Home

Tutoring

Subjects

Live Classes

Study Coach

Essay Review

On-Demand Courses

Colleges

Games

Opening subject page...

Loading your content

  1. My Subjects
  2. MCAT Psychological Social Foundations
  3. Flashcards

MCAT Psychological Social Foundations Flashcards: 8c Verbal Nonverbal Communication

Study 8c Verbal Nonverbal Communication in MCAT Psychological Social Foundations with focused flashcards that help you recognize the idea, recall the key rule, and apply it in practice-style prompts.

← Back to flashcard decks

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on 8c Verbal Nonverbal Communication, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for MCAT Psychological Social Foundations.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

MCAT Psychological Social Foundations Flashcards: 8c Verbal Nonverbal Communication

1

/ 30

0 reviewed

0% Complete

0 reviewing
QUESTION

What is the difference between a closed-ended and open-ended question?

Tap or drag to reveal answer

ANSWER

Closed-ended limits responses; open-ended invites elaboration. Closed gets yes/no; open encourages detailed responses.

Swipe Right = I Know It! 🎉

Swipe Left = Still Learning

All flashcards

Flashcard 1: What is the difference between a closed-ended and open-ended question?

Answer: Closed-ended limits responses; open-ended invites elaboration. Closed gets yes/no; open encourages detailed responses.

Flashcard 2: What is the fundamental attribution error in interpreting others’ behavior?

Answer: Overattributing behavior to traits and underattributing to situation. We blame personality over circumstances for others' actions.

Flashcard 3: What is active listening?

Answer: Attending and reflecting to confirm understanding (paraphrase, clarify). Shows engagement through feedback and verification techniques.

Flashcard 4: What is the difference between denotation and connotation?

Answer: Denotation is literal meaning; connotation is implied/emotional meaning. Dictionary definition vs. cultural/emotional associations.

Flashcard 5: What is metacommunication?

Answer: Communication about how to interpret messages (often nonverbal). Context cues that frame how to interpret the main message.

Flashcard 6: Which concept explains how expectations can shape another person’s behavior?

Answer: Self-fulfilling prophecy. Expectations influence behavior, creating their own reality.

Flashcard 7: Identify the most likely interpretation when verbal content conflicts with facial affect.

Answer: Nonverbal cues are typically weighted more heavily than words. People trust body language over words when they contradict.

Flashcard 8: Which option best describes the function of a backchannel cue like “mm-hmm”?

Answer: Regulator that signals attention and encourages the speaker to continue. Minimal responses that maintain conversation flow.

Flashcard 9: What is proxemics in nonverbal communication?

Answer: Use of interpersonal distance and space to convey meaning. Physical distance communicates intimacy, dominance, or cultural norms.

Flashcard 10: What is kinesics in nonverbal communication?

Answer: Body movements (posture, gestures, facial expressions) as signals. Body language conveys emotions and attitudes nonverbally.

Flashcard 11: What are adaptors in nonverbal communication?

Answer: Often unconscious self-touching/movements linked to arousal or stress. These behaviors reveal anxiety or discomfort unconsciously.

Flashcard 12: Identify the term for adjusting speech style to match a conversation partner.

Answer: Communication accommodation (convergence). Speakers adapt style to build rapport or show solidarity.

Flashcard 13: What are regulators in nonverbal communication?

Answer: Cues that manage conversational flow (nodding, turn-taking signals). These behaviors coordinate smooth conversational exchanges.

Flashcard 14: What is paralanguage (vocalics) in communication?

Answer: Vocal cues beyond words (tone, pitch, volume, rate, pauses). How something is said often matters more than what is said.

Flashcard 15: What is haptics in nonverbal communication?

Answer: Communication through touch (type, duration, intensity). Touch conveys emotions, relationships, and cultural meanings.

Flashcard 16: What is chronemics in nonverbal communication?

Answer: Use and interpretation of time (punctuality, pacing, waiting). Time usage reflects cultural values and relationship dynamics.

Flashcard 17: What is the difference between a gesture and an emblem in nonverbal communication?

Answer: Emblem has a specific verbal translation; gesture may not. Emblems like thumbs-up have direct word equivalents.

Flashcard 18: Identify the term: a speaker pauses longer than usual before answering a sensitive question.

Answer: Chronemics (response latency as a time cue). Extended pauses communicate hesitation or discomfort.

Flashcard 19: Which option best describes a regulator cue during conversation: nodding, leaning forward, or smiling?

Answer: Nodding. Regulators control conversational flow and turn-taking.

Flashcard 20: What is the Duchenne smile, and what does it typically signal?

Answer: Genuine smile with eye crinkling; typically signals true enjoyment. Involves both mouth corners raised and orbicularis oculi contraction.

Flashcard 21: What is haptics in nonverbal communication?

Answer: Communication through touch. Physical contact conveys emotions and relationships.

Flashcard 22: What is proxemics in nonverbal communication?

Answer: Use and interpretation of interpersonal space. Distance between people conveys relationship and comfort levels.

Flashcard 23: What is kinesics in nonverbal communication?

Answer: Body movement cues (gestures, posture, facial expressions). Studies how body movements communicate meaning.

Flashcard 24: What is paralanguage (paralinguistics) in spoken communication?

Answer: Vocal features other than words (tone, pitch, volume, rate). These vocal qualities modify meaning beyond word choice.

Flashcard 25: What is the definition of nonverbal communication in interpersonal interactions?

Answer: Communication conveyed without words (e.g., cues, behaviors, signals). Encompasses all non-linguistic channels of human interaction.

Flashcard 26: What is the definition of verbal communication in a social interaction context?

Answer: Communication conveyed through spoken or written words. Includes all linguistic elements that convey meaning through language.

Flashcard 27: Identify the concept: words say “I am fine,” but tone and slumped posture suggest distress.

Answer: Mixed messages (incongruent verbal and nonverbal cues). Verbal content contradicts nonverbal signals.

Flashcard 28: What is the definition of the fundamental attribution error?

Answer: Overattributing others’ behavior to traits and underweighting situation. We tend to ignore situational factors when judging others.

Flashcard 29: What are display rules in the context of emotional expression?

Answer: Culture-specific norms for when and how emotions are expressed. These learned rules vary by culture and context.

Flashcard 30: What is the primary claim of the universality hypothesis for basic emotions?

Answer: Basic emotions have facial expressions recognized across cultures. Ekman identified six universal facial expressions.