Communication & Media Theories Summary PDF

12/2/24, 3:13 PM Summary | Raena AI Communication & Media Theories Overview of Communication Theories In the study of communication, Craig (1999) identified seven distinct traditions that examine interperson...

12/2/24, 3:13 PM Summary | Raena AI Communication & Media Theories Overview of Communication Theories In the study of communication, Craig (1999) identified seven distinct traditions that examine interpersonal and societal dynamics through various lenses. Each tradition reflects a specialized area of communication, emphasizing different aspects that contribute to our understanding of how communication functions in human interactions. Seven Traditions of Communication Theories 1. Rhetorical Tradition: This tradition focuses on communication as an art form primarily concerned with persuasion through effective speaking and writing. It dates back to the establishment of democracy in ancient Sicily and has been shaped by thinkers like Corax, Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates. Essential components of this tradition include: The five canons of rhetoric are: invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery. Persuasive Appeals: Notable modes of persuasion identified by Greek philosophers include Logos (logical reasoning), Ethos (credibility of the speaker), and Pathos (emotional appeal to the audience). 2. Semiotic Tradition: This tradition explores how signs and symbols represent various concepts outside themselves. Key figures in semiotics include Ferdinand de Saussure and Charles Sanders Peirce. The two fundamental ideas in this tradition involve: Signs consist of a signifier (the form of the sign) and a signified (the concept it represents). Shared Meaning: For effective communication, there needs to be a common understanding of the signs used. 3. Phenomenological Tradition: This tradition emphasizes how humans comprehend the world through direct experiences. The interpretation process is central, stressing that individuals actively shape their realities. Notable examples include: Co-cultural Theory: Proposed by Mark Orbe, this theory investigates the communication behaviors of marginalized groups within cultural and power frameworks. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: focused on understanding human motivation and development. 4. Cybernetic Tradition: This tradition examines complex systems in which the elements interact and influence one another. Norbert Weiner (1948) contributed to understanding message transmission within systems, emphasizing: System Concept: Systems take environmental inputs, process them, and generate outputs, highlighting the feedback mechanism as a critical characteristic. Examples of Theories: Basic Systems, Cybernetics, and General Systems Theory. 5. Sociopsychological Tradition: This framework studies individuals in social contexts, often assessing how behavior is influenced by social interactions. The tradition is divided into three primary branches: Behavioral: Focuses on observable actions of individuals. Cognitive: Investigates mental processes that influence behavior. Biological: Examines physiological factors that shape communication outcomes. 6. Sociocultural Tradition: This tradition addresses how societal norms, roles, and rules shape interactivity in communication. Key principles from Lev Vygotsky’s work assert that: Children construct their knowledge through interaction. Development is influenced by social contexts. Language serves a vital role in mental development. Learning can facilitate overall development. 7. Critical Tradition: Critical scholars analyze how various forms of communication perpetuate power dynamics and societal oppression. Influenced heavily by: Feminist Theory Queer Theory Post-modern and post-colonial discourse 8. This tradition aims to highlight marginalized voices, power structures, and ideologies, demonstrating their impact on society through theories such as Critical Race Theory and Queer Theory. Dimensions of Communication Theories https://app.raena.ai/summary/wli7b1bk7e 1/2 12/2/24, 3:13 PM Summary | Raena AI Beyond the traditions, each communication theory can also be described in terms of four key dimensions: 1. Philosophical Assumptions: The foundational beliefs that inform the theory. 2. Concepts: The essential building blocks or ideas that form the basis of the theory. 3. Explanations: The connections and relationships that the theory elucidates. 4. Principles: Guidelines that emerge from the theory to direct action. In evaluating theories, a robust framework typically encompasses at least three of these dimensions to be deemed effective. Conclusion Understanding the various traditions and dimensions of communication theories aids in comprehensively grasping the complexities of human interaction and societal communication structures. https://app.raena.ai/summary/wli7b1bk7e 2/2