COMM 3720 Exam #1 Study Guide Fall 2024 PDF

COMM 3720 Exam #1 Study Guide Fall 2024 Yuan Exam #1 covers chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, & 6 Total points: 60 Chapters 1&2: Talk about theory What is theory? Judi Bargoon Definition: A set of systematic, informed hunches about the...

COMM 3720 Exam #1 Study Guide Fall 2024 Yuan Exam #1 covers chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, & 6 Total points: 60 Chapters 1&2: Talk about theory What is theory? Judi Bargoon Definition: A set of systematic, informed hunches about the way things work. What is communication? Communication: The relational process of creating and interpreting messages that elicit a response. Five major differences between the objective approach and the interpretive approach o Ways of knowing: Objective: Truth is singular and what is real which we know through our senses. Interpretive: Assumes multiple realities, the objective reality is always in question, Truth is subjective, meaning for things are highly interpretive o Human nature Objective: Objectivists are also determinist (add determinist definition here), they focus on the forces of biology and environment that shapes human behavior. Interpretive: Interpritivist are Free Will thinkers, they focus on the fact that we conscious choices we make are because that's what we choose. Not based on biology but our free will of thinking. o Highest value Objective: Values Objectivity and looks for effectiveness. Meaning they want empirical evidence and effective communication with messages/ideas Interpretive: Values Emancipation and focuses on participation and understanding. They want to liberate people from all forms of oppression and want participation because it shows equal representation of all different people's point of view. o Purpose of theory Objective: Seeks for universal laws to predict Interpretive: Seeks for deeper understanding to understand o Research methods Objective: Quantitative~ Experiment and Survey Interpretive: Qualitative~ Textual Analysis and Ethnography Chapter 3: Evaluating theory Six criteria for evaluating an objective theory 1. Prediction of Future Events 2. Explanation of the Data  3. Relative Simplicity 4. Hypothesis that can be Tested 5. Practical Utility 6. Quantitative Research Six criteria for evaluating an interpretive theory 1. Clarification of Values 2. New Understanding of People 3. Aesthetic Appeal 4. Community of Agreement 5. Reform of Society 6. Qualitative Research Differences and similarities between these two sets of criteria Differences: ▪ Epistemological Foundations: Objective Theories: These theories are grounded in a scientific mindset that emphasizes empirical evidence, measurable outcomes, and predictive capabilities. They rely on data that can be quantified and analyzed statistically. Interpretive Theories: In contrast, interpretive theories focus on understanding the meanings and experiences of individuals. They prioritize subjective interpretations and the context of communication, often employing qualitative methods. ▪ Focus of Inquiry: Objective Theories: Aim to predict future events based on established patterns and behaviors. They seek to establish generalizable truths through rigorous testing of hypotheses. Interpretive Theories: Seek to clarify values and understand the motivations behind communication behaviors. They emphasize the richness of individual experiences and the significance of context. ▪ Methodological Approaches: Objective Theories: Utilize quantitative research methods, which involve statistical analysis and the testing of hypotheses to draw conclusions. Interpretive Theories: Employ qualitative research methods that focus on in-depth analysis of specific cases or messages, often valuing narrative and contextual understanding over numerical data.  Similarities: ▪ Future Orientation: Both sets of criteria look to the future in different ways: objective theories predict what will happen, while interpretive theories clarify what ought to happen. ▪ Understanding Motivation: An explanation of communication behavior, whether through objective or interpretive lenses, can lead to a deeper understanding of people’s motivations. ▪ Aesthetic Appeal and Simplicity: Both theorists appreciate simplicity in their theories, recognizing that a straightforward explanation can have aesthetic value and be more appealing to audiences. ▪ Community of Agreement: Both approaches value the idea of a community of agreement, where theories can be tested and discussed, leading to a shared understanding of communication phenomena. ▪ Practical Utility: There is a shared commitment to practical applications, with both types of theories aiming to reform unjust practices or improve communication in society. Chapter 4: Mapping the territory Seven traditions (Robert Craig): o The socio-psychological tradition: Communication as interaction and influence. o The cybernetic tradition: Communication as a system of information processing o The rhetorical tradition: Communication as artful public address o The semiotic tradition: Communication is the process of sharing meaning through signs. Meaning resides in people, not words or symbols. o The socio-cultural tradition: Communication produces and reproduces culture. o The critical tradition: Communication = a reflective challenge of unjust discourse. o The phenomenological tradition: Communication as the experience of self and others through dialogue. Fencing the field In position with one another: socio-psychological is the most objective, the phenomenological is the most subjective. There's theories that are Hybrids that do exist across the traditions. Scholars tend to glean from all points of view. The ethical tradition Communication as people of character interacting in just and beneficial ways. Chapter 6: Expectancy violations theory (EVT) Theory defined:EVT tries to establish a link between surprising interpersonal behavior (expectancy violation) and attraction, credibility, influence and involvement (outcome). Personal space expectations o Four types of spaces:  o Intimate: 0-18 Inches o Personal: 18 inches to 4 feet o Social: 4 feet to 12 feet o Public: 12 feet to 25 feet Three core concepts o Expectancy: What is predicted to occur rather than what is desired. o Violation valence: The positive or negative value we place on a specific unexpected behavior—regardless of who does it. o Communicator reward valence: The results of our mental assessment of likely gains and losses Note: Study all the PPT slides/lecture notes and read relevant chapters in the textbook. If some topics/concepts in the textbook were not discussed in class, they won’t appear on the test.