Technical Communication (D339)

Correct Answer

B. They maintain strict codes of conduct and seek clear guidelines.

Explanation

Cultures with high uncertainty avoidance prefer to minimize ambiguity and uncertainty. They tend to have strict codes of conduct, rules, and clear guidelines to provide structure and predictability in uncertain situations. People in these cultures are generally uncomfortable with ambiguity and seek clarity to avoid potential risks and confusion.

Why other options are wrong

A. They embrace ambiguity and encourage flexibility in behavior.

This is more characteristic of cultures with low uncertainty avoidance, where flexibility and tolerance for ambiguity are valued. High uncertainty avoidance cultures tend to be less comfortable with ambiguity and prioritize clear rules.

C. They are indifferent to rules and allow for personal interpretation.

This is incorrect because high uncertainty avoidance cultures tend to have a strong adherence to rules and clear structures. Indifference to rules is more typical of cultures with lower uncertainty avoidance.

D. They promote open discussions and diverse perspectives.

While open discussions and diverse perspectives are important in many cultures, high uncertainty avoidance cultures are typically more focused on maintaining stability through clear guidelines and less focused on promoting flexibility or diverse perspectives in the face of ambiguity.

Correct Answer

B. To protect the original works of authors and creators from unauthorized use

Explanation

The primary purpose of copyright in technical communication is to protect the intellectual property of the author or creator by preventing others from using or reproducing their work without permission. It grants exclusive rights to the creator over the use of their content.

Why other options are wrong

A. To ensure that all technical documents are free to use by anyone

This is incorrect because copyright actually limits the free use of content. It is meant to protect the author's work from unauthorized use, not to make it freely accessible to all.

C. To promote the sharing of ideas without restrictions

This is incorrect because copyright restricts the use of ideas by others unless permission is granted. Its goal is to protect the creator's work rather than promote unrestricted sharing.

D. To provide a framework for collaboration among technical communicators

This is incorrect because copyright does not directly provide a framework for collaboration. While it governs how content can be used, it does not necessarily promote collaborative efforts or open sharing.

Correct Answer

C. Evaluating missing content areas and how information is organized

Explanation

An editor on a technical communication team ensures that the document’s content is complete and well-structured. They evaluate where information is missing or unclear and organize the content logically to make it easy to understand for the target audience. This is a crucial aspect of ensuring the document is functional and effective.

Why other options are wrong

A. Maintaining a document schedule and meeting minutes

This is incorrect because this responsibility typically falls to project managers or coordinators, not editors. While editors may be involved in the process, their primary role focuses on content quality rather than administrative tasks like schedules or minutes.

B. Collecting information and coordinating empirical research

This is incorrect because this task is generally assigned to researchers or subject matter experts rather than editors. Editors work with the content that has been collected, ensuring its quality and coherence rather than gathering the information itself.

D. Document layout, images, and information graphics

This is incorrect because the responsibility for layout and graphics typically belongs to a designer or visual communicator. Editors focus on content quality, structure, and clarity, while design elements are handled by specialists in visual communication.

Correct Answer

C. Professional Orientation

Explanation

Professional Orientation in technical writing emphasizes the practical application of research findings to solve real-world problems in professional settings. It focuses on how technical information can be used to improve work practices, enhance efficiency, or solve specific industry-related issues. This approach is grounded in addressing practical concerns and is used in fields like engineering, healthcare, and business.

Why other options are wrong

A. Pedagogical Orientation

Pedagogical Orientation focuses on teaching and educational objectives, such as instructing others on how to perform tasks or concepts. It is not primarily about solving practical problems but rather about education and instruction.

B. Theoretical Orientation

Theoretical Orientation deals with abstract concepts, principles, and ideas in technical writing. It is more focused on theoretical exploration and research, rather than on applying findings to practical, real-world problems.

D. Creative Orientation

Creative Orientation involves a more artistic or design-based approach to technical writing. It is focused on creative expression and may include elements of design, but it does not primarily focus on applying research findings to solve practical problems in professional contexts.

Correct Answer

C. provide guidelines for proper behavior

Explanation

A code of ethics is primarily designed to establish clear guidelines for employees' behavior and decision-making within the organization. It helps maintain a standard of conduct that reflects the organization's values and principles.

Why other options are wrong

A. meet government regulations

This is incorrect because while some aspects of ethical conduct might align with legal requirements, a code of ethics is generally not created to meet specific government regulations. It is more about establishing internal guidelines that reflect the organization's values.

B. reduce operating costs of a company

This is incorrect because a code of ethics does not directly aim to reduce operating costs. Its main function is to guide behavior and decision-making in a consistent and ethical manner.

D. improve employee productivity

This is incorrect because while ethical guidelines can create a positive work environment, a code of ethics is not specifically designed to improve productivity. Its primary purpose is to ensure employees behave in an ethically responsible way.

Correct Answer

A. Some societies place greater value on masculine attributes such as harmonious relationships, modesty, and taking care of others vs. feminine attributes such as achievement, material success, and recognition.

Explanation

This statement reverses the definitions of masculine and feminine cultural attributes. Masculine cultures value traits such as competitiveness, achievement, and material success, while feminine cultures prioritize interpersonal relationships, modesty, and caring for others. Therefore, this choice inaccurately describes the concepts and is the exception among the statements.

Why other options are wrong

B. Some societies place greater value on masculine attributes such as achievement, material success, and recognition vs. feminine attributes such as harmonious relationships, modesty, and taking care of others.

This is a correct and accurate depiction of the masculinity versus femininity dimension of culture. It reflects how some cultures value assertiveness and success, while others prioritize nurturing and cooperation.

C. In some cultures, only men can enact masculine roles whereas in other culture gender roles are more flexible.

This is accurate. It highlights the rigidity of gender roles in certain societies compared to the flexibility found in others. Masculinity and femininity as cultural dimensions often correlate with how strictly gender roles are assigned and enforced.

D. In cultures with more fixed gender roles, women are usually given the role of caretaker for the aging relatives and may suffer the stresses of caregiver strain.

This is a true statement that reflects the outcomes of traditional gender expectations, particularly in cultures that have rigid masculine/feminine role distinctions. It illustrates the societal impact of fixed roles, especially on women.

Correct Answer:

To clearly convey complex information to a specific audience

Explanation:

The core purpose of technical communication is to make complex information understandable and usable by a targeted audience. This includes instructions, manuals, reports, and other documents where clarity, conciseness, and accuracy are critical. It focuses on informing or instructing rather than persuading or entertaining. Effective technical writing adapts the message to the audience’s level of knowledge and ensures that they can act on the information presented.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

To express personal opinions and reflections

This describes creative or reflective writing, not technical communication. Technical writing prioritizes objectivity, not personal voice or emotional reflection.

To persuade readers to adopt a political viewpoint

This is more typical of persuasive or editorial writing. While technical documents may occasionally include recommendations, they are based on data and analysis—not political ideology.

To entertain readers using creative storytelling techniques

Technical writing avoids stylistic devices and narrative embellishments. Its focus is on utility, not entertainment, and it avoids ambiguity that can arise from storytelling techniques.

Correct Answer

B. To facilitate understanding and effective interaction with technology

Explanation

The primary purpose of technical communication is to enable clear and effective communication about technology, ensuring that users can understand complex concepts and interact effectively with technological systems. It aims to simplify technical details and make them accessible to non-experts.

Why other options are wrong

A. To entertain the audience with engaging narratives

This is incorrect because technical communication focuses on clarity and utility, not on entertainment. Its goal is not to engage audiences through narratives, but to communicate technical information effectively.

C. To promote personal opinions and subjective viewpoints

This is incorrect because technical communication prioritizes objectivity and accuracy. It is not about promoting personal opinions, but about delivering factual and clear information.

D. To provide detailed historical accounts of technological advancements

This is incorrect because while technical communication may include some historical context, its primary purpose is not to provide detailed accounts of the past. Instead, it focuses on clear, present, and actionable communication regarding technology.

Correct Answer

A. written guidelines for employees to follow based on the company's specific ethical standards and values.

Explanation

An organization's code of ethics consists of a set of written guidelines that outline the ethical principles and standards that employees are expected to follow in their work. It helps ensure that the organization's values are upheld and provides clear expectations for employee behavior.

Why other options are wrong

B. a verbal oath required of employees to demonstrate their commitment to the employer's ethical standards and values.

This is incorrect because a code of ethics is typically documented in writing, not just a verbal oath. It provides a detailed framework for ethical decision-making rather than relying on oral declarations.

C. a legal requirement from the government.

This is incorrect because a code of ethics is not a legal requirement from the government. While certain ethical standards may be legally mandated, a company's code of ethics is usually developed internally based on its specific values and goals.