Communication Class Activity

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Questions and Answers

What is an example of intrapersonal communication?

A conversation with a friend

A speech at a conference

Self-talk in a mirror (correct)

Chatting in a group

Which model of communication considers the roles of sender, encoder, and receiver?

Contextual Model of Communication

Transactional Model of Communication

Linear Model of Communication (correct)

Schramm Communication Model

What does the interactional model of communication emphasize?

The circular process of encoding and decoding messages (correct)

The importance of noise in communication

The sequential flow from sender to receiver

The significance of group dynamics in communication

In group communication, how many individuals are typically involved?

Three or more Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of the Shannon and Weaver Model?

Content Signup and view all the answers

What might cause 'noise' in communication according to the linear model?

Physical distractions Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements is true about interpersonal communication?

It involves at least two people. Signup and view all the answers

In the circular model of communication, what role can the recipient also play?

An encoder of new messages Signup and view all the answers

What does Burgoon imply about theories?

They are a set of systematic hunches about operations. Signup and view all the answers

How are theories about a subject matter considered within a discipline?

They evolve through ongoing criticism and scholarship. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of theory regarding its relevance and utility over time?

It can become obsolete and insufficient. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'praxis' refer to in the context of theory?

The act of living out and enacting theories. Signup and view all the answers

Which fields of study can inform and influence theories in other disciplines?

All fields, including anthropology and neuroscience. Signup and view all the answers

What can be said about the consistency of theories within a discipline?

They are typically disjointed and vary in acceptance. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect distinguishes 'theory' as described in the content?

The historical context and continual evolution. Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized about the engagement with theories in the context of a discipline?

Critical engagement leads to the development of the discipline. Signup and view all the answers

What does ontology primarily explore within the study of paradigms?

Nature of reality Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of knowledge does epistemology deal with?

The ways knowledge is acquired and validated Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes value-laden research from value-neutral research?

Value-laden research acknowledges biases Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT)?

To explain how communication reduces uncertainty between strangers. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary goals of communication theory?

To explain Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about paradigms is incorrect?

Paradigms offer exact predictions about communication behavior. Signup and view all the answers

According to URT, what happens as verbal communication between strangers increases?

Uncertainty decreases. Signup and view all the answers

What type of uncertainty is related to understanding someone's beliefs or attitudes?

Cognitive uncertainty. Signup and view all the answers

How does studying communication theory contribute to personal development?

By improving critical thinking skills Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of empiricism in epistemology?

Knowledge through sensory experience Signup and view all the answers

What effect does high behavioral uncertainty have on information-seeking behavior?

Increases information-seeking behavior. Signup and view all the answers

How can one improve messaging of a poster based on group social judgment?

Consider the audience's feedback for better engagement. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of social change in the goals of theory refer to?

Empowering individuals or communities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the axioms of Uncertainty Reduction Theory?

Behavioral Expectation Axiom. Signup and view all the answers

What key assumption underlies the Uncertainty Reduction Theory?

People are motivated to reduce uncertainty for predictability. Signup and view all the answers

Why is nonverbal warmth significant in reducing uncertainty?

It enhances trust and comfort in interaction. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to intimacy levels as uncertainty decreases according to Self-Disclosure?

Intimacy levels increase. Signup and view all the answers

Which axiom states that high levels of uncertainty lead to high rates of mutual exchange of information?

Axiom 5: Reciprocity Signup and view all the answers

How does similarity influence uncertainty according to the axioms of Uncertainty Reduction Theory?

Decreases uncertainty. Signup and view all the answers

According to Axiom 7, what is the relationship between uncertainty and liking?

Increased uncertainty decreases liking. Signup and view all the answers

What effect do shared communication networks have on uncertainty?

They decrease uncertainty. Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of Uncertainty Reduction Theory?

It suggests reducing uncertainty is always beneficial. Signup and view all the answers

According to Theorem 1, what is the outcome of increased verbal communication?

It decreases uncertainty and increases liking. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of behaviors does increased similarity decrease according to Theorem 3?

Information-seeking behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Communication Overview

Communication involves creating and interpreting messages that provoke responses.
It requires individuals to use symbols to convey meaning in social interactions.

Levels of Communication

Intrapersonal Communication: Self-talk or internal dialogue.
Interpersonal Communication: Interaction between two people, in-person or via other media.
Group Communication: Engagement involving three or more participants, such as focus groups.

Models of Communication

Linear Model (Shannon and Weaver, 1949): Breaks communication into sender, encoder, channel, noise, decoder, and receiver.
Interactional Model (Schramm): Circular flow of communication where sender and recipient roles may switch, emphasizing message interpretation and encoding by recipients.

Theories and Their Purpose

Theories are systematic collections of hunches explaining phenomena.
They shape scholarship and critical assessment within various fields, evolving continually.
Theory links to 'praxis', meaning the enactment of theoretical concepts in real life.

Paradigms in Communication Theory

Paradigms serve as foundational frameworks, influencing theories about communication behavior.
Three key philosophical areas:
- Ontology: Nature of reality (e.g., realism vs. constructivism).
- Epistemology: Nature of knowledge acquisition (e.g., empiricism vs. rationalism).
- Axiology: Values associated with research (e.g., value-laden vs. value-neutral research).

Importance of Studying Communication Theory

Enhances critical thinking.
Enriches understanding across disciplines.
Helps individuals contextualize life experiences and interactions.

Goals of Theory

Explanation: Clarifies concepts and relationships.
Understanding: Provides comprehension through theoretical frameworks.
Prediction: Anticipates outcomes based on established patterns.
Social Change: Encourages transformation or empowerment based on findings.

Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT)

Developed by Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese in 1975 to explain communication's role in reducing uncertainty during initial interactions.
Individuals seek to predict behaviors by minimizing uncertainty in new relationships.

Key Concepts in URT

Uncertainty: Predictive challenges regarding others' behaviors and attitudes.
Cognitive Uncertainty: Doubts about beliefs or attitudes.
Behavioral Uncertainty: Event-related uncertainties.
Axioms & Theorems: Provide frameworks connecting uncertainty and communication behaviors.

Axioms of URT

Increased verbal communication leads to decreased uncertainty.
Nonverbal warmth reduces uncertainty.
High uncertainty correlates with increased information-seeking and decreased intimacy in interactions.
Reciprocity and liking dynamics are influenced by levels of uncertainty.

Implications for Communication

URT offers predictability in communication styles and strategies.
Applicable in various sectors, including business and international relations.
Critiques note its limited focus on initial interactions and the assumption that less uncertainty is always preferable.

Sample Theorems of URT

Improved communication leads to increased liking through reduced uncertainty.
Nonverbal warmth enhances intimacy by lowering uncertainty.
Greater similarity decreases uncertainty, impacting information-seeking behavior.

URT Individual Activity

Reflect on an initial encounter with someone uncertain, identifying relevant URT axioms and observing how uncertainty diminished over time.
Discuss how understanding URT can improve communication effectiveness.

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Description

In this engaging class activity, students will think of three clues to represent a specific item or concept related to communication. The rest of the class will then guess the concept based on the provided clues, enhancing their understanding of communication processes.