Chapter 18: Symbolic Convergence Theory Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is Symbolic Convergence Theory?

Ernest Bormann studied newly formed groups to analyze leadership emergence, decision making, norms, cohesiveness, and other features. The premise of the theory is that sharing group fantasies creates symbolic convergence.

Who is the theorist behind Symbolic Convergence Theory?

Ernest Bormann

What tradition does Symbolic Convergence Theory belong to?

socio-psychological and rhetorical

What is the Objective/Interpretive placement of Symbolic Convergence Theory?

in the middle Signup and view all the answers

What is a major difference between Symbolic Convergence Theory and the functional perspective?

SCT classifies informal comments and outside group messages as dramatizing messages, which Bormann believes serve groups well. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dramatizing message?

Involves imaginative language used by a group member describing past, future, or outside events. Signup and view all the answers

For Bormann, what is a fantasy?

Dramatizing messages that are enthusiastically embraced by the whole group. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in a group when they pick up on a fantasy and begin to chain it out?

People become livelier and more conversational; the chaining process begins. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fantasy chain? Give an example.

A symbolic explosion of lively agreement within a group in response to a member's dramatizing message; e.g., people's applause gets louder as more people begin clapping. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fantasy theme? Give an example.

A shared story that is believed and internalized by many people; it is the content of the fantasy that has chained out within a group. Signup and view all the answers

What is a symbolic cue? Give an example.

An agreed-upon trigger that sets off group members to respond as they did when they first shared the fantasy; e.g., Auburn's pregame video. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fantasy type? Give an example.

A cluster of related fantasy themes; greater abstractions incorporating several concrete fantasy themes. Signup and view all the answers

What is symbolic convergence? How does it happen? What happens after it has occurred?

When two or more private symbol worlds incline towards each other and overlap; it happens through sharing group fantasies. Signup and view all the answers

How did Bormann expand SCT beyond small groups?

He introduced the term 'rhetorical vision' to refer to a composite drama that catches up large groups of people into a common symbolic reality. Signup and view all the answers

What is fantasy theme analysis? When would someone use it?

A type of rhetorical criticism used to detect fantasy themes and rhetorical visions; it is used when analyzing websites on the internet. Signup and view all the answers

What are the strengths of SCT?

The theory is based on a universal principle that holds for all people, predicting outcomes and clarifying values. Signup and view all the answers

What are critiques of SCT?

SCT fails to meet two benchmarks of a good theory; it is difficult to test without the ability to forecast when a fantasy chain reaction will occur. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Symbolic Convergence Theory

Developed by Ernest Bormann to explore how group fantasies foster shared meanings and cohesiveness.
Examines the emergence of leadership, decision-making processes, and group norms within newly formed groups.

Theorist

Ernest Bormann is the key figure behind Symbolic Convergence Theory.

Theoretical Framework

Falls within socio-psychological and rhetorical traditions.
Positioned between objective and interpretive methodologies.

Comparison to Functional Perspective

Unlike Hirokawa and Gouran's functional perspective, which focuses on task-oriented rational comments, SCT emphasizes the importance of dramatizing messages that originate outside formal group discussions.
Dramatizing messages are seen as beneficial for group dynamics by fostering informal communication.

Dramatizing Messages

Defined as imaginative language used by group members that describe significant past, future, or external events.
They play a crucial role in creating a shared group experience.

Fantasy

For Bormann, a fantasy is a dramatizing message that receives enthusiastic support from the entire group, although this is not the case for most such messages.

Fantasy Chaining

When a fantasy resonates with group members, it triggers lively participation and communication, leading to symbolic convergence.
Both verbal and non-verbal interactions contribute to this chaining process.

Fantasy Chain

A fantasy chain represents a vigorous agreement in response to a dramatizing message.
Example: Applause that grows louder as more individuals join in.

Fantasy Theme

A fantasy theme is a collective narrative that is commonly believed and internalized within a group.
These themes are the foundational units of SCT analysis, encompassing meanings, motives, emotions, and actions.

Symbolic Cue

A symbolic cue is a trigger that evokes responses aligned with a shared fantasy.
Example: Auburn's pregame video serves as a trigger for collective enthusiasm.

Fantasy Type

Represents a grouping of related themes that evolve when shared meanings become implicit within a community.

Symbolic Convergence

Occurs when distinct individual symbol worlds align or overlap, creating shared realities.
This convergence promotes group cohesion and enhances collective consciousness.

Expansion Beyond Small Groups

Bormann introduced "rhetorical vision" to describe how small group fantasies expand to encompass larger communities, forming a shared symbolic reality.

Fantasy Theme Analysis

A method of rhetorical criticism used to identify and evaluate fantasy themes and rhetorical visions by analyzing characters, plotlines, scenes, and sanctioning agents.
Useful for evaluating digital narratives such as websites.

Strengths of SCT

Founded on a universal principle applicable to all people, providing predictive insights into group dynamics and clarifying values.

Critiques of SCT

Criticized for not fulfilling essential criteria of a robust theory, specifically regarding objective testing and interpretative clarity.
Challenges exist in predicting when a fantasy chain reaction may initiate and concerns about member characterization within rhetorical communities.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Chapter 18 of Symbolic Convergence Theory. Delve into the definitions and key concepts presented by theorist Ernest Bormann, including the emergence of leadership and group dynamics. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of how shared group fantasies contribute to cohesion within groups.