘ Can cause resistance in cultures that value shared decision-making. 2. Laissez-Faire Leadership: Leader takes a hands-off approach and lets the group manage itself. * ✔ Works well with experienced, motivated groups. * ✘ Can lead to confusion or lack of direction if the group needs guidance. 3. Democratic Leadership: Leader involves group members in decision-making but stays in control. * ✔ Encourages participation and teamwork. * ✔ Builds confidence and helps the group grow. * ✔ Balances guidance with group freedom.

Question 45

What are the five strategies for managing conflict in groups?

Answer 45

1. Surface harmony 2. Avoidance 3. Compromise 4. Problem solving 5. suppression

Question 46

What are the benefits of social media for knowledge exchange? (5)

Answer 46

💬 Helps solve problems by sharing ideas and experiences. 🌍 Gives access to information from outside your local area or country. Encourages learning both on your own and with others. 💡 Supports innovation by connecting people with new ideas. 📚 Helps develop knowledge that isn’t easy to find elsewhere

Question 47

What are the barriers to farmers engaging with apps?

Answer 47

1. Taking too long to set up or learn how to use 2. High Cost 3. Lack of phone/internet coverage 4. Lack of apps relevant to enterprise

Question 48

How can social media be used in agriculture?

Answer 48

1. Network Building (Multi- sectoral) 2. Discussion 3. Knowledge Exchange 4. Access information outside of local/national setting

Question 49

What are the main reasons farmers use social media?

Answer 49

1. Self-training – Use SM as a source of knowledge on their farm system, particularly if they are new to the practices 2. Reassurance – Reinforces farming identity and builds a sense of community. Farmers feel able to share mistakes and feel supported. 3. Extending – Extend on groups that exist in real life, generally via WhatsApp or closed Facebook Groups. 4. Transmission – Providing information for others

Question 50

How can precision farming contribute to sustainability? (5)

Answer 50

1. Uses Less Fertilizer and Pesticide: PF applies inputs only where needed, reducing waste. 2. Cuts Costs and Environmental Harm: Less input = lower costs; Fewer chemicals = less pollution 3. Saves Fuel: Machine guidance helps use fuel more efficiently. 4. Reduces Harmful Side Effects: Helps limit negative impacts on soil, water, and air. 5. Results Can Vary: Benefits depend on the farm and how PF is used.

Question 51

What are the four elements of the Johari Window? Which element contributes most to effective interpersonal communication?

Answer 51

* Blind self * Unknown self * Open self * Hidden self (Open self) The open area allows both people to know what is going on.

Question 52

Distinguish between assertive, passive, aggressive and passive/aggressive communication styles.

Answer 52

* Assertive – Standing up for your own needs while respecting other people's needs. * Passive – Is putting other people's needs before your own needs * Aggressive – Is putting your own needs before the needs of other people. * Passive aggressive – Is deceptively putting your own needs above other's needs.

Question 53

How can you develop skills for empathy? (5)

Answer 53

👂 Really listen to others. 💬 Share your feelings and stories too. ❌ Don’t assume you know how someone feels. Notice your own opinions – they can affect how you see others. Be supportive – offer help or just be there to listen.

Question 54

What are the five basic stages for all one-to-one consultations/meetings with a client?

Answer 54

1. Prepare * Know the purpose of the meeting. * Do any research or planning ahead of time. 2. Start the Conversation * Make a good first impression. * Introduce yourself and help the other person feel comfortable. 3. Ask Questions * Get the conversation going. * Show interest and gather important information. 4. Listen Carefully * Focus fully on the person. * Keep an open mind and avoid distractions. 5. Reflect and Close * Repeat key points to show you understand. * Summarise what was said and agree on next steps.

Question 55

Distinguish between a person’s attitudes, beliefs and values. (3)

Answer 55

- Attitudes: How you feel about something (like or dislike). - Beliefs: What you think is true or false. - Values: What you believe is right or wrong, good or bad.

Question 56

What are the 3 stages in Egan’s Skilled Helper Model?

Answer 56

- Current scenario: Look at the current situation, understand the problem. - Preferred scenario: Picture your ideal or better situation, set clear goals. - Action strategies: Make a plan to reach your goals, take action steps.

Question 57

Distinguish between reach and market share as they relate to radio broadcasting

Answer 57

Reach: 👥 How many people tune in to a radio station, even for just a short time. 📊 Shown as a % of the adult population in the area. 🎧 It’s about exposure, not how long they listen. Eg: In Ireland (2024), 79.8% of adults listen to the radio every day. Market Share: How long people listen to one station compared to others. 📊 Based on total minutes listened (usually 7am–7pm). ❤️ Shows loyalty and how much people like the station. Eg: Highland Radio has a 62% market share in Donegal — very loyal listeners!

Question 58

Why is it important to understand people’s listening habits when communicating through radio? (3)

Answer 58

* Timing: People tune in to the radio at different times based on their daily routines, such as commuting, working, or relaxing. * Different groups listen to different stations: Listening preferences vary by age and region. * Tailored content to audience needs: Eg- Farmers prefer updates on schemes and mart reports.

Question 59

What are the main limitations to radio as a communications medium? (5)

Answer 59

* Transient Nature: Once something is said its gone. Listeners can't “re-read” it like print media. * Listener Distraction: Many listeners are multi-tasking like driving, cooking, working, which reduces their attention. * Limited influence on decision making: Radio can raise awareness, but it doesn't lead to behavioral change. * Demographic Variations: Different listening habits depending on age group and region messages mightnt reach intended audience. * Audience Control: Listeners can easily change the station, maintain attention= challenge.

Question 60

What are the key considerations in effectively using radio to raise public interest in an event? (3)

Answer 60

* Know your target audience: Who are you trying to reach and when will they be likely to listen? * Timing: Broadcast event information around peak listening times eg, 7-9am and 4:30-7pm. * Keep message simple and clear: Short, clear and engaging use repeat messaging to reinforce key points.