Interpersonal Communication
Test 1
Study Guide
Harris-Jenkinson
The test is worth 100 points composed of True/False, Multiple Choice, Fill-in-the-Blank, and
Short Answer questions. Points vary for each question.
This test covers the following textbook readings and lectures:
 Chapters 1 (Intro to Interpersonal), 2 (The Self), 3 (Perception), 4 (Diversity), 5
(Listening) from Interpersonal Communication (Beebe & Beebe)
 Lectures: Communication Process, Interpersonal Communication, ElectronicallyMediated, Communication, Communication Apprehension, Emotions, Self-Concept &
Self-Esteem, Perception, Self-Disclosure, Trust, Intercultural Communication, Gender
Communication, Listening, Small Talk
Materials needed:
 One scantron (green, #886E, half sheet with Mini Essay Book)
 One piece of binder paper (if you come across a question on the multiple choice or
true/false questions where you believe you need to justify your answer)
 One or two sharpened #2 pencils
 Your bright, cheerful, awake and READY smiling face
Please note: Some questions are very straight forward and involve rote memory (e.g., definitions,
lists), while others are application-based (you may be given an example and asked to identify a
concept). Other questions are based upon synthesis (you may not be able to find the exact
answer from lecture or in the textbook, but you should be able to figure out the answer if you
understand the material). Occasionally I use comic strips as the basis for questions. Items noted
below with an asterisk (*) are those requiring short answers.
You should know:
 The various models of communication (linear, interactive, transactional), all the elements
(sender/receiver, noise, channel, etc.) and what differentiates each model from each other.
 Principles and misconceptions of communication (be able to identify the principle or
misconception when given an example)
 Characteristics of interpersonal communication
 Be able to differentiate interpersonal communication from other forms of communication (e.g.,
intrapersonal communication, public communication)
 Difference between interpersonal and impersonal communication (have an example for
each)*
 Difficulties associated with electronically-mediated communication
 Ways technology (e.g., electronically-mediated communication) is influencing our
understanding of conversations (this came from lecture)*
 Classification of communication apprehension (High, medium, low) and the treatments for
Communication Apprehension
 Emotions: characteristics, cause/effect, Robert Pluchick’s emotion wheel
 Difference between self-concept and self-esteem, and effects on interpersonal relationships
 Impact of perception on effective interpersonal relationships: think about the stages of
perception, barriers, theories related to how we perceive and interact with others (attribution
theory, etc.)*
 Various theories related to interpersonal communication (attribution theory, impression
formation, implicit personality theory, standpoint theory, etc.)
Harris-Jenkinson
-1-
Test 1 Study Guide: Interpersonal Communication



















Difference between active and passive perception
Johari Window
Findings related to self-disclosure
Behaviors that build (facilitate) or maintain trust
Difference between low- and high-context cultures
Barriers to intercultural competence (ethnocentrism, cultural imperialism, culture shock, etc.)
Benefits (if any) to knowing about intercultural communication*
Differences in masculine and feminine communication styles, according to Debora Tannen*
Barriers to effective listening
Difference between hearing and listening
Reasons we don’t always listen effectively
Skills for responding with empathy (paraphrasing content, paraphrasing feeling, etc.)
Methods to successfully make small talk
The amount of time a typical small talk conversations usually last
William James’ three “selves”
Shutz’s Interpersonal Needs theory (you will get an example and will have to determine which
need is predominate
Difference between self-concept, self-esteem, self-worth, self-awareness
Treatments of communication apprehension (both general and specific)
Definitions or descriptions of:
 Self-fulfilling prophecy
 Self-disclosure
Harris-Jenkinson
-2-
Test 1 Study Guide: Interpersonal Communication