The History of Communication

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'medium' refer to in communication studies?

A specific theory of communication

A metaphor for interpersonal communication

A type of communication channel

A singular media entity (correct)

Which of the following is a component of Lasswell's formula for analyzing communication?

Where

When

What (correct)

Who influences

In the communication pyramid proposed by McQuail, which level is at the top?

Group

Intrapersonal

Societal (correct)

Institutional

Which type of communication involves thinking about someone's actions without verbal interaction?

Intrapersonal communication Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of normative theories in media studies?

They suggest how media should function. Signup and view all the answers

Why do everyday theories matter in decision-making?

They simplify complex realities based on personal experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What does a scientific theory provide in communication studies?

A perspective or vision addressing a specific communication topic Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the theory of survivor bias focus on?

How certain experiences might distort reality based on survival contexts Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component that distinguishes communication in contemporary society?

Maintaining social contact through media Signup and view all the answers

How has the definition of communication evolved over time?

It now emphasizes the difference between transmitting and sharing information. Signup and view all the answers

Which invention marked a significant advancement in long-distance communication?

Invention of the telephone in 1876 Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of communication was significantly impacted by the cognitive revolution?

The massive strengthening of communication faculties Signup and view all the answers

What significant transition in communication can be traced from prehistoric times to modern society?

From speech and symbols to complex artistic representations Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the first form of long-distance communication?

Smoke signals Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the action of facilitating social relationships among humans?

Communication Signup and view all the answers

What term reflects the change in the concept of communication from the Renaissance to the contemporary age?

From lines of communication to sharing on social media Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes operational theories compared to normative theories?

They focus on neutral, concrete actions. Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the media's decision to limit coverage based on certain political ideologies?

Cordon médiatique. Signup and view all the answers

What do social-scientific theories aspire to achieve?

To achieve rationality and logic. Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'structure vs. agency' debate conceptualize social change?

It considers both personal and social factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of the liberal paradigm in social sciences?

It offers practical and concrete solutions. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes paradigm shifts in science?

They are rare and likened to scientific revolutions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following theories focuses on material factors in social change?

Materialist theories. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common goal of both the liberal and critical paradigms?

To explore human communication. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Part 1: The History of Communication

What makes us human?
- Culture, religion, technology, work, tradition, norms and laws, art, language, abstract thinking, planning depth, and complex rituals are all aspects of human existence.
Cognitive Revolution
- The cognitive revolution is a massive increase in communication complexity, which led to behavioral modernity.
What is communication?
- Communication is defined as the means by which humans, and humans with objects, interact. Information is an object which can circulate through social relations.
- Different perspectives on the definition of communication exist, with historical shifts in meaning.
Communication Eras
(100) Latin: communicationem = action.
(1500) Renaissance: com = object.
(1700) Modern age: communication lines = means.
(1900) Contemporary age: com = maintaining social contact/media (e.g., radio, television).
Today: communication = difference between transmitting (one-to-another) and sharing (e.g., social media) information.
Evolution of Communication Forms
- Humans communicated through speech.
- Then, writing developed.
- Smoke signals were the first form of long-distance communication.
- Painting and art in prehistory were communications forms to capture reality, as they remain today.
- Inventions like paper (105), the telephone (1876), email (1965), Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (2004-2009) are also significant communication developments.
- Communication methods continue to evolve, and the meaning of "communication" shifts along with it.

The Science of Communication

Communication as a Science
- The science of communication involves trying to understand communication through observation of millions of situations and experiences. Learning from the experiences of societies helps to understand broader trends in human communication. The general knowledge gained can be used to further the understanding of situations.
- Examples are popular videos and their virality.
General Questions to analyze comm
- What?
- Who?
- Why?
- To whom?
- How?
Communication Theories and Concepts
- Theories are general perspectives on and ways of thinking about a specific topic, e.g., the theory of gravity or survivor bias.
- They offer ways to understand the world. They are often limited but offer particular viewpoints.
- Theories in communication help us make sense of how communication works. Examples include the concepts of communication and their definitions.
The Pyramid of Mcquail (2010)
- Societal -> institutional -> group -> interpersonal -> intrapersonal.
Operational Theories
- Building on normative theories, these theories focus on real-world applications and actions, being more grounded in the world.
Social-Scientific Theories
- These focus on understanding how the world actually operates logically and rationally.
- These aren't necessarily value-neutral views of reality.
Scientific Debates
- Structure vs. Agency: This debate explores how much of human behavior is determined by external structures and the choices individuals make.
- Social change.
- Materialist theories focus on material factors.
- Cultural theories focus on ideas.
Paradigms
- Paradigms are groups of theories that share similar assumptions or viewpoints which help scientists understand communication. Changing paradigms can be like a scientific revolution in the field.

Paradigm Change

Liberal Paradigm: Focuses on practical, concrete solutions, often having a positive view.
Critical Paradigm: Aims to improve society by considering different viewpoints and power structures and can be more ideological.

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Description

Explore the evolution of communication throughout history and understand what defines it. From the cognitive revolution to the modern age, this quiz covers key aspects that contribute to our complex system of interaction. Delve into the different eras of communication and their implications on human society.