1.
Nonverbal observation can be performed by _____ and _____.
Correct Answer
A. People, machines
Explanation
Nonverbal observation can be performed by people and machines. People have the ability to interpret and analyze nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures. Machines, on the other hand, can be programmed to detect and analyze nonverbal signals using technologies like computer vision and machine learning. Together, people and machines can provide a comprehensive understanding of nonverbal communication and its implications in various fields such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology.
2.
Nonverbal observation includes the recording of _____.
Correct Answer
E. Motor expressions
Explanation
Nonverbal observation involves the recording of motor expressions. Motor expressions refer to the physical movements and gestures that individuals make, such as facial expressions, body language, and hand gestures. These nonverbal cues can convey emotions, attitudes, and intentions, providing valuable information about a person's thoughts and feelings. By recording motor expressions, researchers can analyze and interpret these nonverbal cues to gain insights into human behavior and communication.
3.
All of the following are reasons why researchers use machines to record behaviors except _____.
Correct Answer
C. Machines can be disguised easily
Explanation
Researchers use machines to record behaviors for several reasons. One reason is that the human eye cannot accurately record behaviors that happen rapidly, as machines can capture and analyze data at a much faster rate. Additionally, humans cannot record and observe simultaneously, whereas machines can continuously monitor and record behaviors without distraction. Another reason is that the design of certain studies may require the observation of more than one person simultaneously, which can be easily achieved with machines. Furthermore, trained human observers can be expensive, making machines a more cost-effective option. However, the statement that machines can be disguised easily does not provide a valid reason for researchers to use them in recording behaviors.
4.
Which of the following is true of the video camera and audio recorder as mechanical devices for the recording of behaviors?
Correct Answer
D. They are used extensively in retail customer tracking studies
Explanation
Video cameras and audio recorders are commonly used in retail customer tracking studies. These devices allow researchers to observe and record the behaviors of customers in a natural setting, such as a retail store. They can capture a wide range of behaviors, including interactions with products, browsing patterns, and purchasing decisions. By analyzing the recorded footage, researchers can gain insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends. These devices are valuable tools in understanding customer behavior and improving marketing strategies in retail settings.
5.
A lie detector is actually a(n) _____ that measures electrical activity in the participant's skin.
Correct Answer
A. Galvanometer
Explanation
A lie detector is a device used to measure electrical activity in the participant's skin. A galvanometer is a type of instrument that measures small electrical currents. It is commonly used in lie detectors to detect changes in the skin's conductivity, which can indicate stress or arousal levels. Therefore, a galvanometer is the correct answer as it is the specific instrument used in lie detectors to measure electrical activity in the participant's skin.
6.
The observation of human verbal behavior during conversation, presentation, or interaction is known as _____ observation.
Correct Answer
B. Linguistic
Explanation
The observation of human verbal behavior during conversation, presentation, or interaction is known as linguistic observation. This involves analyzing and studying the language, speech patterns, and communication styles used by individuals in various social contexts. It focuses on understanding the meaning, structure, and function of language in human interactions.
7.
When Katie Couric of the Today Show interviews guests on the show, she tends to interrupt their answers. Which dimension of extralinguistic activity is reflected in her behavior?
Correct Answer
C. Interaction
Explanation
The correct answer is "interaction". Katie Couric's tendency to interrupt her guests' answers reflects the dimension of extralinguistic activity known as interaction. This dimension refers to the ways in which people interact with each other during communication, such as taking turns speaking, interrupting, or showing engagement through body language. Couric's behavior of interrupting her guests' answers during interviews demonstrates her active involvement in the conversation and her desire to steer the discussion in a particular direction.
8.
In one episode of the television show, Friends, Chandler and Ross make fun of each other's pronunciation peculiarities and characteristic expressions. Ross tends to over-enunciate words while Chandler makes fun of others by asking a question like "Could you BE anymore annoying?" Which dimension of extralinguistic activity is being addressed in this example?
Correct Answer
D. Verbal stylistic
Explanation
In this example from the television show Friends, Chandler and Ross are engaging in verbal stylistic extralinguistic activity. Verbal stylistic refers to the way in which language is used to convey personal style, humor, or individuality. Chandler's question "Could you BE anymore annoying?" demonstrates his sarcastic and mocking style of speaking, while Ross's tendency to over-enunciate words is a characteristic expression of his own style. Both characters are using their unique verbal styles to make fun of each other's pronunciation and expressions.
9.
The recording of how humans physically relate to one another is called _____ observation.
Correct Answer
C. Spatial
Explanation
Spatial observation refers to the recording of how humans physically relate to one another. It involves observing and analyzing the physical proximity, body language, and gestures used by individuals during interactions. This type of observation focuses on understanding the spatial dynamics and relationships between people, providing valuable insights into social behavior and communication patterns.
10.
Proxemics is one form of _____ observation.
Correct Answer
C. Spatial
Explanation
Proxemics is one form of spatial observation. Proxemics refers to the study of how individuals use and perceive space in social interactions. It focuses on the physical distance between people and how that distance affects communication and relationships. By observing the spatial behavior of individuals, such as their proximity to others or their use of personal space, one can gain insights into their social dynamics and cultural norms. Therefore, spatial is the correct answer as it accurately describes the type of observation involved in proxemics.
11.
The study of how people organize the territory around them and maintain discrete distances between themselves and others is known as _____.
Correct Answer
D. Proxemics
Explanation
Proxemics refers to the study of how individuals organize and maintain personal space and distance between themselves and others. It explores the cultural and social factors that influence people's behavior in different contexts, such as in public spaces, workplaces, or social gatherings. Proxemics helps us understand how individuals use and interpret personal space to communicate, establish boundaries, and navigate social interactions.
12.
All of the following are advantages of observation as a data collection method except _____.
Correct Answer
D. Quantifying data
Explanation
Observation as a data collection method has several advantages, including optimizing the naturalness of the setting, reducing obtrusiveness, avoiding participant filtering, and securing contextual information. However, it does not directly involve quantifying data. Observation focuses on gathering qualitative data by directly observing and recording behaviors, actions, and interactions. It does not involve measuring or quantifying data in a numerical or statistical manner. Therefore, quantifying data is not an advantage of observation as a data collection method.
13.
Recording the radio station presets on cars brought into car repair shops is an example of _____.
Correct Answer
B. Trace evidence
Explanation
Recording the radio station presets on cars brought into car repair shops can be considered as an example of trace evidence. Trace evidence refers to physical evidence that is left behind or transferred during a crime or an event. In this case, the radio station presets can serve as trace evidence, providing information about the previous owner's preferences or habits, which can be useful in investigations or identifying potential suspects.
14.
Which of the following is a limitation of observation as a data collection method?
Correct Answer
D. Required time and expense
Explanation
The limitation of observation as a data collection method is the required time and expense. Observational studies often require a significant amount of time and resources to conduct, as researchers need to spend a considerable amount of time observing and documenting behaviors or events. Additionally, observation may require specialized equipment or trained observers, which can further increase the cost and time needed for data collection.
15.
Which of the following questions cannot be answered using the observational method?
Correct Answer
E. Why
Explanation
The question "why" cannot be answered using the observational method because it requires an understanding of the underlying reasons or motivations behind a certain phenomenon or behavior. Observational methods primarily focus on observing and describing what, where, who, and how things occur, rather than providing insights into the reasons or causes behind them. To answer the question "why," other research methods such as experimental or qualitative approaches may be more suitable.
16.
The most reliable form of observation is _____ observation based on overt action or surface indicators.
Correct Answer
B. Factual
Explanation
Factual observation is the most reliable form of observation because it is based on concrete evidence and observable facts. It involves directly observing and documenting overt actions or surface indicators, which leaves little room for interpretation or bias. This type of observation provides reliable and objective data that can be used to draw accurate conclusions and make informed decisions.
17.
A communication approach to data collection involves _____.
Correct Answer
C. Surveying people
Explanation
A communication approach to data collection involves surveying people. This method involves directly interacting with individuals and asking them questions to gather data and information. By conducting surveys, researchers can collect specific and targeted data from a sample population, allowing them to gain insights and draw conclusions. This approach is useful in understanding people's opinions, preferences, behaviors, and attitudes towards a particular topic or issue. Surveying people helps in obtaining quantitative and qualitative data, which can be analyzed and used for various research purposes.
18.
Surveys are used in _____ research studies.
Correct Answer
B. Communication
Explanation
Surveys are used in communication research studies. Surveys are a common method of collecting data in communication research as they allow researchers to gather information from a large number of participants. Surveys can be used to measure attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and other variables related to communication processes. They provide a structured and standardized way of collecting data, allowing researchers to analyze and interpret the results to gain insights into various communication phenomena.
19.
All of the following are sources of error in communication research except _____.
Correct Answer
B. Observers
Explanation
Observers are not sources of error in communication research because they are responsible for observing and recording data accurately. Measurement questions, survey instruments, interviewers, and participants can all introduce errors into the research process. Measurement questions may be poorly worded or biased, survey instruments may have flaws or be designed in a way that influences responses, interviewers may introduce bias or misinterpret responses, and participants may provide inaccurate or incomplete information. However, observers play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data collection.
20.
Emma is responding to a survey about her experience using the NetFlix DVD delivery service. One set of questions on the survey asks questions such as "How satisfied are you with your overall experience with NetFlix?" The survey response options provided are Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree. Which of the following sources of error in communication research is present in this example?
Correct Answer
A. Measurement questions
Explanation
The source of error in communication research that is present in this example is measurement questions. This refers to the potential bias or inaccuracies that can arise from the way questions are formulated or the response options provided. In this case, the survey response options of Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree may not accurately capture the nuances of Emma's satisfaction with her overall experience with NetFlix, leading to potential measurement error.
21.
Rachel is conducting telephone interviews for Blockbuster on perceptions of its new "No Late Fees" program. When she interviews customers of the NetFlix service, she tends to change the wording of the question, "How loyal are you to using Blockbuster for your DVD rental needs?" to "So you aren't loyal to Blockbuster, are you?" Which of the following sources of error in communication research is present in this example?
Correct Answer
C. Interviewers
Explanation
In this example, the source of error in communication research is the interviewers. Rachel, the interviewer, is changing the wording of the question when interviewing customers of the NetFlix service. This change in wording can potentially bias the responses and affect the accuracy of the data collected. Therefore, the presence of interviewers as a source of error is evident in this scenario.
22.
Mike resents getting calls from telemarketers and pollsters. A research firm called yesterday to question him concerning his preference for radio stations. When Mike was asked to report his household income, he inflated his income to the highest range offered. He also misreported his age and occupation. Which of the following sources of error in communication research is presented in this example?
Correct Answer
D. Participants
Explanation
The given scenario presents an example of error caused by participants in communication research. Mike deliberately provided inaccurate information about his household income, age, and occupation during the interview. This intentional misreporting by the participant introduces bias and inaccuracies into the research data. Therefore, the correct answer is "Participants."
23.
The failure to secure full participant cooperation for a study can result in _____ error.
Correct Answer
D. Sampling
Explanation
The failure to secure full participant cooperation for a study can result in sampling error. Sampling error occurs when the sample chosen for the study does not accurately represent the entire population, leading to biased or inaccurate results. If participants do not fully cooperate or refuse to participate, it can lead to a nonresponse bias, where the sample becomes unrepresentative of the population, resulting in sampling error.
24.
Interviewer error may be caused by _____.
Correct Answer
D. The falsification of answers
Explanation
Interviewer error may be caused by the falsification of answers. This refers to situations where the interviewer intentionally provides false information or manipulates the responses of the participants. This can happen for various reasons, such as the interviewer trying to influence the outcome of the interview or trying to fit the responses into a preconceived narrative.
25.
Which type of error occurs when the interviewer summarizes or interprets participant answers?
Correct Answer
C. Data entry
Explanation
When the interviewer summarizes or interprets participant answers, it can lead to errors in data entry. This is because the interviewer's interpretation may not accurately capture the participant's intended meaning or response. These errors can result in incorrect data being entered into the system, leading to inaccurate analysis and conclusions. Therefore, data entry is the type of error that occurs in this situation.
26.
Which of the following factors will tend to decrease participant motivation?
Correct Answer
D. Competing activities
Explanation
Competing activities can decrease participant motivation because if individuals have other commitments or tasks that they prioritize, they may not be as motivated to participate in the research. When people have limited time and energy, they may choose to engage in activities that they perceive as more important or enjoyable, leading to a decrease in their motivation to participate in the research.
27.
A study reported in the Journal of Management Research concluded that individuals are more motivated to respond to surveys when _____.
Correct Answer
A. The topic is salient
Explanation
The study reported in the Journal of Management Research found that individuals are more motivated to respond to surveys when the topic is salient. This means that when the survey topic is relevant and important to the respondents, they are more likely to participate and provide their feedback. The salience of the topic captures their attention and increases their motivation to respond.
28.
_____ occurs when the responses of participants differ in some systematic way from the responses of nonparticipants.
Correct Answer
E. Nonresponse error
Explanation
Nonresponse error occurs when the responses of participants differ in some systematic way from the responses of nonparticipants. This means that the individuals who choose not to participate in a survey or study may have different opinions or characteristics compared to those who do participate. This can introduce bias into the data and affect the overall accuracy and representativeness of the results.
29.
David's Bridal is conducting a survey of the trends in dress preferences among women who will marry sometime in the next year. Surveys were mailed to 100,000 women but only 1,000 responded resulting in a response rate of 1%. This study is threatened by _____.
Correct Answer
A. Nonresponse error
Explanation
Nonresponse error refers to the bias that occurs when the individuals who do not respond to a survey differ systematically from those who do respond. In this case, the low response rate of only 1% suggests that the sample of 1,000 respondents may not be representative of the larger population of women who will marry in the next year. The nonresponse bias could potentially skew the results and make them less generalizable to the target population.
30.
A telephone survey asks participants whether they have donated money to the Tsunami Relief Fund. This type of question is subject to _____.
Correct Answer
C. Social desirability bias
Explanation
A telephone survey asking participants whether they have donated money to the Tsunami Relief Fund is subject to social desirability bias. This means that participants may feel pressured to provide answers that they believe are socially acceptable or desirable, rather than giving their true response. This bias can lead to inaccurate data as participants may overstate or understate their actual behavior in order to conform to societal expectations.
31.
The tendency for respondents to give answers that are perceived as being socially desirable, whether or not the answers are truthful, is known as _____.
Correct Answer
D. Social desirability responding
Explanation
Social desirability responding refers to the tendency of respondents to give answers that they believe are socially desirable, even if those answers may not be truthful. This can happen when individuals want to present themselves in a positive light or conform to societal norms. It is a form of impression management where people strive to create a favorable impression of themselves.
32.
The tendency for respondents to be agreeable is called _____.
Correct Answer
B. Acquiescence
Explanation
Acquiescence refers to the tendency for respondents to be agreeable, even if they do not truly agree with the statement or question being asked. This behavior is often influenced by social desirability, as individuals may feel pressure to provide answers that are seen as socially acceptable or desirable. Acquiescence can lead to biased or inaccurate responses in surveys or research studies, as individuals may be more likely to agree with statements regardless of their true beliefs or opinions.
33.
Self-administered questionnaires may be delivered via all of the following channels except _____.
Correct Answer
C. TelepHone
Explanation
Self-administered questionnaires are surveys that individuals complete on their own without any direct involvement from a researcher. They can be delivered through various channels, such as mail, fax, internet, and disk-by-mail. However, telephone is not a suitable channel for self-administered questionnaires because it involves direct interaction with a researcher or interviewer. Therefore, telephone is the correct answer as it is not a delivery channel for self-administered questionnaires.
34.
Which type of communication data collection is typically the lowest-cost option?
Correct Answer
A. Self-administered
Explanation
Self-administered communication data collection is typically the lowest-cost option because it involves the respondents completing surveys or questionnaires on their own, without the need for an interviewer. This eliminates the cost of hiring and training interviewers, as well as the expenses associated with conducting interviews in person or over the phone. Self-administered data collection methods can be distributed electronically or through mail, making it a cost-effective option for gathering information from a large number of respondents.
35.
An instrument completed by the participant without additional contact with an interviewer beyond the initial delivery of the instrument is called a _____.
Correct Answer
D. Self-administered questionnaire
Explanation
A self-administered questionnaire refers to an instrument that is completed by the participant without any additional contact with an interviewer beyond the initial delivery of the instrument. This means that the participant receives the questionnaire and fills it out on their own without any assistance or interaction with an interviewer. This method allows for greater privacy and convenience for the participant, as they can complete the questionnaire at their own pace and in their preferred environment.
36.
Which of the following is not a reason for the growth in web-based surveys?
Correct Answer
E. Internet penetration rates
Explanation
Internet penetration rates refers to the percentage of the population that has access to the internet. This is not a reason for the growth in web-based surveys because it is a factor that determines the potential reach of online surveys, rather than a reason for their growth. The growth in web-based surveys is primarily driven by factors such as participant perceptions of anonymity, ability to use visual stimuli, speed of response, and cost efficiencies.
37.
Surveys delivered via the Internet reduce costs by eliminating the costs associated with _____.
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
Surveys delivered via the Internet reduce costs by eliminating the need for interviewers, as respondents can complete the survey online without the need for face-to-face interviews. Additionally, there is no need for postage, as the survey can be sent electronically. The use of online surveys also eliminates the need for manual data entry, as responses are automatically recorded and stored digitally. Finally, there is no need for printing, as the survey can be accessed and completed online. Therefore, all of the above options contribute to reducing costs when surveys are delivered via the Internet.
38.
Sample accessibility is generally maximized by the use of _____ surveys.
Correct Answer
C. Mail
Explanation
Accessibility refers to the ease with which a survey can be accessed by participants. Mail surveys generally maximize accessibility because they can be sent to a wide range of individuals and can be completed at the participant's convenience. Unlike telephone surveys, mail surveys do not require immediate availability or access to a specific device. Similarly, mobile phones and internet surveys may have limitations in terms of device compatibility or internet connectivity. Fax surveys are also less accessible compared to mail surveys as they require access to a fax machine. Therefore, mail surveys are generally considered to be the most accessible option.
39.
Which of the following types of telephone calls are forbidden for individuals participating in the national Do Not Call registry?
Correct Answer
D. Telemarketing
Explanation
Individuals participating in the national Do Not Call registry are forbidden from receiving telemarketing calls. Telemarketing refers to the act of promoting or selling products or services over the telephone. This restriction aims to protect individuals from unwanted sales calls and preserve their privacy. Political polling, telephone surveys, and requests for charitable donations are not considered telemarketing activities, so they are not prohibited for individuals on the Do Not Call registry.
40.
The survey mode with the greatest perceived anonymity is the _____.
Correct Answer
B. Mail survey
Explanation
Mail surveys are often perceived as the mode with the greatest anonymity because respondents can complete the survey in the privacy of their own homes without any direct interaction with the researcher. This allows respondents to feel more comfortable providing honest and unbiased answers, as they are not concerned about potential judgment or scrutiny from the researcher. Additionally, mail surveys provide a physical barrier between the respondent and the researcher, further enhancing the perceived anonymity.
41.
The respondents' perceptions that the interviewer will not be able to discern their identity refers to the _____.
Correct Answer
C. Perception of anonymity
Explanation
The correct answer is "Perception of anonymity." This refers to the belief or understanding that the interviewer will not be able to identify or recognize the respondents. This perception can affect how respondents behave and respond during interviews, as they may feel more comfortable disclosing sensitive or personal information when they believe their identity will remain anonymous.