multiple choice Flashcards
(9 cards)
Lila grew up in a culture where eye contact signifies respect. After moving abroad, she’s told that intense eye contact can seem aggressive. She now struggles to adapt how she interacts with others. What concept explains how the meaning of eye contact varies in Lila’s experience?
A. Self-concept
B. Social product
C. Role playing
D. Significant symbol
significant symbol
Eye contact is a symbol whose meaning is socially constructed and context-dependent.
A university hosts a debate on climate change. One student with a minority opinion begins to speak out only after noticing that others start expressing similar views online, despite silence in the classroom. What Spiral of Silence concept best explains why the student eventually chose to speak?
A. Hard core
B. Quasi-statistical sense
C. Dual climates of opinion
D. Train test
dual climates of opinion
There’s a difference between perceived classroom opinion and what’s seen online — two conflicting climates.
After sharing her experience as a trauma survivor in a support group, Kayla realizes someone tweeted a quote from her anonymously. Even though no name was used, she feels violated. Which CPM concept explains Kayla’s discomfort?
A. Boundary linkage
B. Rule development
C. Collective boundary
D. Privacy turbulence
privacy turbulence
During a workplace conflict, one employee suggests, “Instead of assigning blame, let’s find a way forward that works for both of us.”
Question: What message design logic is this?
A. Conventional
B. Expressive
C. Rhetorical
D. Strategic
rhetorical
The speaker is trying to reframe the situation and co-create a solution — the core of rhetorical design logic.
After years of mutual caregiving during hardship, a couple now faces burnout and frequent arguments, even over minor issues. Their communication has become transactional. What TRRL concept explains their current state?
A. Communal orientation
B. Emotional reserves
C. Relational load
D. Threat-based appraisal
relational load
The emotional strain and past investments have built up, now weighing on the relationship like a “load.”
At a networking event, Nora avoids speaking to a successful entrepreneur she admires. Instead, she watches how they interact with others to learn about them. What URT strategy is Nora using?
A. Interactive strategy
B. Passive strategy
C. Third-party questioning
D. Hedging
passive strategy
Nora is observing rather than directly engaging to reduce uncertainty.
During a eulogy, the speaker makes several lighthearted jokes. The audience is stunned at first, but many later say it helped them cope. What determines whether this expectancy violation is interpreted positively or negatively?
A. Violation valence
B. Arousal
C. Communicator reward valence
D. Threat threshold
violation valence
The social meaning and emotional impact of the joke — whether it’s seen as helpful or offensive — is the violation valence.
During an international Zoom call, Mei subtly shifts her speaking pace and word choice depending on who she’s talking to, even mid-meeting. Which CAT concept best describes Mei’s behavior?
A. Divergence
B. Convergence
C. Overaccommodation
D. Sensory overaccommodation
convergence
Mei is adapting to others’ styles to promote understanding and connection.
Jalen listens to podcasts on mental health not just for information, but because it helps him feel understood and less alone in his experiences. Which type of gratification is Jalen experiencing?
A. Utility
B. Surveillance
C. Personal identity
D. Diversion
personal identity
The content helps Jalen affirm his self-concept and feel aligned with his experiences — a personal identity gratification.
