Chapter 2

Communication is defined as "the transmission of information and meaning from a sender to a receiver." The crucial element of this definition is _______.

• transmission
• information
• meaning
• individual

Answer explanation

Communication is successful only if meaning is exchanged, making "meaning" the crucial element. Information can be sent, but if the receiver is not able to understand it, then true communication has not occurred.

The communication process begins when the sender _______.

• determines the appropriate communication
• has an idea
• encodes an idea into a message
• plans for feedback

Answer explanation

The communication process begins when the sender has an idea.

Converting ideas into words or gestures to convey meaning is called _______.

• feedback
• decoding
• encoding
• nonverbal communication

Answer explanation

The second step of the communication process involves encoding, converting ideas into meaningful words or gestures.

A communication channel _______.

• is anything that interrupts the transmission of a message
• should be selected before idea formation
• includes only digital means for transmitting messages
• is the medium over which the message travels

Answer explanation

The medium over which the message travels is the channel.

Which of the following helps improve the communication process?

• The sender selecting the best communication channel
• The receiver decoding the message
• The receiver providing clear and complete feedback
• The sender encoding the message

Answer explanation

Receivers help improve the communication process by providing clear and complete feedback on whether the message was received and understood.

The process of translating a message from its symbol form into meaning is called _______.

• feedback
• decoding
• encoding
• noise

Answer explanation

The fourth step of the communication process involves decoding or translating the message from its symbol form into meaning.

Communication noise _______.

• occurs only with the sender in the communication process
• includes only environmentally produced sounds that prevent the message from being transmitted
• is anything that interrupts the transmission of a message
• describes the medium over which the message travels

Answer explanation

Anything that interrupts the transmission of a message is called noise. Channel noise may range from a weak Internet signal to sloppy formatting and typos in written messages. It can even include the annoyance a receiver feels when the sender chooses an improper channel.

Feedback can be improved by _______.

• a. showing greater empathy
• b. speaking more loudly
• c. delivering the message in person
• d. timing the delivery appropriately

Answer explanation

Feedback can be improved by timing the delivery appropriately and by providing only as much information as the receiver can handle.

Communication is successful only when _______.

• a. verbal feedback has been sent to the receiver
• b. the sender encodes the idea and transmits the message
• c. verbal and nonverbal feedback have been sent to the receiver
• d. the receiver understands an idea as the sender intended it

Answer explanation

The communication process is successful only when the receiver understands an idea as the sender intended it.

Which one of the following statements about the communication process is correct?

• a.The use of digital networks as a means to transmit messages is declining in today's workplace
• b.Because the meanings of words are the same among people, participants in the communication process need not worry about their word selection or usage.
• c.Only senders are affected by their mood, frame of reference, background, or culture.
• d.Feedback helps the sender know that the message was received and understood.

Answer explanation

Feedback helps the sender know that the message was received and understood. Senders can encourage feedback by asking "Am I making myself clear?" or "Is there anything you don't understand?" Receivers can improve the communication process by paraphrasing the sender's message.