American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Practice Test

What is the term for when an individual conveys information in a vague and confusing manner?

1. Masked communication

2. Behavioral modeling

3. Role confusion

4. Consumer education

The correct answer is: Masked communication

The correct term for when an individual conveys information in a vague and confusing manner is "masked communication." This term refers specifically to communication that obscures meaning or fails to provide clarity, often leaving the receiver puzzled or misled. Masked communication can be a result of intentional obfuscation or a lack of clarity in expression, and it hinders effective understanding between parties. In contrast, behavioral modeling refers to the process of learning through observing and imitating the behaviors of others, which does not inherently involve the confusion of meaning. Role confusion pertains to uncertainty in one's identity or function in a specific context, typically seen in social or psychological frameworks, rather than communication style. Consumer education focuses on equipping consumers with knowledge and skills for making informed decisions, which is far from the concept of vague communication. These terms highlight different aspects of communication or learning, but they do not describe the obfuscation inherent in masked communication.