Communication Theory and Statistical Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is a normal distribution often described as?

A uniform distribution

A bell-shaped curve (correct)

An exponential curve

A linear relationship

What does a null hypothesis represent in hypothesis testing?

A probability of type I error

A hypothesis with multiple variables

A default assumption with no effect (correct)

A conclusion drawn from experimental data

Which method is primarily used to evaluate the accuracy of a regression model?

Standard deviation

R² value (correct)

Least square error

P-value

What does Cohen's d measure in the context of t-tests?

Effect size Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical field studies the nature of existence and reality?

Ontology Signup and view all the answers

How does epistemology differ from ontology?

Epistemology concerns methods of knowing, while ontology concerns the nature of existence. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does methodology focus on in research?

The philosophical justification for research Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic differentiates a chi-square test from other statistical tests?

It analyzes data that is nominal or ordinal. Signup and view all the answers

What does Craig highlight about communication theory?

It consists of multiple traditions that can enrich understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'metadiscursive practice' in Craig's perspective?

Theory reflects and discusses real-world communicative actions. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Craig argue against a unified theory of communication?

A single theory cannot encompass all aspects of communication. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the rhetorical tradition in communication?

It views communication as an art of persuasion. Signup and view all the answers

In the semiotic tradition, communication is primarily understood through which aspect?

The exchange and interpretation of signs. Signup and view all the answers

Which tradition emphasizes understanding through subjective individual experiences?

Phenomenological Tradition Signup and view all the answers

What approach should communication theory adopt, according to Craig?

Encourage debate and understanding among different traditions. Signup and view all the answers

How does Craig view the relationship between theory and practice in communication?

Theory should influence practical discourse and reflect real actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary feature of a scientific paradigm?

It includes ontological and epistemological assumptions. Signup and view all the answers

Why is knowledge created by social science considered tentative?

It is derived from a specific worldview. Signup and view all the answers

Which inquiry strategy starts with observations to develop general theories?

Induction Signup and view all the answers

Which logic of inquiry is typically associated with neo-positivism?

Deduction Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about research paradigms and logic of inquiry is true?

Research paradigms dictate the logic of inquiry used. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the classical positivist paradigm in social research?

It has been updated and modified over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of abductive logic in research?

To create plausible explanations based on observations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major critique of incorporating subjective perspectives in social science?

It can make the research less useful and credible. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of research according to the methodology described?

To explain causal mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of retroduction in research?

A reasoning process working backward from observed phenomena Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by methodological reduction in research?

Simplifying a phenomenon to make it more manageable Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best represents the relationship between structure and agency in understanding social phenomena?

Both structure and agency shape social reality Signup and view all the answers

What does ontological reduction typically involve in research?

Omitting variables that do not fit theoretical assumptions Signup and view all the answers

In the context of scientific inquiry, what is a cognitive object?

A conceptual representation of observed phenomena Signup and view all the answers

What does operationalization refer to in the context of a theory?

Adapting a theory for practical application Signup and view all the answers

How are theories generally constructed according to the layers of theories concept?

They are built on deeply embedded images and understandings Signup and view all the answers

What does the Cybernetic Tradition specifically emphasize in communication?

Information processing through systems Signup and view all the answers

Which measure is used to summarize the spread of data around the mean?

Variance Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario is a t-test not suitable for use?

When the sample has outliers Signup and view all the answers

What does a p-value represent in statistical testing?

The probability of obtaining results under the null hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes nominal data?

Data with no inherent order Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Content Outline

Statistics
- Basic Statistical Concepts: Mean, median, mode measure central tendency. Variance measures data spread around the mean. Standard deviation is the square root of the variance, showing typical deviations. Range is the difference between highest and lowest values. Sum of squares calculates variance/standard deviation. Z-scores are standardized values with a mean of 0 and standard deviation of 1.
- Data and Data Types: Variables are measurable characteristics (height, weight). Population is the entire group of interest. Sample is a subset. Dataset is a collection of cases and variables. Case is an individual data point.
- Categorical Data: Nominal (no order) and ordinal (ranked order).
- Numerical Data: Discrete (whole numbers) and continuous (any value within a range).
- Statistical Tests and Methods: T-test (comparing means, not suitable for ordinal/small samples), Chi-square test (categorical relationships), Regression (modeling relationships), Bonferroni correction (multiple comparisons). Parametric tests (assume data follows specific distribution, e.g., normal). Correlation (relationship strength/direction). Least square error (minimizing regression error).
- Statistical Outputs and Measures: R² (variance explained by a model), Cohen's d (effect size comparison), P-value (probability of observing data if null hypothesis is true), Critical value (statistical significance threshold), Alpha (significance level, e.g., 1% or 5%).
- Descriptive and Visual Statistics: Descriptive statistics summarizes data (mean, standard deviation, range). Box plots visualize data distribution (median, quartiles, outliers). Normal distribution/Gaussian curve shows data point distribution.
- Hypothesis Testing: Null hypothesis is a default assumption (no effect/relationship). Degrees of freedom are the number of values that can vary in calculations without breaking constraints.

Ontology, Epistemology & Methodology

Ontology: Philosophical study of existence, concerned with what exists.
- Ontological spectrum: Idealism (reality dependent on consciousness), Realism/Materialism (reality independent of perception), Constructivism, Neopositivist, and Critical realism.
Epistemology: Study of obtaining knowledge, limitations and how knowledge is generated. Concerned with the production and limits of human knowledge and lenses through which we perceive the world.
Methodology: Theoretical approach and rationale behind research (the "why"). Methods are the techniques/tools for data collection and analysis (the "how").

Philosophy of Science

Philosophy of science: Study of what science is/how it works. Establishes criteria for "scientific."
Social Sciences Paradigms: Neo-Positivism (hard facts, quantifiable), Interpretivism, Critical Realism.