DEVC 101 - Igagapang

What is a theory in communication?

A theory is a formal response to the 'why' and 'what if' questions that arise when people care about communication.

Who provided a broad definition of theory?

Ernest Bormann defined theory as an umbrella term for all careful, systematic, and self-conscious discussion and analysis of communication phenomena.

What is Judee Burgoon's operational definition of theory?

A theory is a set of systematic, informed hunches about the way things work.

What are the three key features of a theory?

A set of hunches, informed hunches, and systematic hunches.

What is the meaning of hunch in the context of theory?

A hunch is a guess or conjecture that refers to uncertainty about something not fully understood.

What is the risk involved in theorizing?

Theorists engage in risky business because their ideas may go beyond accepted wisdom.

What does 'informed hunches' imply in theory?

Theories are educated guesses based on reading, observing, experimenting, and being aware of alternative explanations.

How is a theory an integrated system of concepts?

A theory must specify the relationships among its multiple ideas, helping to 'connect the dots'.

What metaphor describes theories as nets?

Theories are like nets cast to catch aspects of the world; they aim to make the mesh finer.

What metaphor describes theories as lenses?

Theories act as lenses that shape perception by focusing on certain features while blurring others.

How are theories related to maps?

Theories serve as maps that help navigate human relationships, but they are not the territory itself.

What is the working definition of communication proposed in the notes?

Communication is the relational process of creating and interpreting messages that elicit a response.

What are the five key features of communication?

Messages, creation of messages, interpretation of messages, relational process, and messages that elicit a response.

What is a text in the context of communication?

A text is a record of a message that can be analyzed by others regardless of the medium.

What does 'polysemic' mean?

Symbols are open to multiple interpretations.

What philosopher noted that 'humans act toward people or things on the basis of the meanings they assign'?

Herbert Blumer.

What does communication being in flux mean?

Communication is a process rather than a static snapshot.

What does it mean for communication to elicit a response?

Communication must stimulate cognitive, emotional, or behavioral reactions.

What are the divisions of communication theories based on context?

Interpersonal Communication, Group and Public Communication, Mass Communication, Cultural Context, Integration.

What is the core activity that defines theory according to the notes?

The core activity of theory is problemetizing.

What does 'problematizing' involve?

Asking questions and attempting to answer them about communication phenomena.

What is the difference between objective and interpretive approaches in communication?

Objective seeks universal truth through prediction, while interpretive understands subjective meaning.

What are the three historical philosophical foundations?

Epistemology, Ontology, Axiology.

What epistemological issue relates to certainty of knowledge?

The distinction between absolute (realism) and relative (relativism) knowledge.

What does 'determinism' refer to in ontology?

The belief that behavior is caused by prior conditions.

What does 'pragmatism' suggest about human behavior?

Pragmatism views humans as active, decision-making beings.

What does axiology examine?

The study of values and their influence on research and outcomes.

How do objective scholars view research values?

They strive to be value-free, believing personal biases should not intrude.

What do interpretive scholars value in their research?

Emancipation and awareness of their ideological standpoints.

What is the standard for a 'good' objective theory?

A theory must explain, predict, simplify, and be testable.

What is the relevance of the rule of parsimony?

A simpler theory that accurately explains a phenomenon is preferred.

What does a 'testable theory (falsifiability)' allow for?

The possibility of imagining observations that could logically disprove the theory.

What is the practical goal of theories according to the notes?

To provide systematic explanations for human communication phenomena.

What does the constitutive view of communication propose?

That communication actively creates, organizes, and maintains social reality.

How does the transmission view of communication differ from the constitutive view?

The transmission view sees communication as transferring fixed information, while the constitutive view sees it as a process of meaning creation.

What does Robert Craig's metamodel aim to achieve?

To provide a coherent framework for understanding the multiplicity of communication theories.

What are the seven traditions Craig identified?

Socio-Psychological, Cybernetic, Rhetorical, Semiotic, Socio-Cultural, Critical, Phenomenological.

What does the socio-psychological tradition focus on?

Interpersonal interaction and the prediction of behaviors through measurable variables.

What is the focus of the cybernetic tradition?

Information processing, feedback, and control within systems.

What does the rhetorical tradition emphasize?

The artful use of public address and persuasive communication.

What is central to the semiotic tradition?

The study of signs and symbols and how they convey meaning.

What does the socio-cultural tradition argue about language?

Language shapes thought and culture, creating social realities.

What is the aim of the critical tradition?

To unmask power structures and promote social reform.

What is a key goal of the phenomenological tradition?

To understand human experiences through authentic dialogue.

How do communication theories contribute to real-world applications?

They enable practical solutions to communication challenges.

Why is committed engagement important in 'doing theory'?

It ensures that theorizing reflects social contexts and challenges oppressive structures.

What insight does the phenomenological perspective offer?

It emphasizes the importance of individual experience in shaping understanding.

What role does perception play in communication?

Perception serves as the foundation of how reality is constructed.

What does the terms 'sign' and 'symbol' represent in semiotics?

A sign represents something else, while a symbol is an arbitrary representation.

What ensures that a theory is considered systematic?

It must interrelate multiple ideas that explain a phenomenon coherently.

How does the concept of feedback function in the cybernetic tradition?

Feedback allows for adjustments in the communication process to maintain balance.

What is a common critique of the transmission view?

It overlooks the active role communication plays in shaping meanings.

How does critical theory differ from other approaches?

It focuses on challenging unjust ideologies rather than simply understanding communication.

What is a key takeaway regarding communication's constitutive function?

Communication acts as the primary means through which social realities are constructed.

What insight regarding the nature of truth does interpretive scholarship provide?

It acknowledges that truths are subjective and context-dependent.

What does the socio-cultural tradition explore?

It studies how shared language and communication create social norms and realities.

What does the aesthetics aspect of interpretive theory highlight?

The style, clarity, and artistry of theoretical expression.

How does the critical tradition address power structures?

By critiquing ideologies that oppress and marginalize different groups.

What is the aim of applying a feminist perspective in communication studies?

To analyze and challenge gender-based inequalities in communication.

What does the metaphor of 'maps' signify in theory?

That theories help us navigate complex communication contexts effectively.

How are theories evaluated according to their philosophical foundations?

By considering their epistemological, ontological, and axiological assumptions.

What is the relationship between theory and scholarship?

Theories guide research practices and contribute to scholarly discourse.

What is the significance of asking 'how' and 'why' questions in theory?

It deepens understanding beyond surface-level explanations.

What does 'self-awareness in theory' help researchers achieve?

It aids in understanding the limitations and biases of their perspectives.

What is the foundational assertion of theory about phenomena?

That they often mean more than meets the eye.

Why is it important not to merge various theories into one?

Each theory provides different insights, and the differences should be clarified instead.

What does the phrase 'the map is not the territory' imply about theories?

No theory can fully represent the complexity of human interaction.

How does the information theory relate to the cybernetic tradition?

It studies the quantitative aspect of signal transmission within systems.

What does 'dialogical-dialectical tension' refer to in communication theory?

The interaction and conflict between different theoretical traditions.

What does it mean for a theory to be 'mutually relevant'?

That various theories address common problems in human communication.

What is the significance of qualitative analyses in interpretive theories?

They capture subjective meanings and provide deeper insights into human experiences.

Why is value-consciousness emphasized in interpretive scholarship?

To acknowledge that all research is influenced by the scholar's personal and cultural values.

What is a key characteristic of effective communication according to the conceptual framework?

It engages actively in relational processes that shape social realities.

What does 'connect the dots' mean in the context of a theory?

Establishing relationships between multiple ideas within a theoretical framework.

In what way does theory serve as a map for practitioners?

It provides guidance for navigating complex communication situations.

How do scholars use theories to teach communication?

By explaining core concepts and principles related to human interaction.

What does the phrase 'understanding people' signify in communication theories?

The ultimate goal across both objective and interpretive approaches.

Why is 'engaging systems' vital in the praxis of theory?

To apply theoretical insights in real life, expressing genuine values through actions.

How does language tie into both the socio-cultural and critical traditions?

As a tool for constructing social reality and critiquing power imbalances.

Why is it important to have a working definition of communication?

To establish a baseline for examining the complexity of communication phenomena.

What distinguishes a theory from mere opinions?

A theory is structured and systematically built from interrelated concepts.

What does the acronym 'CVC' stand for?

Constitutive View of Communication.

Why is the definition of theory considered tentative?

Because theories are constantly evolving based on new insights and critiques.

What role does philosophical assumption play in theorizing?

It shapes the questions posed, the data gathered, and the conclusions created.

How do metaphors like nets, lenses, and maps enhance understanding of theories?

They provide visual representations that clarify complex ideas about communication.

What characteristic separates interpretive approaches from objective ones?

Interpretive approaches recognize diverse meanings shaped by individuals' experiences.

How do theories address social challenges?

By providing frameworks that can guide action and promote social change.

What illustrates the dynamic nature of theory and scholarship?

The need for continuous engagement and re-evaluation of established ideas.

How does the Cybernetic Tradition conceptualize networks?

As sets of interacting elements that form a whole, allowing for systematic analysis.

What is the influence of cultural context in communication theories?

It shapes meaning and communication practices within a society.

Why is 'agency' a significant topic in communication studies?

It relates to individuals' capability to make choices and enact change.

What does the critical tradition primarily challenge?

Unjust discourse and power dynamics within communication systems.

How does understanding communication as a process change the way we view interactions?

It emphasizes the ongoing nature of relationships rather than fixed states.

What is the significance of dialogue in phenomenological approaches?

It fosters authentic relationships and deeper understanding among individuals.

How do communication theories reflect cultural norms?

They analyze how language and practices shape societal values and expectations.

What is a key takeaway regarding the relationship between theory and practice?

That theories should inform and guide practical applications in communication.

What does the constructivist perspective emphasize in communication?

That people create knowledge and meaning through social interaction.

Why must communication theories be continuously tested and refined?

To ensure they remain relevant and accurately reflect ongoing social dynamics.

What is a central concern of semiotic scholars?

How meanings can shift based on contextual interpretations of signs.

How do qualitative methods enrich the field of communication studies?

They reveal the depth of personal experiences and cultural contexts.