Question 1

Giles' perception about intercultural accommodation is, in a sense, a story or a narrative about the desire to belong, to fit in, and to be accepted. Thinking about Fisher's narrative paradigm, does he tell a good story?

Accepted Answer

Giles' perception about intercultural accommodation can be seen as a story or narrative about the desire to belong, fit in, and be accepted in a new cultural environment. When considering Fisher's narrative paradigm, it can be argued that Giles does tell a good story. He effectively conveys the universal human desire for acceptance and belonging, which resonates with audiences from various cultural backgrounds. Additionally, Giles' narrative may also include elements of conflict, resolution, and transformation, which are key components of a compelling story. Overall, Giles' perception about intercultural accommodation can be seen as a well-told narrative that captures the complexities and emotions of navigating different cultural spaces.

Question 2

Giles draws from ________ to cast light on how people will interpret their conversational partners' convergent or divergent behavior.

Accepted Answer

A)   attribution theory
B)   cultural studies
C)   social identity theory
D)   speech accommodation theory A

Question 3

Discuss the degree to which Giles draws upon or compliments other communication theories. Would you consider him a theoretical eclectic or maverick?

Accepted Answer

Giles draws upon and compliments other communication theories to a significant degree. He incorporates elements from various theories such as social identity theory, social penetration theory, and uncertainty reduction theory into his own work. For example, Giles' Communication Accommodation Theory builds upon social identity theory by examining how individuals adjust their communication styles to either converge or diverge from others based on social identity factors. Additionally, his work on Communication Accommodation Theory also incorporates elements of uncertainty reduction theory by exploring how individuals use communication strategies to manage uncertainty in intergroup interactions.

Considering the extent to which Giles incorporates and builds upon other communication theories, it would be accurate to consider him a theoretical eclectic. He does not adhere strictly to one specific theory, but rather integrates and synthesizes ideas from multiple theories to develop his own framework for understanding communication. This approach allows Giles to draw from a wide range of perspectives and insights, ultimately enriching his own theoretical contributions to the field of communication.

Question 4

According to Henri Tajfel and John Turner, if one of the interactants regards self or other as a representative of a group of people, their communication will likely become convergent because of their desire for approval.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

Analyze the critiques of Giles' theory. Which, in your opinion, is the most damaging? Which is the least? Overall, how important is CAT to the discipline of communication?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Analyze the critiques of Giles' theory. Which,...

Question 6

For accommodation, what is ultimately important is not how a communicator converges or diverges, but the ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of For accommodation, what is ultimately important is...

Question 7

What key factors affect a person's decision to converge or diverge when communicating with another person?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What key factors affect a person's decision...

Question 8

A strategy of adapting one's communication behavior to become more similar to another person is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

A)   convergence.
B)   divergence.
C)   moderation.
D)   simplification.

Question 9

Which of the following criteria for a good theory is most problematic for CAT?

Accepted Answer

A)   explanation of data
B)   practical utility
C)   prediction of the future
D)   testable hypotheses

Question 10

According to Howard Giles, which of the following statements is true about the strategy of over accommodation?

Accepted Answer

A)   It shifts focus away from amplification and message simplification.
B)   It has the effect of making recipients feel competent.
C)   It is described as demeaning or patronizing talk.
D)   It is similar to convergence.

Question 11

Based on the principles of CAT described by Griffin, what suggestions would you offer to a person appearing for a job interview?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Based on the principles of CAT described...

Question 12

While convergence is moving closer to another person's communication style, ________ is strategically separating one's self from another person.

Accepted Answer

The answer of While convergence is moving closer to another...

Question 13

While CAT aptly predicts the tensions of intergenerational communication, the theory has limited practical utility.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

How might Giles define effective communication? How might other theorists in this book approach this concept? Where do you stand on the issue?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How might Giles define effective communication? How...

Question 15

According to Giles, desire for social approval and desire for shaping one's personal identity likely result in a communicator's desire to diverge.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

When communicating, Daphne employs the strategy of persisting in her original communication style regardless of the communication behavior of her listeners. In the context of communication accommodation theory, this scenario best illustrates ________.

Accepted Answer

A)   an extractive strategy
B)   convergence
C)   maintenance
D)   an interactive strategy

Question 17

Overall, listeners who interpret convergence as a speaker's desire to break down cultural barriers react quite:

Accepted Answer

A)   competently.
B)   favorably.
C)   hostilely.
D)   relationally.

Question 18

In the context of initial orientation, predicting whether a person will focus on individual identity or group identity is difficult, but the additive presence of five factors increases the odds that a communicator will see a conversation as an intergroup encounter. Identify a true statement about these factors.

Accepted Answer

A)   High group-solidarity suggests a higher likelihood of focus on personal identity rather than on social identity.
B)   The more specific and negative the images people have of an out-group, the more likely they are to think of the other in terms of personal identity.
C)   The "we-centered" focus of collectivism emphasizes similarity and mutual concern within the culture.
D)   If there is a distressing history of interaction, both interactants will tend to ascribe that outcome to the individual rather than to the individual's social identity.

Question 19

Does CAT describe your experiences when you entered college or started your first paid job?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Does CAT describe your experiences when you...

Question 20

According to communication accommodation theory (CAT) theorists, the main motivation for convergence is:

Accepted Answer

A)   anxiety management.
B)   desire for social approval.
C)   personal individualization.
D)   relational development and intimacy.

Exam 34: Communication Accommodation Theory

Giles' perception about intercultural accommodation is, in a sense, a story or a narrative about the desire to belong, to fit in, and to be accepted. Thinking about Fisher's narrative paradigm, does he tell a good story?

Giles draws from ________ to cast light on how people will interpret their conversational partners' convergent or divergent behavior.

Discuss the degree to which Giles draws upon or compliments other communication theories. Would you consider him a theoretical eclectic or maverick?

According to Henri Tajfel and John Turner, if one of the interactants regards self or other as a representative of a group of people, their communication will likely become convergent because of their desire for approval.

Analyze the critiques of Giles' theory. Which, in your opinion, is the most damaging? Which is the least? Overall, how important is CAT to the discipline of communication?

For accommodation, what is ultimately important is not how a communicator converges or diverges, but the ________.

What key factors affect a person's decision to converge or diverge when communicating with another person?

A strategy of adapting one's communication behavior to become more similar to another person is referred to as:

Which of the following criteria for a good theory is most problematic for CAT?

According to Howard Giles, which of the following statements is true about the strategy of over accommodation?

Based on the principles of CAT described by Griffin, what suggestions would you offer to a person appearing for a job interview?

While convergence is moving closer to another person's communication style, ________ is strategically separating one's self from another person.

While CAT aptly predicts the tensions of intergenerational communication, the theory has limited practical utility.

How might Giles define effective communication? How might other theorists in this book approach this concept? Where do you stand on the issue?

According to Giles, desire for social approval and desire for shaping one's personal identity likely result in a communicator's desire to diverge.

When communicating, Daphne employs the strategy of persisting in her original communication style regardless of the communication behavior of her listeners. In the context of communication accommodation theory, this scenario best illustrates ________.

Overall, listeners who interpret convergence as a speaker's desire to break down cultural barriers react quite:

Does CAT describe your experiences when you entered college or started your first paid job?

According to communication accommodation theory (CAT) theorists, the main motivation for convergence is: