Communication and Nonverbal Behavior # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which of the following is considered a form of nonverbal communication?

Talking on the phone
Writing an email
Gestures and facial expressions
Reading a book
Explanation - Nonverbal communication includes body language, gestures, facial expressions, posture, and eye contact, rather than verbal or written forms.
Correct answer is: Gestures and facial expressions

Q.2 Which type of nonverbal behavior is primarily used to express emotions?

Proxemics
Kinesics
Chronemics
Haptics
Explanation - Kinesics refers to body movements, gestures, facial expressions, and posture, which often convey emotions.
Correct answer is: Kinesics

Q.3 Maintaining eye contact during a conversation typically indicates:

Boredom
Interest and attentiveness
Disagreement
Confusion
Explanation - Eye contact is a key nonverbal cue showing engagement, interest, and attentiveness in social interactions.
Correct answer is: Interest and attentiveness

Q.4 Which nonverbal channel is concerned with the use of personal space?

Haptics
Proxemics
Paralanguage
Chronemics
Explanation - Proxemics studies how people use and perceive personal space in communication.
Correct answer is: Proxemics

Q.5 Paralanguage refers to which of the following?

Gestures
Tone, pitch, and rate of speech
Facial expressions
Touch
Explanation - Paralanguage includes vocal characteristics such as intonation, pitch, speed, and volume, which affect meaning in communication.
Correct answer is: Tone, pitch, and rate of speech

Q.6 Which of the following is an example of haptic communication?

Nodding
Handshake
Frowning
Using silence
Explanation - Haptics refers to communication through touch, such as handshakes, hugs, or pats on the back.
Correct answer is: Handshake

Q.7 A firm handshake is generally interpreted as:

Lack of confidence
Friendliness and assertiveness
Aggression
Indifference
Explanation - A firm handshake typically conveys confidence, assertiveness, and friendliness in social interactions.
Correct answer is: Friendliness and assertiveness

Q.8 Which of the following best describes microexpressions?

Overt gestures
Brief, involuntary facial expressions revealing emotions
Deliberate eye movements
Posture shifts
Explanation - Microexpressions are fleeting facial expressions that reveal true emotions, often lasting less than half a second.
Correct answer is: Brief, involuntary facial expressions revealing emotions

Q.9 The study of how people perceive and use time in communication is called:

Proxemics
Chronemics
Kinesics
Haptics
Explanation - Chronemics examines the role of time in communication, including punctuality, pauses, and timing of interactions.
Correct answer is: Chronemics

Q.10 Which nonverbal cue is often culturally specific and may cause misunderstandings across societies?

Eye contact
Tone of voice
Facial expressions
Posture
Explanation - Eye contact norms vary across cultures; while direct gaze is seen as confident in some cultures, it may be considered rude or aggressive in others.
Correct answer is: Eye contact

Q.11 Crossed arms during a conversation usually indicate:

Openness
Defensiveness or resistance
Agreement
Curiosity
Explanation - Crossing arms is often interpreted as a defensive posture, signaling discomfort or resistance.
Correct answer is: Defensiveness or resistance

Q.12 Smiling while speaking generally communicates:

Friendliness and approachability
Hostility
Disinterest
Confusion
Explanation - Smiling is a universal nonverbal cue that conveys warmth, friendliness, and approachability.
Correct answer is: Friendliness and approachability

Q.13 Which of the following is an example of nonverbal leakage?

Saying 'I'm fine' while frowning
Speaking loudly to emphasize a point
Using formal language in writing
Giving a thumbs up
Explanation - Nonverbal leakage occurs when body language or facial expressions reveal true emotions, despite verbal statements suggesting otherwise.
Correct answer is: Saying 'I'm fine' while frowning

Q.14 Mirroring another person's body language in a conversation often indicates:

Conflict
Rapport and empathy
Disinterest
Hostility
Explanation - Mirroring gestures, posture, or expressions can signal empathy and help build rapport during social interactions.
Correct answer is: Rapport and empathy

Q.15 Which term refers to the social use of touch for communication purposes?

Haptics
Kinesics
Chronemics
Oculesics
Explanation - Haptics is the study of touch in communication, including handshakes, hugs, pats, and other forms of tactile interaction.
Correct answer is: Haptics

Q.16 The way people orient their bodies during a conversation often indicates:

Attitude and interest
Vocabulary knowledge
Tone of voice
Cultural background only
Explanation - Body orientation, such as leaning forward or turning away, signals attention, interest, or disengagement in social interactions.
Correct answer is: Attitude and interest

Q.17 A slow, deliberate nod during a conversation usually indicates:

Agreement
Confusion
Disinterest
Disagreement
Explanation - Nodding is a nonverbal gesture that typically signals agreement or understanding.
Correct answer is: Agreement

Q.18 Which of the following is an example of paralanguage affecting the meaning of a message?

Saying 'I’m fine' with a sarcastic tone
Waving hello
Standing close to someone
Frowning silently
Explanation - Paralanguage includes vocal cues like tone, pitch, and emphasis, which can completely alter the meaning of verbal messages.
Correct answer is: Saying 'I’m fine' with a sarcastic tone

Q.19 Which facial feature is most critical for expressing emotions universally?

Mouth
Eyes
Ears
Nose
Explanation - Eyes convey a wide range of emotions across cultures and are essential for interpreting nonverbal signals.
Correct answer is: Eyes

Q.20 Which of the following nonverbal behaviors is most likely to enhance persuasion?

Avoiding eye contact
Open posture and gestures
Crossing arms
Frowning frequently
Explanation - Open and expressive body language can make speakers appear more confident and persuasive.
Correct answer is: Open posture and gestures

Q.21 Touching one's face frequently during a conversation may indicate:

Relaxation
Nervousness or deception
Confidence
Agreement
Explanation - Self-touching, such as rubbing the face or neck, can be a sign of anxiety, nervousness, or discomfort.
Correct answer is: Nervousness or deception

Q.22 The distance people maintain in interactions based on relationships or social norms is called:

Proxemics
Kinesics
Haptics
Chronemics
Explanation - Proxemics studies the use of space in communication, including personal, social, and public distances.
Correct answer is: Proxemics

Q.23 Which nonverbal behavior often conveys credibility and confidence?

Slouched posture
Steady eye contact and upright posture
Fidgeting
Avoiding gestures
Explanation - Confident body language, including good posture and eye contact, enhances credibility and perceived competence.
Correct answer is: Steady eye contact and upright posture

Q.24 Using silence strategically in communication can serve to:

Indicate agreement only
Emphasize a point or show reflection
Convey boredom
Replace gestures
Explanation - Silence can be used intentionally to emphasize messages, create suspense, or allow time for thought.
Correct answer is: Emphasize a point or show reflection