updated version

 

DYNAMICS OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION - S'04

    STUDY PREVIEW SHEET FOR  -TEST #1-

THIS IS A RANDOM  (& incomplete)  LIST OF ITEMS YOU SHOULD KNOW
(Test day = F 3/5/04).  See below for ONE advance test question,   

NOTE --- Remember, this course attempts to examine various factors which are in operation when people interact. Think about the various units in the course content as interrelated and conceptual. This means that, in addition to knowing specific terms and their definitions, you should also be aware of what that item "looks like" in action and how it coordinates with other dynamics of human communication. Also, be prepared to synthesize various concepts and apply them to the explanation of human communication behaviors.  Be aware that these expectations may require more critical thinking skills & attention to detail than many of you are used to for other classes. IN OTHER WORDS, YOU MAY NOT UNDERSTAND THE MATERIAL WE HAVE COVERED AS WELL OR AS COMPREHENSIVELY AS YOU THINK YOU DO.

 

               ADVANCE QUESTION :

**[This question is to be completed at home & handed in along with your in-class test]  [ it will be worth:10-15 pts] [typed/double-spaced]

1. Complete the "For your Journal"  question #3 on p. 129 (Beebe, 3e)  After you have written out your rankings on the nine items, be careful not to overlook the directions for the 1-2 paragraph journal entry . This entry should make SPECIFIC reference to items from the chapter.

 

 

  CHAPTERS & AREAS OF FOCUS  FOR TEST

Emphasis will be on Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 7,  ( Beebe, et.al/3e) --as well as the notes relating to these areas. Also remember that many of our discussions acknowledged the "cultural sensitivity"  of virtually everything discussed in the listed chapters.

This is not an open book test, but there will be  1  question*[see above]*  to be completed in advance to be handed  in  on test day (3/5)

 

 

TYPES OF QUESTIONS

Questions will probably be of the Fill-in, Terminology definitions, Short answer, & Essay types. Possible some multiple choice questions.  Be prepared to explain, to analyze, to compare and  to contrast. 

 

  HOW TO STUDY

I will NOT use the same exact wording as in the books & I expect you to use your own words in your answers. We have covered a great deal of material and it will be difficult to "cram" effectively.  I'd recommend starting now to reread  & outline the chapters.

 

LENGTH OF TEST

It is expected that most people will be able to complete the test in 40-50 minutes.

 

MORE HINTS FOR PREPARING

Review the handouts that have been used for class activities.  They also indicate important concepts/terms from the course that your professor wants to emphasize.   As you review your readings, make use of the chapter preview information as well as the post-chapter glossaries. Also, be familiar with such terms/concepts as these: (please note that this list is random, incomplete & off the top-of-my-head, but it will get you started.)

Communication: its process & functions Defining characteristics of "Interpersonal"
Perceptual reality [incl. personal & cultural differences] Self Concept & ALL related aspects
Perceptual Attribution &/or    Accommodation  The Nature of Culture & co-culture
Perceptual bias & barriers Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Believing is Seeing etc. , etc.
Nonverbal Communication (including the various "subchannels")

   If you were able to print out the online quizzes, those would also be a good source of study material.

 

                     some SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Below are various samples of questions I have asked in the past. These may or may  not pertain to your current textbook; I simply cut & pasted  items from previous tests, but at least they will give you an idea of how complex my questions tend to be.

Some Sample Objective-type Questions -----

  [F.I.]  1. According to your authors, a person needs to be skilled in several areas in order to considered "interpersonally competent. What are 4 of those competencies?______,______,______,______.

  [F.I.]  2. The idea behind Wilson's 4 Communication Styles is conceptually based on a matrix of a person's aggressiveness tendencies combined with a measure of _____________tendencies.

  [M.C.] 3. We all use our past experiences & frames of reference in order to help us make assessments about current people and situations. When we use such past information to GENERALIZE/PREDICT a stranger's behavior based on our observance of just one aspect, It is generally referred to as:    a) prototyping      b) personally constructing        c) stereotyping       d) scripting  

  [F.I.] 4. Define "Attribution Process" in reference to the study of human communication. Support your answer by applying it to a specific current event.

[M.C.] 5. We use our past experiences & frames of reference in order to help us make assessments about current people and situations. When we use such past information to DEFINE a behavior via a particular person's demonstration of it, we are:           a) prototyping      b) personally constructing         c) stereotyping          d) scripting

  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  * * * * * * * * * *

Some Sample Short Answer/Essay-type Questions -----

[SA] 6. Take one of the competencies you listed in question 1. Explain the item by briefly describing the last time you exhibited such competency during an interpersonal encounter.

[SA] 7. Recently,  you had the opportunity to confer with the instructor concerning the upcoming independent projects. Was that conference an example of "INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION"? Explain.  

[SA] 8. Now, choose a particular Attitude you hold rather strongly. Trace back to ONE Belief that  served to shape that attitude. Then determine from what Values(s) did that belief stem?  

[SA] 9. "Mirroring" in terms of nonverbal behavior  is connected to the basic human pattern of seeking  similarity. Explain .

[ES]  10. Two students (who have an acquaintanceship) pass each other on a campus pathway  and say:

      "Hi! What's up?"-"Nothing much" and then continue on their way.

This interaction can be discussed in a variety of ways (e.g. as pragmatic language act / as phatic communication

                        / as situational vs developmental relationship  /  as interpersonal communication, , etc.).
From at least 3 perspectives, explain what could have been going on in this encounter.

 

updated 2/04


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leftover items. n.a. for  S03
 
 
Speech Acts
Language: coding, meaning, functions

2. BY CITING & DESCRIBING  SPECIFIC EXAMPLES FROM YOUR OWN LIFE, explain each of the 5 "Principles of Interpersonal Relationships" discussed in Chapter 1.