Final answer:
The correct answer is option a) communication apprehension, which refers to an individual's level of fear or anxiety associated with communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Communication apprehension refers to an individual's level of fear or anxiety associated with either real or anticipated communication. It can manifest in various contexts, such as public speaking, one-on-one conversations, or group discussions.
This term is commonly used in the field of communication studies to understand and address the difficulties individuals may face in communicating effectively. At its heart, communication apprehension is a psychological response to evaluation.
This psychological response, however, quickly becomes physical as our body responds to the threat the mind perceives. Our bodies cannot distinguish between psychological and physical threats. Thus, the correct answer is a. communication apprehension.