Critical Tradition in Communication Theory

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Questions and Answers

Match the communication tradition with its central focus:

Critical Tradition = Challenging power structures and societal inequalities Cybernetic Tradition = Information processing within complex systems Phenomenological Tradition = Communication as a lived experience and personal understanding Rhetorical Tradition = Persuasion and public discourse Semiotic Tradition = Signs and symbols and how meaning is created and interpreted Sociocultural Tradition = Formation and maintenance of social realities Sociopsychological Tradition = How individual psychology influences communication

Match the communication theory with its main concept:

Standpoint Theory = Knowledge is shaped by social position and lived experiences Muted Group Theory = Dominant groups control language, suppressing marginalized voices Marxist Media Theory = Media reinforces dominant ideologies and serves the ruling class Cultural Studies = How media and culture shape identities and power relations

Match the key concept with its communication theory:

Shannon and Weaver’s Model = Communication as a linear process with sender, message, channel, noise, and receiver Feedback Loop Theory = Responses from the receiver influence the sender’s future messages Systems Theory = Communication as an interconnected system where individuals adapt based on inputs and outputs

Match the communication theory with its focal point:

Symbolic Interactionism = Meanings and identities developed through social interactions Dialogic Communication = Genuine, open dialogue for meaningful interactions Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) = People create and interpret meaning through social interactions Signup and view all the answers

Match the rhetorical element with its definition according to Aristotle:

Ethos = Credibility and character of the speaker Pathos = Emotional appeal to the audience Logos = Logical reasoning and evidence Signup and view all the answers

Match the concept with Burke’s Dramatism:

Act = What took place in the discourse Scene = The situation or location of the act Agent = Who performed the act Purpose = The reason for the action Signup and view all the answers

Match the canon with Cicero's Canons of Rhetoric:

Invention = Finding arguments Arrangement = Structuring the message Style = Crafting language use Memory = Retaining the message for delivery Signup and view all the answers

Match the semiotic term with its definition:

Signifier = The physical form of a sign (e.g., a word or image) Signified = The concept the sign represents Icon = Sign that resembles what it represents Index = Sign linked to its meaning through association Signup and view all the answers

Match Barthes' Orders of Signification with the definition:

Denotation = Literal meaning of a sign Connotation = Cultural associations of a sign Mythic meaning = Embedded ideological meanings Signup and view all the answers

Match the communication theory with its foundational concept:

Social Constructionism = Reality is socially constructed through language Narrative Paradigm = Persuasion is more effective when presented in narrative format Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis = Language shapes how speakers perceive the world Signup and view all the answers

Match each concept to the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM):

Central Route = Logical, thoughtful processing of information Peripheral Route = Surface-level cues and heuristics in persuasion Latitude of Acceptance = Range of opinions a person finds acceptable Cognitive Dissonance = Discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs Signup and view all the answers

Match the interpersonal communication theory to its focus:

Uncertainty Reduction Theory = Reducing uncertainty in initial interactions Expectancy Violation Theory = Reactions when communication expectations are violated Relational Dialectics Theory = Tensions arising in relationships, such as autonomy vs. connection Social Penetration Theory = Relationship development through self-disclosure Signup and view all the answers

Match the media and communication theory with its core idea:

Agenda-Setting Theory = Media influences what people think about Uses and Gratifications Theory = People actively seek media that meets their needs Spiral of Silence = People may remain silent if they perceive their opinion to be in the minority Signup and view all the answers

Match the theory with the scholar most associated with it:

Standpoint Theory = Harding & Wood Muted Group Theory = Kramarae, Ardener & Ardener Marxist Media Theory = Karl Marx Cultural Studies = Stuart Hall Signup and view all the answers

Match each theory with a key concept associated with it:

Spiral of Silence = Fear of isolation Agenda Setting Theory = Media salience Uses and Gratifications Theory = Active audience Cultivation Theory = Mean world syndrome Signup and view all the answers

Match the communication concept with its definition:

Enthymeme = Rhetorical argument with an unstated premise Looking-glass self = Self-concept based on perceived views of others Encoding/Decoding = Audiences interpret messages based on background Linguistic Relativity = Language affects thought Signup and view all the answers

Match the tradition of communication theory to its key feature:

Critical Tradition = Examination of power and inequality Cybernetic Tradition = Focus on information flow and feedback Phenomenological Tradition = Emphasis on individual experience Rhetorical Tradition = Study of persuasive techniques Signup and view all the answers

Associate the theorist with their field of study:

Kenneth Burke = Rhetoric and Dramatism George Herbert Mead = Symbolic Interactionism Walter Fisher = Narrative Paradigm Leon Festinger = Cognitive Dissonance Signup and view all the answers

Match the persuasive appeal with its description:

Ethos = Establishing credibility with the audience Pathos = Using emotional arguments to sway the audience Logos = Employing logical reasoning and evidence Mythos = Appeal to cultural beliefs and values Signup and view all the answers

Match the communication theory with example:

Uncertainty Reduction Theory = Initiating small talk to learn about a new colleague Expectancy Violation Theory = Feeling surprised when a usually quiet friend becomes outspoken Relational Dialectics Theory = Struggling to balance personal time with relationship commitments Social Penetration Theory = Sharing personal details to build trust with a partner Signup and view all the answers

Match the communication theory with its real-world application:

Agenda-Setting Theory = News coverage influencing public perception of top issues Uses and Gratifications Theory = Choosing a streaming service based on available shows interest you Spiral of Silence = Omitting political views on social media to avoid conflict Cultivation Theory = Increased fear of crime due to watching crime dramas Signup and view all the answers

Match the theory with a scenario that exemplifies it:

Social Constructionism = Laws and norms dictating acceptable behavior in society Narrative Paradigm = Using personal stories to connect with an audience Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis = Having specialized vocabulary to describe nuanced concepts Cognitive Dissonance = Adjusting beliefs to align with actions Signup and view all the answers

Match theory with core assumption:

Critical Theory = Social structures perpetuate power imbalances Systems Theory = Understanding the whole is more than just understanding its individual parts Rhetorical Theory = Effective communication can be learned and taught Semiotic Theory = Meaning is derived from a system of signs Signup and view all the answers

Match the communication concept with its primary application in public speaking:

Ethos = Citing credible sources to enhance trustworthiness Pathos = Sharing anecdotes to evoke emotional responses Logos = Presenting factual evidence to support claims Cicero's Canons of Rhetoric = Guiding the structure and delivery of a speech Signup and view all the answers

Match the media theory to its implication for societal behavior:

Agenda-Setting Theory = Media coverage can shape public policy priorities Uses and Gratifications Theory = Understanding audience motivations can improve media strategies Spiral of Silence = Minority opinions become suppressed in public discourse Cultivation Theory = Exposure to media content can shape perceptions of reality over time Signup and view all the answers

Connect key concept with communication context:

Uncertainty Reduction Theory = Approaching a conversation with someone you've just met Expectancy Violation Theory = Reacting to unexpected behavior from your friend Relational life Theory = Addressing conflicting needs in a romantic partnership Denotation and Connotation = Analyzing the layers of meaning in an advertisement Signup and view all the answers

Match communication process with outcome:

Feedback Loop Theory = Adjusting future messages based on receiver's responses Social Construction = Creating shared understandings of reality through recurring interactions ELM = Choosing which route to persuasiveness based on the receiver's motivation Burke Dramatism = Understanding motivations and actions in a given context Signup and view all the answers

Match the element with a real world example:

Critical Tradition = Analyzing gender representation in media Cybernetic Tradition = Optimizing workflow efficiency in a team Phenomenological Tradition = Conducting in-depth interviews to understand personal experiences Rhetorical Tradition = Crafting a persuasive speech to advocate for policy change Signup and view all the answers

Match the component with its real world example:

Central Route = Carefully examining all viewpoints of a presidential candidate. Peripheral Route = Voting for a candidate based of their appearance. Agenda setting = A news channel selecting what issues they will be sharing. Uses and gratifications = Choosing a certain streaming service based off available shows. Signup and view all the answers

Match the theory with its implication for effective communication:

Social Penetration Theory = Building trust through gradual self-disclosure. Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) = Creating shared understandings through constant negotiation. Relational Dialectics Theory = Accepting and managing tensions in relationships is key. Uncertainty reduction = Initiating communication with small talk. Signup and view all the answers

Match the scenario with a theory:

Critical Tradition = Analyzing racial representation inequities in streaming. Cybernetic Tradition = Software application uses feedback for improving performance. Phenomenoligical Tradition = A person conducts interviews so that they can describe their experiences. Rhetorical Tradition = A person crafts a speech so it may persuade someone to change policy. Signup and view all the answers

Match the scenario with its corresponding theoretical concept:

Spiral of silence = Not sharing political views so you eliminate conflict. Narrative Paradigm = Persuasion is more effective when presented through personal stories. Agenda-Setting Theory = News coverage has an effect on what important issues are. Cultivation Theory = A fear of a crime increases due to crime dramas. Signup and view all the answers

Match the communication theory to its practical application in conflict resolution:

Relational Dialectics Theory = Address conflicting needs in a romantic relationship. Social Penetration Theory = Sharing details to build trust. Cognitive Dissonance Theory = Aligning behavior with actions. Coordinated Meaning = Creating a shared understanding with a constant state of negotiation. Signup and view all the answers

Analyze each item with theorist or field or study:

Kenneth Burked = Rhetoric and Dramatism. George Herbert Mead = Symbolic Interactionalism. Walter Fisher = Narrative Paradigm. Leon Festinger = Cognitive Dissonance. Signup and view all the answers

: Match the media context in each selection:

Critical Tradition = Analyzing gender or racial representation in media narratives. Cybernetic Tradition = A software performance improving through use of consistent feedback. Phenomenoligical Tradition = Conducting interviews so one can understand their personal experiences. Rhetorical Tradition = Crafting a script only to persuade change in political policy. Signup and view all the answers

Match the outcome to a communication activity:

Feedback Loop Theory = Adjusting future messages based on receiver's responses. Social Construction = Creating shared understanding by reusing interactions. ELM = Persuasiveness through which route meets a receiver's requirements. Burke Dramatism = Understandings that allow for actions in different type of contexts. Signup and view all the answers

Match theory to assumption in communication:

Critical = Social structures affect perpetuate power imbalances. Systems = You get more out of the whole rather than the sum of each parts. Rhetorical = There is a level of effectiveness in communications to be reached. Semiotic = Systems of unique signs bring a level of meaning. Signup and view all the answers

How do we build better communication in the future?

Critical Theory = To improve gender representation inequalities in streaming platforms. Cybernetics = Better system feedback by improving consistent user experience. Phenomenoligical Theory = A better understanding of personal experiences through interviews. Rhetorical Theory = Create a script to persuade and change existing political policies. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the Critical Tradition in communication theory perceive the function of communication?

As a mechanism to dissect power dynamics and challenge societal disparities, scrutinizing how dominant ideologies mold discourse and marginalize specific demographics. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does Standpoint Theory, within the Critical Tradition, define the role of marginalized groups in understanding societal power structures?

Marginalized groups possess distinctive perspectives, born from their lived experiences, providing unique insights into power dynamics that dominant groups may overlook. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary assertion of Muted Group Theory regarding the relationship between dominant groups and language?

Dominant groups regulate language and discourse, constraining marginalized voices and necessitating them to adapt their experiences into dominant forms of expression to gain recognition. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Marxist Media Theory, what role does media play in society?

Media serves the interests of the ruling class by reinforcing dominant ideologies and suppressing alternative perspectives, thereby maintaining existing power structures. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does Stuart Hall's Encoding/Decoding Model within Cultural Studies explain the audience's reception of media messages?

Audiences interpret media messages differently based on their cultural backgrounds and experiences, leading to multiple potential interpretations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key focus of Feminist Communication Theory in analyzing gendered power structures?

Examining gendered power dynamics in communication, with emphasis on intersectionality, and analyzing how media reinforces or resists patriarchal norms. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Within the Cybernetic Tradition, how is communication conceptualized?

As information processing within intricate systems, underscoring feedback loops and efficiency in message conveyance. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In Shannon and Weaver’s Mathematical Model of Communication, what is the primary focus for effective communication?

Minimizing 'noise' in the channel between sender and receiver to optimize signal clarity and message precision. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does Feedback Loop Theory enhance our understanding of communication systems?

By presenting feedback as a crucial element where receiver responses shape the sender's subsequent messages, fostering adaptive communication. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to Systems Theory, how do individuals and organizations function within a communication system?

Individuals and organizations adapt based on inputs, processes, and outputs, highlighting the interconnectedness of elements within the system. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What central concept does the Phenomenological Tradition emphasize in the study of communication?

Exploration of lived experience, spotlighting dialogue, personal understanding, and meaning-making in communication. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Symbolic Interactionism, how do individuals develop their sense of self and meanings?

Through social interactions and interpretations, where individuals form self-concepts based on perceived evaluations from others. (E) Signup and view all the answers

What core principle does Dialogic Communication, as advocated by Martin Buber, emphasize in interpersonal interactions?

Genuine, open dialogue marked by meaningful engagement and mutual respect, transcending mere transactional exchanges. (E) Signup and view all the answers

How does Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) theory view the process of communication in constructing reality?

As a continuous negotiation of meaning through social interactions, where individuals collaboratively shape their understanding of reality. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Rhetorical Tradition in the study of communication?

Examining persuasion and public speaking, scrutinizing how speakers construct arguments and influence audiences. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle’s Rhetorical Theory, what are the key persuasive appeals a speaker can use?

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos: appealing to credibility, emotion, and logic to persuade the audience. (E) Signup and view all the answers

How does Burke’s Dramatism conceptualize communication?

As a theatrical performance where people utilize symbols to create meaning, employing strategies similar actors on a stage. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does Cicero’s Canons of Rhetoric describe the process of effective persuasion?

Dividing persuasion into invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery—key elements for impactful communication. (E) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of an enthymeme in rhetorical arguments?

To make the argument more persuasive by leaving a premise unstated and allowing the audience to fill in the gap. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental concept does the Semiotic Tradition bring to the study of communication?

The analysis of how individuals use signs and symbols to create and interpret meaning in communication. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does Structural Linguistics, as proposed by Ferdinand de Saussure, define the concept of the 'sign'?

As a combination of the 'signifier' (physical form) and the 'signified' (the concept it represents). (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does Charles Sanders Peirce’s Triadic Model expand on Saussure’s work regarding signs?

By introducing three types of signs: icon (resemblance), index (association), and symbol (cultural agreement). (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Roland Barthes, what does 'denotation' refer to in his Orders of Signification?

The literal or explicit meaning of a sign, without considering its cultural associations or implications. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is at the core of the Sociocultural Tradition in communication theory?

The study of how communication constructs and maintains social realities, influencing norms and structures. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does Social Constructionism explain the formation of reality?

Reality is socially constructed through language and cultural practices, thereby reinforcing societal norms and structures. (E) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea of Walter Fisher’s Narrative Paradigm?

Humans relate to one another through stories, thus persuasion is most effective when information is presented in a narrative format. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis (Linguistic Relativity) propose language influences thought?

Language shapes the way its speakers perceive and think about the world, influencing cognitive processes. (E) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Sociopsychological Tradition in communication theory?

Exploring how individual psychology influences communication, focusing on persuasion, cognition, and interpersonal dynamics. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), what are the two routes to persuasion?

The central route (thoughtful processing) and the peripheral route (surface-level cues). (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Social Judgment Theory explain the process of evaluating persuasive messages?

Individuals categorize messages into latitudes of acceptance, rejection, or non-commitment based on their existing attitudes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Cognitive Dissonance Theory, what motivates individuals when they hold conflicting beliefs?

Psychological discomfort that motivates them to adjust attitudes or behaviors to restore consistency. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Uncertainty Reduction Theory in interpersonal communication?

Reducing uncertainty in initial interactions to facilitate relationship development. (E) Signup and view all the answers

What does Expectancy Violation Theory examine in the context of communication?

How individuals react when their expectations in communication are violated, triggering various emotional and cognitive responses. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central tenet of Relational Dialectics Theory regarding relationships?

Negotiating inherent tensions, such as autonomy vs. connection, that arise in relationships. (E) Signup and view all the answers

How does Social Penetration Theory describe the development of relationships?

Relationships develop through reciprocal self-disclosure, deepening intimacy and mutual understanding. (E) Signup and view all the answers

According to Agenda-Setting Theory, how does media influence public perception?

Media influences what people think about by emphasizing certain issues over others. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea behind Uses and Gratifications Theory?

People actively seek out media that fulfills specific needs and desires, such as information or entertainment. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Spiral of Silence theory explain the expression of public opinion?

Individuals remain silent if they believe their opinion is in the minority, fearing social isolation. (E) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Critical Tradition

Communication as a tool to challenge power structures and societal inequalities.

Standpoint Theory

Knowledge is shaped by social position and lived experiences; marginalized groups have unique insights.

Muted Group Theory

Dominant groups control language, suppressing marginalized voices, who must 'translate' their experiences.

Marxist Media Theory

Media reinforces dominant ideologies, serving the interests of the ruling class and suppressing alternatives.