Communication: Concepts and History

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Questions and Answers

What is a key component of the communication process that allows the receiver to respond to the message?

Channel

Interference

Message

Feedback (correct)

Which of the following best describes communication according to West & Turner?

A scientific method for transmitting information.

A process of exchanging gifts.

A social process using symbols to interpret meaning. (correct)

An artistic endeavor to create performances.

What does the term 'interference' refer to in the communication process?

The medium used to convey messages.

Noise or disruption that affects communication. (correct)

The feedback provided by the receiver.

The encoding of the message by the source.

Who popularized the scientific perspective of communication focused on information transmission?

Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the communication process model, which element is responsible for interpreting the incoming message?

Receiver (C) Signup and view all the answers

What common field of experience is expected to be present in effective communication?

Shared interests between the source and receiver. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What concept aligns with the humanistic perspective of communication as a search for understanding?

Establishing common ground. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Communication is described as which of the following?

A dynamic and ongoing interactive process. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What defines theory as an abstract system of concepts?

It helps understand phenomena through specified relations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the components of a theory is correct?

Relationships in a theory provide practical explanations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What function does a theory perform when it organizes experience?

It provides a summary of observed patterns about an event. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do theories extend knowledge?

They highlight implications not obvious from isolated observations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is essential for a scientific theory to be considered well-substantiated?

It must incorporate tested hypotheses and facts. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the heuristic function of a theory?

It encourages exploration and acquisition of new knowledge. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of concepts in a theory are directly observable?

Real concepts. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What capability do theories provide in predicting future events?

They enable anticipation of encountered events. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant trend in communication research from 1980 to the present?

Interpretative research approaches (C) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes informal communication in an organization?

Communication that occurs outside of official channels (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of communication theories?

To focus attention on particular concepts (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do theories contribute to understanding communication experiences?

By organizing and understanding experiences (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of vertical communication?

A manager providing feedback to a subordinate (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role does communication play in social life?

It helps maintain personal relationships and communities (C) Signup and view all the answers

In contrast to models, theories are more capable of:

Predicting communication outcomes (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which step is crucial in the process of developing a theory?

Identifying empirical phenomena to explain (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does verbal communication include?

Emails and written reports (B) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect do theories NOT aim to achieve?

Evaluate personal beliefs (A) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of communication does non-verbal communication not include?

Written language (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which theoretical model unifies various traditions in communication according to Craig's landmark article?

Theoretical Traditions (B) Signup and view all the answers

Theories are described as:

Provisional and open to revision (B) Signup and view all the answers

How is horizontal communication best described?

Communication between peers at the same hierarchy level (A) Signup and view all the answers

What do theories help to challenge within society?

Social and cultural relationships (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in theory construction according to the provided content?

Identifying a personal interest (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of constructing a formal model in theory evaluation?

To establish a set of model equations that reflect explanatory principles. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a criteria for evaluating the overall adequacy of a theory?

The theory should explain phenomena initially. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Micro-level theory primarily focuses on which of the following?

Individual or family environmental factors. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What criterion assesses whether a theory works better than rival theories?

Comparative effectiveness. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following illustrates a meso-level theory?

Analyzing communication within social institutions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key relationship between theory and research?

Theory can frame the research focus and important questions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential attribute for a theory to be considered logical and coherent?

It must have a clear structure and consistency in its assertions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How can practitioners utilize theory effectively?

They can control and apply findings to real-world situations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Communication

A relational process involving the creation and interpretation of messages that prompt responses.
Etymology stems from the Latin "communis," meaning "to make common," highlighting shared experiences.
Ongoing, dynamic, and complex process influenced by individual and cultural variations.
Key elements of communication include source, message, receiver, channel, feedback, context, and noise.
Simplified definition: SENDER sends a MESSAGE to a RECEIVER via a CHANNEL, generating a RESPONSE.

Historical Perspectives on Communication

Scientific Perspective (Western): Views communication as the transmission and reception of information, emphasizing effective sender-receiver dynamics, advanced by Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver.
Humanistic Perspective (European): Focuses on the generation of meaning and understanding in conversations, highlighted by philosopher I.A. Richards.
Significant periods include the rise of rhetoric (1900-1950), pursuit of a universal model (1970-1980), and contemporary trends in interpretative research and ethnographic studies (1980-present).

Models and Types of Communication

Communication is fundamental to social life, shaping personal relationships and communities.
Types based on parties include:
- Internal Communication: Within organizations, manifesting as vertical (upward/downward) and horizontal.
- External Communication: Involves entities outside the organization, such as customers and suppliers.
Types based on formality include formal and informal communication.
Types based on media encompass verbal (oral/written), non-verbal (body language and tone), and visual (symbols and signs) communication.

Communication Theory

Defined as a set of interrelated concepts explaining how information is produced, transmitted, and understood.
Components include:
- Concepts: Real (observable) and Nominal (not directly observable).
- Relationships: Causal and practical explanations connecting concepts.
Functions of theories include organizing experiences, extending knowledge, stimulating further research, and predicting events.

Developing Communication Theory

Theories are provisional and open to revisions; they evolve for better explanations of social phenomena.
Key goals in theory formation include explanation, understanding, prediction, and social reform.
Steps in developing a theory:
- Identifying observable phenomena.
- Constructing a proto-theory proposing explanatory principles.
- Developing a formal model to assess explanatory adequacy.
- Evaluating theory's overall adequacy and its empirical fit.

Evaluating Communication Theory

Theories operate at different levels:
- Micro-level: Individual or family behavior.
- Meso-level: Interactions of organizations or communities.
- Macro-level: Large group behaviors (e.g., by gender or class).
Quality evaluation criteria include logical coherence, data fit, testable claims, and practical applicability.

Interrelation of Theory and Research

Theories frame research focus, provide important questions, and connect findings to broader knowledge bases.
Effective theories enhance understanding by linking single studies to larger contexts and implications.

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Description

Explore the intricate definition of communication and its historical perspectives. This quiz delves into the relational process of messaging, the dynamics between sender and receiver, and the evolution of communication theories. Understand various perspectives on how communication is perceived and its complexities across cultures.