Dr. Blackburn emailed a request to the radiologist. He asked if she would mind taking a second look to see if there was any chance of the tech having missed a small tumor on his patient’s last CT. The radiologist replied “No” to the email. Now Dr. Blackburn is confused. Does she mean that she won’t take a second look, or does she mean that there is still no tumor found? What is MOST likely the reason for this miscommunication?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

The radiologist most likely speaks another language than Dr. Blackburn.

The radiologist most likely speaks another language than Dr. Blackburn.

The radiologist is annoyed at Dr. Blackburn for second guessing her technician.

The radiologist is annoyed at Dr. Blackburn for second guessing her technician.

Because they are communicating by email, Dr. Blackburn can’t see her expressions.

Because they are communicating by email, Dr. Blackburn can’t see her expressions.

Dr. Blackburn does not know the radiologist very well, so he doesn’t understand her.

Answer 1

The most likely reason for the miscommunication is:

Because they are communicating by email, Dr. Blackburn can’t see her expressions.

This option explains that the lack of non-verbal cues in an email can lead to misunderstandings about the tone or intention behind a response.