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

Cognitive dissonance, developed by Leon Festinger, describes the discomfort felt when a person holds two conflicting cognitions or when behavior conflicts with beliefs, motivating attitude change.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Cultivation theory

Answer

Cultivation theory, developed by George Gerbner, argues that long-term, heavy television viewing cultivates a distorted perception of social reality, especially around violence.

Question 3

What is 'ethos' in classical rhetoric?

Accepted Answer

The credibility and trustworthiness of the speaker

Answer

Ethos, one of Aristotle's three rhetorical appeals, refers to the speaker's credibility, authority, and moral character as a means of persuasion.

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

Uses and gratifications theory examines how audiences actively select media to fulfill specific needs such as information, entertainment, identity formation, or social interaction.

Question 5

What does 'code-switching' mean in communication?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Code-switching in communication refers to the practice of alternating between different languages, dialects, or communication styles depending on the social context or audience.

MA - Master of Arts Practice Test

MA - Master of Arts Practice Test

MA Communication Studies 2