Seven Traditions of Communication Theory
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Questions and Answers

Which tradition of communication theory, as identified by Robert Craig, focuses primarily on communication as interpersonal influence?

  • The cybernetic tradition
  • The critical tradition
  • The socio-psychological tradition (correct)
  • The rhetorical tradition

According to the socio-psychological tradition, what is a primary goal of persuasive communication?

  • Altering cultural perceptions
  • Achieving mutual understanding
  • Establishing social norms
  • Attitude change (correct)

The socio-psychological tradition considers the individual as a:

  • Cultural subject
  • Social being (correct)
  • Political agent
  • Rhetorical entity

Which area is NOT considered a key area of study within the socio-psychological tradition?

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

A researcher wants to study how exposure to different types of media messages affects voters' political preferences. Which communication tradition would be most suitable for this study?

<p>The socio-psychological tradition (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following questions aligns most closely with the research interests of scholars working within the socio-psychological tradition?

<p>Under what conditions are persuasive messages most likely to succeed? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Carl Hovland and his Yale team are most closely associated with which communication tradition?

<p>The socio-psychological tradition (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the socio-psychological tradition, what is the likely goal in a communication scenario?

<p>To predict the direction of attitude change. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the socio-psychological tradition of communication, what is considered vital for opinion shift?

<p>Source credibility. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept, central to the cybernetic tradition, is described as an impediment to information transmission?

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

Claude Shannon's work in the cybernetic tradition primarily focused on what aspect of communication?

<p>The technical efficiency of communication. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the cybernetic tradition, information is defined as the:

<p>Reduction of uncertainty. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which question aligns with the 'semantic problem' as defined within the three levels of communication challenges?

<p>How precisely does the information convey the intended meaning? (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which communication challenge focuses on whether the received information leads to the desired outcome or action?

<p>The effectiveness problem. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Norbert Wiener, who coined the term 'cybernetics,' viewed communication primarily as a system of:

<p>Information processing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when evaluating a person's tolerance of different viewpoints, according to the provided content?

<p>Their commitment to their own position. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies the rhetorical tradition's emphasis on the beauty of language?

<p>A poet employing vivid imagery and rhythm to evoke strong emotions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'proper meaning superstition,’ as described by Ivor Richards, challenge traditional views of communication?

<p>It argues that meaning is subjective and dependent on individual interpretation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the semiotic tradition, what is the significance of the indirect relationship between a symbol and its referent?

<p>It highlights the arbitrary nature of symbols and meanings. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might an orator trained in the rhetorical tradition approach a modern political debate?

<p>By employing persuasive language, emotional appeals, and structured arguments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a person's past experiences strongly influence their understanding of the word 'home,' which element of the semantic triangle is most directly involved?

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

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the application of the semiotic tradition to understanding communication?

<p>Studying how a political campaign uses visual symbols to convey its message. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A public speaker aims to inspire their audience to support a charity. Drawing from the rhetorical tradition, which strategy would be most effective?

<p>Sharing personal stories of individuals positively impacted by the charity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the semiotic tradition broaden our understanding of communication beyond the perspective offered by the rhetorical tradition?

<p>By exploring how meaning is created and shared through signs and symbols. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Seven traditions of communication theory

Seven established frameworks for understanding communication proposed by Robert Craig.

Socio-psychological tradition

Focuses on interpersonal influence and how persuasive communication affects attitudes and behaviors.

Cognitive area in SPT

Refers to how individuals think and understand information within the socio-psychological tradition.

Biological area in SPT

Examines individual personality traits and their impact on communication.

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Behavioral area in SPT

Focuses on how past experiences influence our behavior in communication situations.

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Persuasion in communication

The process through which a message influences someone’s beliefs or attitudes.

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Attitude change goal

The primary aim of persuasive communication within the socio-psychological tradition.

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Conditions for persuasion success

Conditions under which persuasive messages are likely to be effective.

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Persuasive Variation

Factors that influence how persuasive a message is, including source, content, and audience characteristics.

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Source Credibility

The trustworthiness and expertise of the person delivering a message, crucial for changing opinions.

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Cybernetics

A field of study that focuses on communication as a system of information processing, coined by Norbert Wiener.

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Feedback in Communication

The response or reaction from the receiver back to the sender, essential for effective communication.

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Information as Uncertainty Reduction

The concept that information serves to reduce uncertainty in communication, making messages clearer.

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Communication Challenges

Three main challenges: technical accuracy, semantic precision, and effectiveness of response in communication.

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Noise in Communication

Any disturbance that interferes with the transmission or interpretation of signals, reducing effective communication.

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Shannon's Model of Communication

Claude Shannon's approach to communication emphasizing technical efficiency rather than message meaning.

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Rhetorical Tradition

Communication as the art of effective public address, using persuasion and organization of ideas.

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Public Address

One speaker addressing a large audience to persuade them effectively.

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Oratorical Training

Education centered on developing speaking skills essential for leadership.

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Efficacy of Public Address

The belief in the effectiveness of speaking to influence and motivate audiences.

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Semiotic Tradition

Communication as the process of sharing meaning through signs and symbols.

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Symbol

Anything that communicates meaning, indirectly related to its referent.

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Referent

Physical objects or ideas that symbols connect to in communication.

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Semantic Triangle

Illustrates the relationship between a symbol, referent, and reference in communication.

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Study Notes

Lecture 4: The Seven Different Traditions of Communication Theory - 1

  • Lecture focuses on seven different traditions of communication theory
  • Understanding Communication Theory is the course title

Lecture Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to identify and understand the seven traditions of communication theory
  • Students will be able to distinguish between the different features of these traditions
  • Students will be able to apply each of the traditions to real-world communication situations.

Introduction

  • Different views on communication exist amongst scholars
  • Communication is a practical discipline
  • Theories are developed to address real-world problems (Robert Craig)
  • Seven established traditions of communication theory are identified by Craig

The Seven Traditions

  • Socio-psychological tradition - communication as interpersonal influence
  • Cybernetic tradition - communication as information processing
  • Rhetorical tradition - communication as artful public address
  • Semiotic tradition - communication as the process of sharing meaning through signs
  • Socio-cultural tradition
  • Critical tradition
  • Phenomenological tradition

1. The Socio-psychological Tradition

  • An example of the scientific perspective
  • Associated with Carl Hovland and the Yale team
  • Study of the individual as a social being
  • Aims to understand how persuasive communication affects attitude change (Carl Hovland, 1912-1961)
  • Cognitive, Biological, and Behavioral aspects are important in this areas

2. Three Key Areas of the SPT Tradition

  • Cognitive - how individuals think
  • Biological - individual's personality traits
  • Behavioral - how we act in communication situations based on past experiences

1. SPT - Communication as Interpersonal Influence

  • SPT's goal is to explain factors influencing persuasion
  • Exploring: under what conditions are persuasive messages successful?
  • Attitude change is the key to persuasive communication

1. SPT - Communication as Interpersonal Influence (continued)

  • Key objectives of the theory include:
    • Likelihood of a person changing their position
    • Direction of attitude change
    • Tolerance of other perspectives
    • Level of commitment to one's position

1. The Socio-Psychological Tradition - Communication as Interpersonal Influence (continued)

  • Three separate factors affecting persuasive variation are explored (who sends the message, what the message is about, and whom the message is for)
  • Source credibility is important for opinion shifts

2. The Cybernetic Tradition - Communication as Information Processing

  • Norbert Wiener coined the term "cybernetics"
  • Communication is a system of information processing
  • Feedback is crucial for information processing
  • Noise hinders information processing

2. The Cybernetic Tradition - Communication as Information Processing (continued)

  • Claude Shannon: communication as information processing
  • Focus on technical efficiency, not the meaning of a message
  • Information is the decrease in uncertainty

2. The Cybernetic Tradition - Communication as Information Processing (continued)

  • Information as the reduction of uncertainty
  • Noise reduces the information capacity of a channel
  • Theorists aim to remove communication issues

2. The Cybernetic Tradition - Communication as Information Processing (continued)

  • Three levels of communication are challenging
  • How accurately is information transmitted from source to receiver? (technical issue)
  • How accurately do messages convey the desired meaning? (semantic issue)
  • How effective is generated conduct or response? (effectiveness issue)

3. The Rhetorical Tradition

  • Effective and persuasive speaking or writing is appreciated
  • Communication is seen as the skill of public address
  • All available tools of persuasion and argument are used
  • Ideas are well-organized
  • Words and delivery styles are carefully chosen

3. Six Features of the Rhetorical Tradition

  • Speech distinguishes human beings from animals
  • Public address is effective
  • Speakers intend to persuade large audiences
  • Oratorical training is vital for leaders
  • Language's power to move people is impactful (emotional impact, stirring of action)
  • Rhetoric historically was for male speakers

4. The Semiotic Tradition

  • The study of signs in human communication is studied
  • Key scholars include Ivor Richards, Charles Ogden, Ferdinand de Saussure, and Charles Pierce
  • The idea that words have precise meaning is not universally accepted
  • Meaning resides in individuals, not just words

4. The Semiotic Tradition (continued)

  • Words are symbols
  • Anything that carries a meaning is a symbol
  • Symbols connect with referents indirectly
  • A "sign" comprises a "signifier" (form) and a "signified" (meaning).
  • Signs are both signifier and signified

4. The Semiotic Tradition (continued)

  • Reference refers to past memory and past experiences
  • The referent is a physical object
  • Symbol is the word that triggers thoughts about the referent

4. The Semiotic Tradition (continued)

  • Different types of signs exist (icon, index, and symbol)
  • Denotation refers to the literal meaning of words
  • Connotation refers to implied meanings associated with words

4. Examples of Signifier and Signified

  • Red rose with green stem - signifier implies passion or love; signified suggests what the rose stands for
  • Brown cross - signifier; Christianity - signified (religious symbol)
  • Heart - signifier; love and affection - signified

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Description

Explores Robert Craig's seven traditions of communication theory. Focuses on interpersonal influence, information processing, and rhetoric. Students will learn to identify, distinguish, and apply these traditions to real-world communication scenarios in Understanding Communication Theory course.

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