CMNS 101 Pratice

The self-concept can best be described as:

• mental mirror reflecting how others view you

• A set of largely stable perceptions individuals have of themselves.

• A temporary perception of one’s role in society.

• The external traits others use to define you.

Answer explanation

The self-concept refers to the relatively consistent and enduring perceptions individuals hold about themselves. This concept encompasses an internal sense of identity based on personal reflection and experience.

Why the Correct Answer is B:

• "A set of largely stable perceptions individuals have of themselves" accurately reflects the idea that self-concept involves long-term beliefs about who you are.

• These perceptions often include factors such as personality traits, abilities, values, and roles in society, which don’t change easily or frequently.

Interpersonal communication always involves emotional closeness between participants.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The correct answer is false because interpersonal communication does not always involve emotional closeness.

Explanation:

Interpersonal communication refers to any interaction between two or more individuals, and while it can involve emotional closeness, it doesn’t have to. For example:

• Casual interactions with acquaintances or coworkers (e.g., small talk or task-related discussions) are forms of interpersonal communication but often lack emotional intimacy.

• Professional relationships may involve interpersonal communication without deep emotional bonds.

Why the Statement is False:

• Emotional closeness is a characteristic of some interpersonal relationships (e.g., close friends, family members) but is not a requirement for all interpersonal communication.

• For instance, interacting with a salesperson or asking a stranger for directions are forms of interpersonal communication without emotional intimacy.

Key Distinction:

• Interpersonal communication involves treating others as unique individuals, but emotional closeness occurs only in specific intimate or personal relationships. so the statement is false because not all interpersonal communication is characterized by emotional closeness.

Communication is a process where meaning is created through symbolic interaction.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Why the Statement is True:

• Communication involves interpreting and negotiating symbols to create shared meaning.

• It’s an interactive and dynamic process that relies on the use of agreed-upon symbols (e.g., language, gestures) to convey thoughts and ideas.

Key Takeaway:

This statement reflects the collaborative, symbolic, and ongoing nature of communication, making it true.

A stable perception of oneself based on personal reflection and not necessarily shared with others.

Answer explanation

The description "A stable perception of oneself based on personal reflection and not necessarily shared with others" perfectly aligns with the perceived self because:

• It highlights that this perception is stable and developed over time.

• It emphasizes the private nature of the perceived self, which isn’t always communicated outwardly.

• The perceived self is how you see yourself in moments of honest self-examination.

• It includes your inner thoughts, feelings, and evaluations of your identity that you might not share openly with others.

• This perception is often stable and shaped by life experiences, values, and introspection.

Internal thoughts or feelings that disrupt the ability to focus on a message.

Which of the following best describes communication?

• A fixed series of independent acts designed to transfer information.

• A collaborative and dynamic process where meaning is created through symbolic interaction.

• A method of delivering messages that remains unaffected by previous interactions.

• A one-way process where the sender conveys a message to a passive receiver.

You hear about a new policy at school. While you’re unsure about it, your friend says, “There’s no way I’d support that!” Which concept does your friend’s reaction reflect?

• Latitude of compromise

• Latitude of rejection

• Latitude of noncommitment

• Latitude of acceptance

Answer explanation

1. Definition of Latitude of Rejection:

   • In Social Judgment Theory, this refers to the range of positions or ideas that are outright dismissed or seen as unacceptable by an individual.

   • Your friend's strong negative response signals that the policy is well outside their range of acceptable ideas (latitude of acceptance) or even neutral ideas (latitude of noncommitment).

2. Key Concept:

   • Social Judgment Theory explains that people categorize new ideas into one of three "latitudes":

     • Acceptance (they agree with it),

     • Rejection (they oppose it), or

     • Noncommitment (they’re neutral or unsure).

Maria considers herself a compassionate and hardworking person. She’s always been proud of how she supports her friends and balances her responsibilities. What does this reflect about Maria?

• A set of largely stable perceptions individuals have of themselves.

• A mental mirror reflecting how others view her.

• A temporary perception of her role in society

• The external traits others use to define her.

Answer explanation

• What the Question Describes:

  • Maria views herself as compassionate and hardworking. These traits are part of her internal identity that has remained consistent over time.

  • Her pride in supporting her friends and balancing responsibilities further highlights a stable sense of who she is.

• Why This Reflects the Self-Concept:

  • Self-concept is defined as a relatively stable set of perceptions an individual has about themselves, shaped by life experiences, personal values, and introspection.

  • Maria’s reflection on her consistent traits (compassion, hardworking nature) aligns perfectly with the idea of self-concept.

You’re at a concert and immediately notice the bright lights on stage and the booming bass. Meanwhile, you ignore the chatter of the crowd around you. What step of the perception process does this describe?

• Organization

• Selection

• Interpretation

• Emotional analysis

Answer explanation

• Selection occurs when you choose which aspects of your environment to focus on (e.g., the lights and bass) and which to ignore (e.g., the crowd chatter).

• This process allows your brain to manage the overwhelming amount of sensory input by prioritizing what’s most relevant or noticeable at the moment.

During a job interview, Jake chooses his words carefully, sits up straight, and avoids fidgeting to appear professional and competent. What communication strategy is Jake using?

• Self-fulfilling prophecy

• Facework

• Social comparison

• Perceived self

Answer explanation

In the example:

"During a job interview, Jake chooses his words carefully, sits up straight, and avoids fidgeting to appear professional and competent."

Jake is engaging in facework because:

1. Verbal Strategies: He chooses his words carefully to convey professionalism and intelligence.

3. Nonverbal Strategies: His posture (sitting up straight) and behavior (avoiding fidgeting) are designed to present himself as capable and confident.

5. Maintaining a Public Image: His goal is to manage how the interviewer perceives him, ensuring they see him in a positive light that aligns with his desired professional persona.

Other options, like self-fulfilling prophecy or social comparison, don’t fit because:

• Self-fulfilling prophecy involves internal beliefs influencing behavior and outcomes, which isn’t mentioned here.

• Social comparison involves evaluating oneself relative to others, which isn’t relevant to Jake’s actions in this scenario.

• Perceived self refers to how Jake sees himself privately, not how he’s presenting himself to others.

Thus, the example clearly illustrates facework, as Jake is consciously managing his "public face" to align with the expectations of the job interview setting.