Communication Theory Chapters 1-4

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Questions and Answers

________ is used as 'an umbrella term for all careful, systematic, and self-conscious discussion and analysis of communication phenomena.'

  • Theory (correct)
  • Communication
  • Inquiry
  • Informed hunch

Identify a key feature of theory as suggested by Judee Burgoon.

  • Theory is based on an isolated idea.
  • Theory is unlikely to involve an element of speculation, or conjecture.
  • Theory consists of a set of hunches. (correct)
  • Theory is unlikely to fall in the hunch category when floated initially.

Which of the following nontechnical terms does Judee Burgoon use in reference to communication theory?

  • hunches (correct)
  • hints
  • inklings
  • instincts

Hunches that communication theories are based upon should be:

<p>All of the answers are correct. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Theories:

<p>go beyond accepted wisdom. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following has NOT been posed as a metaphor for theories?

<p>mirrors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

________ is the relational process of creating and interpreting messages that elicit a response.

<p>Communication (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Communicators usually make ________ choices about a message's form and substance.

<p>conscious (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the interpretation of messages, many communication scholars believe that:

<p>'words don't mean things, people mean things.' (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Theories should be posed if there is a clear or widely accepted explanation of a given phenomenon.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Burgoon believes that a theory is an inspired thought or an isolated idea.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Before developing a theory, theorists should be familiar with alternative explanations and interpretations of the types of phenomena they are studying.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Communication is a relational process not only because it takes place between two or more persons, but also because it affects the nature of the connections among those people.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Communication theorists use the word 'text' as a synonym for a message that can be studied, regardless of the medium.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the interpretation of messages, the term ________ refers to a quality of symbols and means they are open to multiple interpretations.

<p>polysemic</p> Signup and view all the answers

The central question addressed by epistemology is:

<p>How do we know what we know, if we know it at all? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about interpretive scholars?

<p>They focus on conscious choices made by individuals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A behavioral scientist is often labeled as a(n):

<p>empiricist (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify a true statement about behavioral scientists.

<p>They usually describe human conduct as occurring because of forces outside the individual's awareness. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Communication Theory

Systematic analysis of communication phenomena.

Theory (Burgoon)

A set of informed hunches.

Hunch Characteristics

Informed, plural, and systematic.

Aims of Theories

Challenge and extend commonly accepted wisdom.

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Theory Metaphors

Lenses, maps, and nets.

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Communication

Creating and interpreting messages that provoke a response.

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"People mean things"

Highlights individual interpretation.

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Irreversible Communication

Messages and interpretations cannot be taken back.

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Polysemic

Symbols open to multiple interpretations.

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Theoretical Exploration

Explore even if explanations exist; developed from informed frameworks.

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Relational Communication

Affects the connections between individuals.

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Text (in communication)

Any message worthy of study, regardless of its medium.

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Epistemology Question

How do we know what we know, if we know it at all?

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Interpretive Scholars

Emphasize conscious choices individuals make.

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Behavioral Scientists

Human behavior influenced by external forces.

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Communication "Text"

Broad study of messages.

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Communication: a relationship

Communication that is a relational process.

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Developing theories

Innovation is essential.

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Other explanations

Alternative explanations are important to seek.

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Study Notes

Communication Theory Basics

  • Theory is a comprehensive term for systematic analysis of communication phenomena.
  • Judee Burgoon describes theory as consisting of a set of hunches.
  • Nontechnical term for communication theory: hunches.

Characteristics of Hunches

  • Hunches should be informed, plural, and systematic.
  • Theories aim to challenge and extend beyond commonly accepted wisdom.

Metaphors and Communication Concepts

  • Common metaphors for theories include lenses, maps, and nets; however, mirrors are not used in this context.
  • Communication is the relational process of creating and interpreting messages that provoke a response.
  • Communicators make conscious choices regarding the message's form and content.

Message Interpretation Perspectives

  • The belief that "words don't mean things, people mean things" highlights individual interpretation in communication.
  • "Communication is irreversible," indicating that messages and interpretations cannot be taken back.
  • The term polysemic refers to the quality of symbols being open to multiple interpretations.

Theoretical Development Principles

  • Theories should be explored even when widely accepted explanations exist; they must be developed from informed frameworks.
  • Familiarity with alternative explanations is critical before theorists create new theories.

Relational Nature of Communication

  • Communication is a relational process, affecting the nature of connections between individuals.

Role of Text in Communication Studies

  • The term "text" is utilized by communication theorists to refer to any message worthy of study, regardless of its medium.

Epistemology in Communication

  • Central question of epistemology: "How do we know what we know, if we know it at all?"

Interpretive vs Behavioral Scholars

  • Interpretive scholars emphasize conscious choices made by individuals.
  • Behavioral scientists, labeled as empiricists, tend to describe human behavior as influenced by external forces rather than conscious awareness.

Summary of True/False Statements

  • Theories should not solely rely on established explanations; innovation is essential.
  • Burgoon refutes the notion that theories are isolated ideas.
  • True recognition of alternative explanations is important in theory development.
  • Communication is recognized as a relational process.
  • Communication theorists define "text" broadly within the study of messages.

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