Communication Theory Traditions

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of oratorical training in a leader's education?

Understanding cultural differences

Developing strong written communication skills

Mastering persuasive discourse (correct)

Learning technical jargon

What does semiotics study in the context of communication?

The arbitrary nature of symbols (correct)

The history of oral public speaking

The use of nonverbal communication only

The effects of rhetoric on leaders

According to I.A. Richards, where does meaning primarily reside?

In written words and texts

In the culture of the group communicating

In the individuals interpreting the message (correct)

In the context of the message

What is the primary focus of the Socio-Psychological Tradition in communication theory?

Discovering communication truths through systematic observation Signup and view all the answers

What significant claim does the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis make about language?

Language can limit or expand human thought and action Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of society do critical theorists challenge according to the Critical Tradition?

The use of language to maintain power inequalities Signup and view all the answers

Which question would a theorist in the Cybernetic Tradition likely ask?

How does the communication system function? Signup and view all the answers

What role do culture industries play in a society according to the content?

They promote and reinforce the dominant ideology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Rhetorical Tradition?

Controlled experiments Signup and view all the answers

Malcolm Parks' study on personal relationships primarily investigated which aspect?

Social networks and their dynamics Signup and view all the answers

Which tradition emphasizes the enactment and creation of social reality through communication?

The Socio-Cultural Tradition Signup and view all the answers

How do critical theorists view the reliance on the scientific method?

As a blind adherence that can mask social injustices Signup and view all the answers

Which tradition considers communication as a system of information processing?

Cybernetic Tradition Signup and view all the answers

What approach do Socio-Psychological scholars typically use to study communication?

Longitudinal studies and surveys Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes rhetoric within the Rhetorical Tradition?

Art of using language and persuasion Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinctive feature of the Rhetorical Tradition compared to other traditions?

Emphasis on public address and persuasion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of phenomenology in understanding experiences?

The intentional analysis of subjective experiences. Signup and view all the answers

According to Carl Rogers, which of the following holds the highest precedence in understanding experiences?

Personal direct experience. Signup and view all the answers

What question is NOT typically asked by theorists within the phenomenological tradition?

How can personal biases affect communication? Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor does Robert Craig use to explain the interconnectedness of communication theories?

A map with multiple traditions as airports. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the map of communication traditions created by Robert Craig?

It acknowledges the dynamic nature of theory development. Signup and view all the answers

What does pragmatism emphasize in the context of knowledge and understanding?

Theory without application is meaningless. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential characteristic of the ethical tradition in communication, according to Robert Craig?

Character-based interaction for just outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT typically examined by interpretive theories concerned with communication?

Objective scientific measurements. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Seven Traditions in Communication Theory

Robert Craig's framework simplifies understanding communication as a practical discipline with distinct vocabularies.

Socio-Psychological Tradition

Focuses on communication as interaction and influence.
Uses systematic observation to discover communication truths and cause-and-effect relationships.
Employs surveys, controlled experiments, and longitudinal studies (e.g., predicting college friendships' longevity).

Cybernetic Tradition

Views communication as information processing, feedback, and control within systems.
Asks "How does the system work?" and "How can we improve it?".
Example: Malcolm Parks' study of personal relationships using social network analysis (prior contact, range of contact, communication frequency, liking, support).

Rhetorical Tradition

Considers communication as artful public address and persuasion.
Emphasizes argumentation, organization, language, and delivery in public speaking.
Six key features: speech distinguishes humans; public address solves political problems; one-way communication; oratorical training is crucial; rhetoric is art, not science; historically male-dominated.

Semiotic Tradition

Examines communication as sharing meaning through signs (verbal and nonverbal).
Studies how sign interpretation impacts society.
I.A. Richards highlighted that meaning resides in people, not words, advocating against the "proper meaning superstition." Addresses misunderstandings arising from ambiguous symbols.

Socio-Cultural Tradition

Views communication as creating and enacting social reality.
Based on the premise that communication produces and reproduces culture.
Incorporates the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis: language structure shapes thought and action.
Emphasizes co-construction of social worlds through conversation.

Critical Tradition

Challenges unjust discourse, stemming from the Frankfurt School's critique of Karl Marx's ideas.
Critiques power imbalances perpetuated through language control, blind reliance on scientific methods, and mass media's role in dulling sensitivity to repression.
Identifies "culture industries" (film, television, music, advertising) as reproducing dominant ideologies and distracting from power inequalities.

Phenomenological Tradition

Explores communication as experiencing self and others through dialogue.
Utilizes phenomenology: analyzing everyday experience from the individual's perspective.
Emphasizes perception and interpretation of subjective experience.
Carl Rogers prioritized direct experience over any other source of knowledge. Seeks to understand challenges in building and maintaining authentic relationships and finding solutions.

Charting the Field of Communication Theory

Craig's framework helps navigate communication theories.
Traditions are fluid and overlapping; theories may draw from multiple traditions.
Scholars may draw upon traditions outside their primary focus.
The seven traditions are not exhaustive (Craig later added a pragmatist tradition).
Pragmatism emphasizes the practical implications of understanding ideas.

Ethical Tradition

Focuses on communication as just and beneficial interaction among people of character.
The National Communication Association (NCA) adopted a "Credo for Ethical Communication."
Its definition requires comparison to other traditions. Many interpretive theories investigate values.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the seven key traditions in communication theory, including the Socio-Psychological, Cybernetic, and Rhetorical traditions. This quiz will help you understand how these frameworks shape our understanding of communication as a practical discipline. Dive into systematic observations, information processing, and the art of persuasion.