Introduction to Communication Theory
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Questions and Answers

Which theoretical framework focuses on Democratic Theory and Social Science?

  • Chicago (correct)
  • Birmingham
  • Toronto
  • Frankfurt

The Communication Theory field has no influences from non-Western traditions.

False (B)

Name one example of a media production that contrasts K-drama with Hollywood production.

Crash Landing On You

The field of communications theory has been influenced by ______________ such as Sociology and Film Studies.

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

Match the following schools of thought with their primary focus:

<p>Toronto = Media Theory Chicago = Democratic Theory/Social Science Frankfurt = Critical/Political Economy Birmingham = Critical/Cultural approaches</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main questions to consider in the study of media production?

<p>How do conditions of production shape content and form? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Genre Theory suggests that conventions in media have no effect on storytelling.

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

What do powerful corporations aim to achieve in the media industry?

<p>Minimize risk and maximize profits</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main functions of a theory according to the content?

<p>It explains phenomena and predicts future events. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A theory in social sciences can be developed without any empirical research.

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

What is the definition of theory provided by Oxford English Dictionary Online?

<p>An explanation of a phenomenon arrived at through examination and contemplation of the relevant facts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor has increased the need for media regulation?

<p>Increasing media conglomerations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Theories are based on the study of past events and help us ____ future events.

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

The Canadian government has banned TikTok for all citizens due to surveillance concerns.

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

What concept describes the tendency for people to associate with others who share similar beliefs?

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

Match the following authors with their works related to communication theory:

<p>Raymond Williams = Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and Society John Durham Peters = Speaking into the Air: A History of the Idea of Communication Stanley J. Baran = Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment, and Future Harold Innis = The Bias of Communication</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the nature of theories in the sciences?

<p>Theories develop after testing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a theory can be described as a formal statement of the rules on which a subject of study is based or of ideas that are suggested to explain a __________.

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

Theories are simply guesses made without any substantial evidence or reasoning.

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

Match the following schools of thought with their focus:

<p>Toronto = Media Theory Chicago = Democratic Theory/Social Science Frankfurt = Critical/Political Economy Birmingham = Critical/Cultural Approaches</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do algorithms primarily impact in people's lives?

<p>Perception of the world (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'communication' refer to in the context of the reading?

<p>The process of sharing information and meaning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The primary focus of the course will be exclusively on non-Western theories.

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

What is the primary concern regarding TikTok in the context of government regulations?

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

What is a key concept of the Social Model of Disability as it relates to film production?

<p>Production often perpetuates disabling attitudes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hollywood is the only film industry that influences global cinema.

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

Name one principle that Critical Race Theory examines in film casting.

<p>Racial representation or composition of the cast</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Marshall McLuhan, 'the medium is the __________.'

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

Match the following theories with their concepts:

<p>Feminist Theory = Gender equality and discrimination Critical Race Theory = Social construction of race Social Model of Disability = Accessibility and inclusion Transnational Cinema = Cultural flows between nations</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do different generations of women in 'Hacks' reflect ideas of gender performance?

<p>By challenging acceptable gender norms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Audiences responded uniformly to Taylor Swift's album, The Tortured Poets Department.

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

What does the attention economy in pop culture refer to?

<p>The competition for audience engagement and focus in media</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Theoretical Framework

A set of ideas or theories that guide a research project. It provides a structure for understanding and interpreting findings.

Research Questions

Specific inquiries that a researcher wants to answer through their study. They are derived from the theoretical framework and aim to test or explore its concepts.

Media Theory

A broad field of study that explores how media shapes our understanding of the world, how it functions within society, and its impact on individual behavior.

Production Conditions

The factors that influence the creation of media content, including resources, technology, cultural values, and economic forces.

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Cultural Influences

The ways that cultural values, beliefs, and practices shape media content and its reception.

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Genre Theory

A theory that explores how media genres shape narrative conventions, audience expectations, and production practices.

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Culture Industries

The idea that media production is increasingly controlled by large corporations that prioritize profit over artistic expression.

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International Audience Appeal

The desire for media content to appeal to a large and diverse international audience, potentially influencing production choices.

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What is Theory?

A theory is a well-substantiated explanation for a phenomenon, based on evidence and research. It's not just a guess or an opinion, but an organized framework for understanding how things work.

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Theory in Science

In science, theories are rigorously tested through experimentation and observation. They evolve as new evidence emerges.

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Theory in Social Sciences/Humanities

In social sciences and humanities, theories are often debated, and the role of empirical research is a topic of discussion. Theories help us understand human behavior and social phenomena.

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Purpose of Theories

Theories help us explain observed phenomena, predict future events, and connect with other researchers studying similar topics.

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Communication and Media

These terms are central to the study of how information is created, shared, and received. They encompass various forms of expression and their impact on society.

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Communication Theory

Communication theories aim to explain the processes and effects of communication, including how messages are encoded, transmitted, and interpreted.

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Key Terms for Next Week

The readings for the next week focus on the concepts of communication, media, and mediation. These terms are fundamental to understanding how information is exchanged and interpreted.

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Media Regulation

The rules and laws that control how media is created and shared. It involves balancing freedom of expression with social responsibility.

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Toronto School (in Media Theory)

A school of thought that focuses on the cultural and political impact of media by analyzing its structure, content, and audience.

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Chicago School (in Media Theory)

A school of thought emphasizing the role of media in a democratic society, analyzing its influence on public opinion and political participation.

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Frankfurt School (in Media Theory)

A school of thought critical of the commercialization and manipulative power of mass media, focusing on its impact on culture and social consciousness.

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Birmingham School (in Media Theory)

A school of thought that analyzes cultural practices and their relationship to power, examining media's role in shaping cultural identities and values.

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Homophily in Networks

The tendency of individuals to connect with others who share similar beliefs, values, or interests.

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Algorithms Shaping Perceptions

The way algorithms, used by social media platforms, can filter information and tailor content, potentially influencing our understanding of the world.

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Political Economy of Media

The study of how economic forces and power structures influence the production, distribution, and consumption of media.

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Transnational Cinema

Movies that transcend national boundaries, often reflecting globalized cultural flows and values. They can showcase diverse perspectives and challenge dominant narratives.

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Social Model of Disability

This perspective emphasizes how society creates barriers for people with disabilities, rather than focusing on individual limitations. It questions how disability is represented in media, including casting and production.

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Critical Race Theory (CRT)

CRT examines how race is socially constructed and how dominant cultures often marginalize and exploit people of color. It analyzes media representations and how they reflect racial power dynamics.

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Medium's Influence

The medium itself (e.g., radio, television, internet) can significantly shape how a message is received and interpreted. It affects the meaning and impact of the content.

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Gender Performativity

The idea that gender is not fixed but performed through actions, behaviors, and interactions. Media often explores how gender is constructed and expressed.

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Attention Economy in Pop Culture

Media outlets often focus on capturing attention and generating clicks, sometimes manipulating narratives to create buzz and profit. This can influence how we consume and interpret information.

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Media Ownership and Control

The ownership and control of media outlets can significantly influence content and perspectives. Large corporations or individuals may shape narratives to promote their interests.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Communication and Media Theory

  • Communication theory is an explanation of how things work, formed through research and examination of facts.
  • Theories explain phenomena, predict future events, and foster discussion with other thinkers.
  • Theories inform research, moving from a framework to questions, methods, findings, and back to the theory.
  • Communication theory has many influences, including psychology, sociology, philosophy, and film studies.
  • The field draws from classical rhetorical theory, philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, and non-Western traditions, though this class primarily focuses on Western contexts with attempts to integrate non-Western perspectives.

Schools of Thought

  • Toronto: Media theory (Canada)
  • Chicago: Democratic theory and social science
  • Frankfurt: Critical political economy (German, critical of pop culture)
  • Birmingham: Critical cultural studies (European-influenced)

Applying Theory

  • Production: How production influences content, meaning, and form (e.g., K-dramas vs. Hollywood films); considers influences like cultural, economic contexts, and profit projections.
  • Medium: How the medium (e.g., radio vs. broadcast TV) shapes meaning, drawing on McLuhan's "the medium is the message".
  • Content/Text: Analyzing content to understand themes and how media represents certain issues, e.g., gender.
  • Feminist Theory: Focuses on gender equality and inequality.
  • Gender Performativity: Gender is presented through repeated actions.
  • Audiences/Reception: Audience responses to media, considering different groups (fans, critics, generations)
  • Political Economy (Media Ownership & Control): Examines media control by powerful corporations to maximize profits, and how this influences what is made. Also considers increasing conglomeration of media, digital platforms, transnational corporations, and challenges to regulation.
  • Surveillance Studies: Concerns about media ownership by entities with potential surveillance motives (e.g., TikTok).

Other Key Concepts

  • Culture Industries: Media control by corporations to reduce risk and maximize profit—the same shows may be made due to predicted international or broad appeal.
  • Theories of Transnational Cinema: Global connections through film industries, with both dominant and contra/subaltern flows.
  • Casting Decisions: Influence of social models of disability and Critical Race Theory on casting choices.
  • Algorithms/Artificial Intelligence/Networks: How algorithms shape perceptions and reinforce existing connections, potentially impacting information access and view of the world.
  • Homophily and Network Science: People gravitate towards others with similar beliefs, which may influence media content encountered through algorithms.

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Description

This quiz covers the foundational concepts of communication theory, exploring its origins, key schools of thought, and influences from various disciplines like psychology and sociology. By understanding different theoretical perspectives, students can engage in deeper discussions about media and communication practices. It also highlights the integration of non-Western perspectives in primarily Western contexts.

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