Chapter 1
Introduction to Group Communication
Key: Answer, Page, Type, Learning Objective, Level
Type
A=Applied
C=Conceptual
F=Factual
Level
(1)=Easy; (2)=Moderate; (3)=Difficult
1% Easy
83 % Moderate
16% Difficult
LO=Learning Objective
SG=Used in Study Guide
p=page
TB_Engleberg_Chapter 1
Multiple Choice Single Select
1) According to a study commissioned by the Association of American Colleges and
Universities (AAC&U) that asked 496 employers to rank the essential learning outcomes
needed by college graduates entering the workforce, which outcome ranked highest?
a) ability to work in teams
b) critical thinking
c) digital literacy
d) ability to analyze and interpret data
e) the application of knowledge to real-world settings
1
Copyright © 2025
, Answer: a
Learning Objective 1.1: Describe the pervasiveness and importance of group work.
Topic 1.1: The Importance of Groups
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
2) The state in which the effective collaboration of group members produces better results than
what would be expected, given the sum of skills and abilities of individual members working
alone, is known as ________.
a) interaction
b) common goals
c) interdependence
d) synergy
e) working
Answer: d
Learning Objective 1.2: Compare the advantages and disadvantages of working in groups.
Topic 1.2.1: Advantages of Working in Groups
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
3) Which of the following characteristics is a disadvantage of working in groups?
a) Groups make better decisions when working on complex tasks.
b) Working in groups enhances member learning.
c) Groups require significant time, energy, and resources.
d) Groups are often more creative than members working alone.
e) Members usually enjoy working with others in groups.
Answer: c
Learning Objective 1.2: Compare the advantages and disadvantages of working in groups.
Topic 1.2.2: Disadvantages of Working in Groups
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
4) Which of the following situations best represents group communication as defined in the
text?
a) people talking in an elevator
b) people discussing the weather at an airport
2
Copyright © 2025
, c) fans cheering at a baseball game
d) jury members deliberating a court case
e) a congregation listening to a sermon
Answer: d
Learning Objective 1.3: Explain the importance of the five key elements in the definition of
group communication.
Topic 1.3: Defining Group Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
5) A group with seven members has the potential for ________ different types of interactions.
a) 9
b) 90
c) 666
d) 900
e) 966
Answer: e
Learning Objective 1.3: Explain the importance of the five key elements in the definition of
group communication.
Topic 1.3.1: Key Elements of Group Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
6) Generally, what is the ideal group size for a problem-solving discussion?
a) 3–5 people
b) 4–6 people
c) 5–7 people
d) 6–9 people
e) 8–12 people
Answer: c
Learning Objective 1.3: Explain the importance of the five key elements in the definition of
group communication.
Topic 1.3.1: Key Elements of Group Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
3
Copyright © 2025
, 7) Large-scale studies have found that the most important factor distinguishing successful
groups from unsuccessful groups is ________.
a) having a minimum of five and a maximum of twelve members in a group
b) having a common goal
c) strong leadership
d) member independence and interdependence
e) group morale
Answer: b
Learning Objective 1.3: Explain the importance of the five key elements in the definition of
group communication.
Topic 1.3.1: Key Elements of Group Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
8) A group with five members has the potential for ________ different types of interactions.
a) 95
b) 90
c) 105
d) 190
e) 100
Answer: b
Learning Objective 1.3: Explain the importance of the five key elements in the definition of
group communication.
Topic 1.3.1: Key Elements of Group Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
9) The ideal size of a small group is NOT dependent upon ________.
a) member knowledge
b) attitude
c) skills
d) task
e) relationship history
4
Copyright © 2025
Introduction to Group Communication
Key: Answer, Page, Type, Learning Objective, Level
Type
A=Applied
C=Conceptual
F=Factual
Level
(1)=Easy; (2)=Moderate; (3)=Difficult
1% Easy
83 % Moderate
16% Difficult
LO=Learning Objective
SG=Used in Study Guide
p=page
TB_Engleberg_Chapter 1
Multiple Choice Single Select
1) According to a study commissioned by the Association of American Colleges and
Universities (AAC&U) that asked 496 employers to rank the essential learning outcomes
needed by college graduates entering the workforce, which outcome ranked highest?
a) ability to work in teams
b) critical thinking
c) digital literacy
d) ability to analyze and interpret data
e) the application of knowledge to real-world settings
1
Copyright © 2025
, Answer: a
Learning Objective 1.1: Describe the pervasiveness and importance of group work.
Topic 1.1: The Importance of Groups
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
2) The state in which the effective collaboration of group members produces better results than
what would be expected, given the sum of skills and abilities of individual members working
alone, is known as ________.
a) interaction
b) common goals
c) interdependence
d) synergy
e) working
Answer: d
Learning Objective 1.2: Compare the advantages and disadvantages of working in groups.
Topic 1.2.1: Advantages of Working in Groups
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
3) Which of the following characteristics is a disadvantage of working in groups?
a) Groups make better decisions when working on complex tasks.
b) Working in groups enhances member learning.
c) Groups require significant time, energy, and resources.
d) Groups are often more creative than members working alone.
e) Members usually enjoy working with others in groups.
Answer: c
Learning Objective 1.2: Compare the advantages and disadvantages of working in groups.
Topic 1.2.2: Disadvantages of Working in Groups
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
4) Which of the following situations best represents group communication as defined in the
text?
a) people talking in an elevator
b) people discussing the weather at an airport
2
Copyright © 2025
, c) fans cheering at a baseball game
d) jury members deliberating a court case
e) a congregation listening to a sermon
Answer: d
Learning Objective 1.3: Explain the importance of the five key elements in the definition of
group communication.
Topic 1.3: Defining Group Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
5) A group with seven members has the potential for ________ different types of interactions.
a) 9
b) 90
c) 666
d) 900
e) 966
Answer: e
Learning Objective 1.3: Explain the importance of the five key elements in the definition of
group communication.
Topic 1.3.1: Key Elements of Group Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
6) Generally, what is the ideal group size for a problem-solving discussion?
a) 3–5 people
b) 4–6 people
c) 5–7 people
d) 6–9 people
e) 8–12 people
Answer: c
Learning Objective 1.3: Explain the importance of the five key elements in the definition of
group communication.
Topic 1.3.1: Key Elements of Group Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
3
Copyright © 2025
, 7) Large-scale studies have found that the most important factor distinguishing successful
groups from unsuccessful groups is ________.
a) having a minimum of five and a maximum of twelve members in a group
b) having a common goal
c) strong leadership
d) member independence and interdependence
e) group morale
Answer: b
Learning Objective 1.3: Explain the importance of the five key elements in the definition of
group communication.
Topic 1.3.1: Key Elements of Group Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
8) A group with five members has the potential for ________ different types of interactions.
a) 95
b) 90
c) 105
d) 190
e) 100
Answer: b
Learning Objective 1.3: Explain the importance of the five key elements in the definition of
group communication.
Topic 1.3.1: Key Elements of Group Communication
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
9) The ideal size of a small group is NOT dependent upon ________.
a) member knowledge
b) attitude
c) skills
d) task
e) relationship history
4
Copyright © 2025
