Here are a few questions to test your comprehension. It's not too late, you can go back and read, make your own notes, and go through the practice exercises. Ok, consider yourself warned. If you feel ready, let's do this. Don't forget to read the accompanying notes which explain why the correct answer is correct - that's valuable stuff!

Researchers have found a consistently strong positive association between satisfaction and job performance. Is this true or false?

If the statement in this question dealt with the link between employee job satisfaction and customer satisfaction, it would be true. However, the link between job satisfaction and performance is not strong, because of the many factors which tend to weaken the relationship. The statement is false. See the three reasons given on pages 103 and 104. Oh, by the way, I hope you did not fall for that researcher ploy.

Which of these statements about emotions is FALSE?

As for question two, half the challenge is trying to understand the question and not get confused by the way it's worded. Sometimes, students find it more helpful to note which responses are true. That way, whatever they are left with which isn't true must be false – follow me? Let's try it this way: All the responses, A, B, D, and E are true. Therefore, "C" must be and is false. In point of fact, statement "C" describes the three elements of attitudes. It is not a description of emotions."

Stress refers to any environmental conditions that cause someone to suffer or experience fear. Is this statement true or false?

The statement in question three is false, because not all stress causes people to suffer, or experience fear. There are two types of stress. The use of the term "any" should also be a clue. In this context, it means all types of stress. Always be on your guard when universal statements are made in OB.

Eustress refers to:

As for question four, the correct response is "E". Eustress is the good kind of stress. Distress is the kind that leads to negative consequences. Ok, so we got that out of the way, now let's deal with a curious similarity effect of questions. Did the second question cause you to go back to the first and review your answer? Maybe you didn't have to, because you knew the material so well, and got both answers correct - that's good. What if you weren't so sure? Going back is good. Sometimes you can use the information provided in one question to jog your memory, and help you with another question. Note that the second question gets you thinking about the fact that there is another kind of stress. In other words, not all stress is the same, nor do they lead to the same consequences. If that extra information made you go back to question three and rethink the answer that's a good thing. My point is, you can use one question to answer another, and going back works. It is an academic myth that students shouldn't change their answers on multiple choice exams. It's OK to change one's decision when new and better information comes along. That applies to taking tests and the workplace as well.