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These questions have been arranged in topic area - all the questions set on a specific topic area over the past few years. To see how the exam questions will appear on a real exam paper please click here.
Verbal and Non-verbal Communication
Language
- It is sometimes argued that non-verbal communication is more difficult to interpret than
language.
Do you agree with this view?
- ‘Human language is infinitely more powerful and complex than any animal communication system.’
What arguments and evidence can be used either for or against this claim?
- In the context of personal communication, explain why speakers often vary their use of accent, dialect and paralanguage.
- We often make judgements about other people based on the ways in which they use language.
How do uses of language influence one person’s perception of another?
- Discuss the view that every conversation includes exchanges of information about power.
- Use of language often influences the perceptions we form of other people. Explain how this may take place with reference to at least two of the following:
Age; Ethnicity; Social Class; Gender; Region; Nationality; Personality
- It has been claimed that language is the most sophisticated form of communication ever developed and that only human beings have the capacity to learn and use language. What are the arguments for and against this point of view.
- Using examples, explain how and why we use language differently in different situations.
- How does language reflect social differences? Your answer should include reference to:
age
gender
social class
- How does language influence the ways in which we perceive other people and interpret the world around us?
- It has been claimed that the ability to acquire and use language is an innate capacity unique to human beings. What are the arguments for and against this point of view?
- In the context of language explain what is meant by accent and dialect. How do differences of accent and dialect affect ways in which people perceive each other?
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NON-VERBAL
- All the following are examples of categories of non-verbal communication:
Facial expression; proximity; paralanguage; dress and appearance
Using examples drawn from all these categories, explain how non-verbal communication performs different functions in different situations.
- What is paralanguage? Explain the role which paralanguage can play in conversation between two people.
- Non-verbal forms of communication can be used to signal power, status, and role. Using examples, explain how this may occur in conversations between two people.
- How is non-verbal communication distinct and different from verbal communication?
- Discuss the significance of non-verbal communication in one of the following contexts:
- a formal job interview
a classroom
a workplace
a court of law
an argument between friends
a consultation between a doctor and a patient
- Explain the role of non-verbal communication in the management of conversations between two people. Your answer should refer to:
starting the conversation
taking turns
asking for feedback
giving feedback
ending the conversation
- Using examples, explain how both culture and context influence the ways that people interpret non-verbal communication.
- Using examples show how the non-verbal elements of a conversation can either reinforce or contradict the verbal elements.
- In the context of personal communication explain how individuals may use non-verbal communication to:
persuade;
show feelings;
demonstrate power.
- Some of our non-verbal communication could be categorised as intentional and some as unintentional. Using examples, show how both of these categories can contribute to personal communication.
- What are the differences between verbal and non-verbal communication? You should consider
both the functions and forms of communication.
- Observations of non-verbal communication often lead to perceptions of other people which may
be faulty. Using examples, explain how and why this is the case.
- How do individuals use non-verbal strategies to communicate information about their role
or roles?
- In a conversation, what are the functions of the following types of non-verbal communication:
• facial expression
• eye movement
• proximity?
- Using examples show how non-verbal communication can be used to overcome potential barriers to communication.
- Explain the importance of non-verbal communication in one of the following areas: turn-taking in conversation or showing feelings and emotions or demonstrating status.
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Intrapersonal Communication
- “I’ve told myself a thousand times that I must stop being so lazy.”
What does this statement tell us about intrapersonal communication and the self ?
- How does self-concept influence the ways in which we present ourselves to others?
- Show how positive and negative feedback can influence a person’s self concept.
Choose one explanation of intrapersonal communication. Show how it has helped you to understand the importance of the self in communication.
- ‘I don’t like to give too much information about myself to other people. It would give them too much power over me.’
Using your knowledge of intrapersonal communication analyse this view of selfdisclosure.
- ‘Self image can change often, even in the course of a single day.’
Discuss the factors which are most likely to lead to changes in self image.
- “Only by understanding yourself can you hope to understand other people.”
How far do you agree with this statement?
- What do the following concepts contribute to an understanding of intrapersonal
communications:
• Ideal self;
• Self esteem;
• Self-fulfilling prophecy?
- It has been suggested that we have different selves or identities as we move between different roles and different situations. Do you agree with this view?
- How might a knowledge and understanding of intrapersonal communication make someone a better communicator?
- “I always find it easier to believe negative comments that others make about me. If someone pays
me a compliment, I just think they must be joking.”
Using your knowledge of intrapersonal communication, analyse the views expressed in this statement.
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- Transactional Analysis shows how interpersonal communication can be influenced by intrapersonal communication.
Using examples, explain how crossed transactions differ from complementary transactions.
- What are the factors which contribute to low self-esteem? How does low self-esteem influence presentation of self to others?
- The view which each of us has of ourselves is strongly influenced by the way in which other people communicate with us. Using examples and theoretical models explain the roles of feedback and perception in forming a self-concept.
- What are the factors that contribute to the formation of self image?
- How helpful is transactional analysis in explaining the relationship between ego states and acts of communication?
- What is self-disclosure? Explain why self-disclosure may be appropriate in certain contexts but not in others.
- What is the relationship between self-esteem and the ideal self?
- What do you understand by the term 'ideal self'? How may the ideal self influence an individual's self image and self esteem?
- There are a number of theories about the development of self and personality. Describe one of these theories and explain its usefulness in the study of personal communication.
- How can interpersonal communication play an important role in the development of a person's self concept?
- Using examples, show how transactional analysis can help to explain communication breakdowns.
- Individuals often perceive themselves in ways that are very different from the ways in which others perceive them. Why is this the case?
- How can the study of intrapersonal communication contribute to the understanding of communication between people?
- Explain and assess the significance of one of the following) approaches to the self in the context of communication:
a) Freud and theories of personality development
b) Jung and the psyche
c) Transactional Analysis
d) The split or divided self
- Why is it often difficult for a person to change his or her self concept? What advice could be given to someone who wished to alter his or her self-concept?
- Transactional Analysis shows how interpersonal communication can be influenced by intrapersonal communication.
- Using examples, explain how crossed transactions differ from complementary transactions.
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Group Communication
- “I don’t want to work with other people. Just leave me alone and I’ll get on with my job in my own way and in my own good time.”
How would this member of a formal group be dealt with by different types of group leader?
- What are the different stages in the development of groups? What types of communication are associated with these stages?
- ‘My life at school was made a misery until I was accepted into a friendship group. I would have done absolutely anything to join.’
Why do young people often feel that membership of informal groups, more than any other types of group, is so important?
What types of communication do you associate with the different stages in the development of a formal group?
- Using examples, show how different types of group deal with members who refuse to conform.
- ‘The key to a successful group lies in one thing above all others: motivation.’
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
- The following are three categories of group leadership: democratic, autocratic and laissez-faire.
What styles of communication do you associate with each of these kinds of leaderand their group?
- What are the dangers of ‘groupthink’ and what steps can be taken to avoid these dangers?
- Compare two groups with which you are familiar, one of which is task-orientated and the other socio-emotional. Show how the patterns of communication are different in these two groups.
- It has been argued that conflict within groups and between groups can be beneficial.
Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this argument.
- Describe some of the roles typically found in informal groups. Explain how these roles are communicated to other members of the group.
- Describe the types of goal which formal groups seek to achieve. Why do formal groups often fail to meet these goals?
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- The successful function of groups may be undermined by conflict. State three possible reasons for conflict and suggest ways in which the structure and organisation of groups could be planned in order to minimise conflict.
- Why are different styles of leadership appropriate to different group situations?
- Why do groups develop in different ways?
- Some groups are more successful than others in achieving their goals. Discuss the key factors which contribute to the success of these groups.
- Describe and discuss the strategies which different groups use to persuade members to conform to the rules or norms of the group.
- What are the characteristics of an autocratic group leader? How successful are such leaders in motivating members of their group?
- How can organisations succeed in making work groups efficient and effective?
- Using examples with which you are familiar discuss the ways in which informal groups regulate or control the behaviour of their members.
- Why do some groups fail to achieve their goals?
- How is communication within a group influenced by different leadership styles?
- How important are the roles of group members in a formal group such as a committee? Your answer should consider both assigned and assumed roles.
- What are the causes and consequences of conflict within groups? Your answer should consider both formal and informal groups.
- Using examples, discuss the various ways in which membership of social groups can influence the lives of young people.
- It is often the case that individual members of groups have goals that are different from the goals of the group as a whole. How could a successful group leader in a work, school or college situation overcome problems that arise from these differences?
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