Exam 4: Verbal Messages

Meanings are in people, not words and gestures.

At the campus learning center, Char helps a student writing a paper find appropriate substitutes for the following words: "lady," "sexual preference," "nonwhite," "Chicano," "Orientals," "senior citizen," and "Jews." What words might Char suggest and why?

Polarization is a relatively fixed mental picture of some group that is applied to each individual of the group without regard for his or her unique qualities.

A useful antidote to indiscrimination is the index.

Carl's sister called him a cruel name when they were kids. He still believes her capable of such cruelty. Carl is engaging in what concept from the text?

Which of the following statements is an example of polarization?

The assumption that certain races are intellectually inferior to others is a clear example of _______ racism.

Intensional orientation is the tendency to shift a person to your way of thinking and seeing the world.

Studies on politeness have shown which of the following?

Cultural identifiers are static and well understood by all; you can use them without fear of offending anyone.

Discuss the four types of lies and give examples of each.

Which of the following is an example of using "purr words"?

During Benjamin and Kyle's first team meeting, Benjamin thought Kyle was aloof and boring. Kyle, however, was very nervous being new to the company and kept to himself or very rarely gave any input. Now, Benjamin dismisses Kyle as a possibility for upper management believing him to be too introverted and dull. What illogical thinking has Benjamin become a victim of?

It is always preferable to use concrete language over abstract language.

Bernard constantly complains about the disrespectful and lazy attitudes of most teenagers these days. What kind of language is Bernard engaging in?

Recognizing that messages vary in cultural sensitivity is a great step toward avoiding disconfirming messages.

Which of the following statements is an inferential statement?

Fredrick assumes his anthropology professor is a pompous egghead, as that is what he's always been told about professors. Fredrick is basing his opinion on _______.

Which of the following statements is an example of indiscrimination?

Bryan told his girlfriend that "he just wants to be friends," meaning he doesn't want to see her anymore. She, however, assumed he meant that they would still hang out, but just as friends. Based on the principles of verbal messages in Chapter 5, explain how this misunderstanding occurred and how it could have been avoided.