MA Communication Studies 2

Question 1

What is 'cognitive dissonance' in communication and persuasion research?

Accepted Answer

The psychological discomfort experienced when holding contradictory beliefs or behaviors

Answer

The mismatch between verbal and nonverbal messages

Answer

The confusion caused by ambiguous messages

Answer

The gap between what a sender intends and what a receiver understands

Question 2

Which communication theory argues that media consumption shapes audiences' perceptions of social reality?

Accepted Answer

Cultivation theory

Answer

Uses and gratifications theory

Answer

Spiral of silence theory

Answer

Two-step flow theory

Question 3

What is 'ethos' in classical rhetoric?

Accepted Answer

The credibility and trustworthiness of the speaker

Answer

The emotional appeal of an argument

Answer

The logical structure of an argument

Answer

The cultural context surrounding the communication

Question 4

The 'uses and gratifications' theory in mass communication focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Why and how people actively choose media to satisfy specific needs

Answer

How media producers create content for passive audiences

Answer

The economic structures that control media production

Answer

The regulatory frameworks governing broadcast media

Question 5

What does 'code-switching' mean in communication?

Accepted Answer

Adjusting one's language, tone, and behavior to fit different social contexts

Answer

Switching between programming languages in software development

Answer

Deciphering coded messages in intelligence communications

Answer

Transitioning from written to spoken communication

Question 6

The 'spiral of silence' theory suggests that people are less likely to express their opinions when they:

Accepted Answer

Believe their views are in the minority and fear social isolation

Answer

Lack sufficient information on a topic

Answer

Are communicating through digital rather than face-to-face channels

Answer

Are speaking to authority figures rather than peers