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Quizzes > Business & Finance

PR Quiz: Test Your Public Relations Basics

Quick, free PR basics quiz with instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: John RicafortUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz illustration for free PR test on module 1 basics on teal background with bold text and question icons

This PR quiz helps you check your understanding of public relations basics and see where to review next. You will practice topics like media pitches, press releases, and ethics, with instant feedback at the end. For more focused practice, try the intro to pr quiz and the writing for pr quiz.

What is the primary goal of public relations?
Building and maintaining relationships between an organization and its publics
Creating engaging television commercials
Selling products through direct advertising
Planning corporate social events
Public relations focuses on creating mutual understanding and long-term relationships between an organization and its key audiences. It's not about direct sales or advertising but about managing reputation and trust. Effective PR helps influence perceptions and maintain a positive image.
Which of the following is NOT considered an earned or owned PR channel?
Media interviews arranged by PR
Television commercials
Press release distribution
Social media posts on your company page
Television commercials are paid media, which is advertising rather than PR. PR focuses on earned (journalistic coverage) and owned (company-controlled channels) media. Owned and earned channels rely on credibility and relationships rather than paid placement.
What does the acronym "PR" stand for?
Press Rapport
Public Relations
Press Release
Publicity Response
PR is the commonly used abbreviation for Public Relations, which encompasses reputation management and strategic communication between organizations and their publics. It is not shorthand for press release or publicity response.
Which best describes a press release?
A written statement issued to media to announce news or events
An internal memo circulated among employees
A paid advertisement in a newspaper
A formal letter to shareholders
A press release is a public statement distributed to journalists and media outlets to inform them of newsworthy developments. It is not an advertisement or internal document. Press releases follow a standard format to ensure clarity and professionalism.
Who are considered key stakeholders in public relations?
Only investors and shareholders
Government regulators exclusively
Employees, customers, and the media
Competitors in the same industry
Key stakeholders in PR include any group that can influence or be influenced by the organization, such as employees, customers, and media representatives. Competitors or regulators may be relevant in some campaigns but are not primary publics in all contexts. Effective PR programs map and engage the most critical groups.
What is the main purpose of a media kit?
To provide journalists with background information and resources about an organization
To schedule social media posts in advance
To track advertising spending across different channels
To manage employee internal communications
A media kit contains ready-to-use assets like company backgrounders, executive bios, fact sheets, and high-resolution images to help journalists cover a story accurately. It streamlines press engagement and ensures brand consistency.
True or False: Public relations focuses only on positive messaging.
True
False
PR involves transparent communication, including addressing negative issues, crisis management, and reputation repair. Focusing only on positive messaging can undermine credibility and trust. Effective PR balances honesty with strategic messaging.
What do the letters in the PESO model stand for?
Paid, Earned, Shared, Owned
Personal, Electronic, Social, Ongoing
Public, External, Strategic, Operational
Planned, Effective, Sustainable, Organized
The PESO model categorizes PR and marketing tactics into Paid, Earned, Shared, and Owned media. It helps practitioners plan integrated campaigns across different media types. This framework ensures a balanced approach to reach target audiences.
In public relations, what does the term "spin" refer to?
Rotating staff through different PR roles
A behind-the-scenes media filming technique
The use of audio-visual equipment at events
Presenting information with a biased interpretation to influence perception
Spin involves framing information in a way that favors the communicator, often by emphasizing certain facts or omitting context. While sometimes useful, excessive spin can damage credibility. Ethical PR balances storytelling with transparency.
What is media relations primarily concerned with?
Scheduling internal company newsletters
Buying advertising space in print and digital media
Building and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets
Hosting social media contests for brand awareness
Media relations is the practice of cultivating positive, professional relationships with journalists and media organizations to secure coverage and manage messaging. It differs from advertising, which is paid. Strong media relations enhance credibility and reach.
What is typically the first step in a PR campaign following the RPIE model?
Budgeting
Evaluation
Research
Implementation
Under the RPIE model (Research, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation), campaigns begin with research to understand audiences, issues, and media landscapes. Solid research informs strategy and messaging development. Skipping this step can lead to misaligned tactics.
Which metric is commonly used to measure PR success?
Open rate on paid ads
Media impressions
Cost per acquisition (CPA)
Click-through rate (CTR)
Media impressions estimate the number of times PR content could be seen or heard, serving as a standard PR measurement. While digital marketing may focus on CTR or CPA, PR emphasizes reach and visibility. Combining impressions with qualitative analysis yields deeper insights.
What is the primary role of an organizational spokesperson?
To design marketing collateral
To manage internal payroll and HR tasks
To deliver official messages and represent the organization publicly
To audit financial statements
A spokesperson articulates the organization's official positions, handles media inquiries, and maintains consistency in messaging. They are trained to respond accurately under pressure. This role is distinct from marketing or financial functions.
Which of the following is an example of earned media?
An independent news article covering your product launch
A paid banner ad on a partner site
A blog post on the company website
A sponsored social media advertisement
Earned media is coverage gained through editorial influence rather than paid placements, such as news articles or broadcast segments. It is valued for its credibility and third-party endorsement. Owned media refers to channels you control, and paid media involves advertising spend.
In crisis communication, what is message mapping?
A structured approach to identifying key messages for different stakeholders
A financial projection for crisis recovery
A timeline for social media posting during emergencies
A list of media contacts to notify during a crisis
Message mapping involves creating clear, concise messages tailored to each stakeholder group during a crisis. It ensures consistency and preparedness for media inquiries. This technique supports rapid, accurate communication under pressure.
According to the RACE model, what does the "C" stand for?
Communication
Conversion
Coordination
Consultation
In the RACE model (Research, Action, Communication, Evaluation), Communication is the third phase where strategies and tactics are executed. It follows research and planning, ensuring messages reach target audiences effectively.
What is the main difference between publicity and advertising?
Publicity is unpaid and editorial; advertising is paid placement
Publicity uses images only; advertising uses text only
Publicity is for internal audiences; advertising is for external
Publicity appears only in print; advertising is digital
Publicity refers to earned editorial coverage without direct payment, while advertising involves paid space or airtime with controlled messaging. This distinction affects credibility, cost, and control. PR often leverages publicity for third-party validation.
What does the term "astroturfing" mean in public relations?
Sponsoring sports events on artificial turf
Creating the appearance of a grassroots movement when it's actually orchestrated
Using high-level statistics in press materials
Developing eco-friendly marketing campaigns
Astroturfing is a deceptive practice where an organization fabricates grassroots support, misleading audiences. It undermines trust and can lead to credibility damage if exposed. Authentic engagement is essential for ethical PR.
Which communication theory explains how ideas spread through opinion leaders to wider audiences?
Diffusion of innovations
Two-step flow theory
Agenda-setting theory
Uses and gratifications theory
The two-step flow theory posits that media messages first reach opinion leaders, who then interpret and pass them on to others. This highlights the role of influencers in shaping public opinion. PR strategies often target these key individuals.
In deontological ethics applied to PR, what is the primary focus?
Maximizing positive consequences for the organization
Balancing costs and benefits in decision-making
Adherence to moral rules and duties regardless of outcomes
Seeking what brings the greatest benefit to the majority
Deontological ethics emphasizes following moral principles or duties, regardless of the results. In PR, this means honesty, transparency, and respect for stakeholders are upheld even if it's not the most expedient path. It contrasts with consequentialist approaches.
Which of Grunig & Hunt's four PR models focuses on mutual understanding and symmetrical two-way communication?
Public information model
Two-way asymmetrical model
Press agentry model
Two-way symmetrical model
The two-way symmetrical model emphasizes dialogue, negotiation, and mutual understanding, treating communication as a balance of give-and-take. It is considered the most ethical and effective approach for long-term relationship building.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Core PR Concepts -

    After taking the introduction to public relations quiz, you'll be able to define essential terms and principles that form the foundation of PR basics.

  2. Identify Key Stakeholders -

    Through the public relations test, you'll recognize and categorize different audiences and influencers critical to crafting effective PR strategies.

  3. Apply Ethical Practices -

    The module 1 PR test will guide you in evaluating real-world scenarios and selecting appropriate, ethical responses in various public relations contexts.

  4. Analyze Communication Channels -

    Using insights from the PR basics quiz, you'll compare traditional and digital media outlets and determine which channels best suit your message.

  5. Evaluate Personal Progress -

    By scoring your performance on this public relations course quiz, you'll pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement to boost your PR expertise.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Definition and Scope of Public Relations -

    According to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), public relations is the strategic practice of building mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. It emphasizes credibility over paid messaging, distinguishing PR from advertising by relying on earned media and stakeholder trust. Mastering this definition will boost your confidence on the introduction to public relations quiz.

  2. Grunig & Hunt's Four Models of PR -

    Grunig and Hunt's seminal framework outlines four communication models - Press Agentry, Public Information, Two-Way Asymmetrical, and Two-Way Symmetrical - that describe differing approaches based on communication flow and ethics (University of Maryland). Use the mnemonic "PITS" (Press, Information, Two-way Asymmetrical, Symmetrical) to recall each model quickly. Recognizing these models helps you analyze case studies effectively during your module 1 PR test.

  3. RACE Process: Research, Action, Communication, Evaluation -

    The RACE planning model (Institute for Public Relations) outlines four steps: Research to understand audiences, Action to set objectives and plan, Communication to deliver key messages, and Evaluation to measure impact. Remember "Ready, Aim, Communicate, Evaluate" to ace your public relations test's planning questions. Applying this cycle ensures systematic campaign development every time.

  4. PESO Media Model -

    Developed by Gini Dietrich, the PESO framework categorizes media into Paid (sponsored content), Earned (media coverage), Shared (social media engagement), and Owned (company channels). Visualize a pie chart divided into four slices to lock in each category when tackling PR basics quiz questions. Strategically blending PESO boosts visibility and credibility across channels.

  5. PRSA Code of Ethics -

    The PRSA Code of Ethics outlines six core values - Advocacy, Honesty, Expertise, Independence, Loyalty, and Fairness - to guide professional conduct in public relations. Familiarizing yourself with these principles ensures you can tackle scenario-based questions in the public relations course quiz with confidence. Upholding these standards builds stakeholder trust and distinguishes ethical communicators in the field.

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