National Evaluation Series (NES) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Test

Which activity may be uncomfortable for a student from a high-context culture?

1. Discussions

2. Cooperative learning activities

3. Debates

4. Nonverbal communication

The correct answer is: Debates

Debates may be particularly uncomfortable for students from high-context cultures due to their emphasis on direct confrontation and argumentation. In high-context cultures, communication tends to be more indirect and relies heavily on the context, relationships, and the understanding between the parties involved. Such cultures often prioritize harmony and collective understanding over individual expression and assertiveness. In debates, participants are expected to take opposing positions and actively challenge one another, which can conflict with the values of maintaining group cohesion and avoiding public disagreement prevalent in high-context cultures. Therefore, the structure and nature of debates could lead to discomfort for these students, making it challenging for them to fully engage and express their viewpoints in a manner that feels natural to them. In contrast, discussions, cooperative learning activities, and nonverbal communication might be less uncomfortable as they can allow for a more nuanced exchange of ideas and greater emphasis on relational harmony.