Communication Concepts Quiz

What are symbols in communication?

• Objects that have only one meaning

• Words that are newly coined

• Something that stands in for or represents something else

• Rules governing word pronunciation

Answer explanation

Symbols in communication are elements that represent or stand in for something else, making the correct choice 'Something that stands in for or represents something else'. This definition encompasses the broader meaning of symbols.

What are codes in communication?

• Newly coined words

• Culturally agreed systems of symbols

• Words with more than one meaning

• Definitions based on emotion

Answer explanation

Codes in communication refer to culturally agreed systems of symbols that convey meaning. This choice accurately describes how people use shared symbols to communicate effectively, unlike the other options.

What does displacement refer to in communication?

• Talking about events removed in space or time

• The dictionary definition of a word

• The concept or idea a person references

• Newly used words

Answer explanation

Displacement in communication refers to the ability to discuss events that are not occurring in the present moment or are distant in space. This allows for complex conversations about past or future events.

What are polysemic words?

• Words with more than one meaning

• Words with only one use

• Newly coined words

• Words based on emotion

Answer explanation

Polysemic words are defined as words that have more than one meaning. This distinguishes them from words with a single use or newly coined terms, making the first answer choice the correct one.

What is equivocal language?

• Words with only one use

• Words or phrases with more than one accepted definition

• Newly coined words

• Words based on emotion

Answer explanation

Equivocal language refers to words or phrases that have more than one accepted definition, making them ambiguous. This distinguishes it from words with a single meaning or those based on emotion.

What are syntactic rules?

• Rules for word pronunciation

• Rules for word arrangement in a sentence

• Rules for newly coined words

• Rules for word meaning in context

Answer explanation

Syntactic rules govern how words are arranged in a sentence to create meaningful structures. This makes 'Rules for word arrangement in a sentence' the correct choice, as it directly relates to syntax.

Which language includes the words we, our, and us?

• "I" language

• "You" language

• "We" language

• Jargon

Answer explanation

The correct choice is "We" language, as it includes the words we, our, and us, which are all first-person plural pronouns. The other options do not encompass these terms.

Why should "but" statements be avoided?

• They are too formal

• They negate everything said before

• They are too vague

• They are too direct

Answer explanation

"But" statements often negate everything said before, creating a contradiction. This can undermine the initial point and lead to confusion, making it important to avoid them in effective communication.

What does the Ladder of Abstraction refer to?

• The process of making language more complex

• The continuum of language from concrete to abstract

• The hierarchy of language in professional settings

• The simplification of language for clarity

Answer explanation

The Ladder of Abstraction refers to the continuum of language from concrete to abstract, illustrating how language can shift from specific details to general concepts.

How long can short-term memory retain stimuli?

• 10 seconds

• 20 seconds

• 30 seconds

• 1 minute

Answer explanation

Short-term memory typically retains stimuli for about 20 seconds. This duration allows for the processing of information before it either fades or is transferred to long-term memory.