Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered an interpersonal variable affecting communication?

1. Feedback

2. Time

3. Education

4. Age

The correct answer is: Education

The correct answer is education, as it significantly influences how individuals communicate and understand messages. Education encompasses the knowledge and skills a person acquires throughout their life, which can impact their vocabulary, comprehension abilities, and communication style. Those with different educational backgrounds may interpret information in varying ways and may have differing expectations regarding communication. For instance, a person with extensive education may use more complex language and abstract thinking, while someone with less formal education might prefer straightforward language and concrete examples. Communication becomes more effective when the sender and receiver of messages have compatible education levels, allowing for better understanding and interaction. While feedback, time, and age are all relevant to the communication process, they primarily serve different functions. Feedback is crucial for confirming understanding and adjusting communication based on responses; time can affect the timing and context of communication but does not inherently represent who is communicating; and age might influence communication styles or preferences, but it does not directly relate to the knowledge framework that education provides.