Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of the interpretive approach in communication theory?
What is the primary focus of the interpretive approach in communication theory?
Which research method is primarily associated with the objective approach to theory?
Which research method is primarily associated with the objective approach to theory?
What is the objective approach's view on the nature of truth?
What is the objective approach's view on the nature of truth?
Which of the following is NOT one of the criteria for evaluating an objective theory?
Which of the following is NOT one of the criteria for evaluating an objective theory?
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What distinguishes the interpretive approach regarding human nature?
What distinguishes the interpretive approach regarding human nature?
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Which of the following methods is characteristic of the interpretive research approach?
Which of the following methods is characteristic of the interpretive research approach?
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Which criterion for evaluating an objective theory considers the simplicity of the explanation?
Which criterion for evaluating an objective theory considers the simplicity of the explanation?
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The objective approach primarily values which of the following?
The objective approach primarily values which of the following?
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What is the primary focus of objective theories?
What is the primary focus of objective theories?
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Which methodological approach is primarily used in objective theories?
Which methodological approach is primarily used in objective theories?
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What do interpretive theories prioritize over empirical evidence?
What do interpretive theories prioritize over empirical evidence?
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What is a key similarity between objective and interpretive theories?
What is a key similarity between objective and interpretive theories?
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What distinguishes objective theories from interpretive theories in terms of epistemological foundations?
What distinguishes objective theories from interpretive theories in terms of epistemological foundations?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of interpretive theories?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of interpretive theories?
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What is the primary goal of using qualitative research methods in interpretive theories?
What is the primary goal of using qualitative research methods in interpretive theories?
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Which statement accurately reflects the focus of inquiry in interpretive theories?
Which statement accurately reflects the focus of inquiry in interpretive theories?
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What is the primary focus of the socio-psychological tradition in communication?
What is the primary focus of the socio-psychological tradition in communication?
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What do both objective and interpretive lenses aim to enhance in communication?
What do both objective and interpretive lenses aim to enhance in communication?
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Which tradition views communication as a process of sharing meaning through signs?
Which tradition views communication as a process of sharing meaning through signs?
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What shared goal do both objective and interpretive theories have regarding communication?
What shared goal do both objective and interpretive theories have regarding communication?
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In the context of communication traditions, which tradition is considered the most subjective?
In the context of communication traditions, which tradition is considered the most subjective?
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What does Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT) explore in interpersonal communication?
What does Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT) explore in interpersonal communication?
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Which tradition aims to challenge unjust discourse through reflective communication?
Which tradition aims to challenge unjust discourse through reflective communication?
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Which term best describes the notion of a 'community of agreement' in communication theory?
Which term best describes the notion of a 'community of agreement' in communication theory?
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Study Notes
Theory and Communication
- Definition of theory: A systematic set of informed hunches about how things work.
- Communication: The relational process of creating and interpreting messages that elicit a response.
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Objective Approach: Truth is singular and real, known through senses.
- Human Nature: Determinists; forces of biology and environment shape human behavior.
- Highest Value: Objectivity and effectiveness.
- Purpose of Theory: Seeks universal laws to predict.
- Research Methods: Quantitative - experiment and survey.
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Interpretive Approach: Truth is subjective and multiple realities exist.
- Human Nature: Free will thinkers; conscious choices are based on free will, not biology.
- Highest Value: Emancipation and understanding.
- Purpose of Theory: Seeks deeper understanding of human experience.
- Research Methods: Qualitative - textual analysis and ethnography.
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Key Differences between Objective and Interpretive Approaches:
- Ways of knowing: Objective seeks singular truth, interpretive embraces multiple truths.
- Human nature: Objective views human nature as determined, interpretive sees humans as having free will.
- Highest Value: Objective values objectivity and effectiveness, interpretive values emancipation and understanding.
- Purpose of Theory: Objective seeks to predict, interpretive aims to interpret and understand.
- Research Methods: Objective utilizes quantitative methods, interpretive uses qualitative methods.
Evaluating Theory
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Evaluating Objective Theories:
- Prediction of future events
- Explanation of data
- Relative simplicity
- Testable hypotheses
- Practical utility
- Quantitative research
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Evaluating Interpretive Theories:
- Clarification of values
- New understanding of people
- Aesthetic appeal
- Community of agreement
- Reform of society
- Qualitative research
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Similarities in Evaluating Theories:
- Future Orientation: Both focus on the future, with objective predicting and interpretive shaping.
- Understanding Motivation: Both aim to understand why people communicate.
- Aesthetic Appeal and Simplicity: Both prefer straightforward theories.
- Community of Agreement: Value discussion and shared understanding.
- Practical Utility: Both aim to improve communication in society.
Mapping the Territory
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Seven Traditions of Communication Theory (Robert Craig):
- Socio-psychological: Communication as interaction and influence.
- Cybernetic: Communication as information processing.
- Rhetorical: Communication as artful public address.
- Semiotic: Communication as sharing meaning through signs.
- Socio-cultural: Communication produces and reproduces culture.
- Critical: Communication challenges injustices in discourse.
- Phenomenological: Communication as experiencing self and others through dialogue.
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Fencing the Field:
- Traditions are positioned on a continuum from objective (socio-psychological) to subjective (phenomenological).
- Hybrid theories incorporate elements from various traditions.
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The Ethical Tradition:
- Focuses on communication by people of character, in just and beneficial ways.
Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT)
- Definition: EVT links surprising interpersonal behavior (expectancy violations) to outcomes like attraction, credibility, influence, and involvement.
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