Notes for Exam Comm.

Communication

A systemic process in which people interact with and through symbols to create and interpret meanings.

Content Level Meaning

The literal message in communication.

Relationship Level Meaning

Expresses the relationship between individuals communicating.

Linear Model of Communication

A model where one person sends a message to another who receives it, with no conversation.

Interactive Model of Communication

A model where one person sends a message and the other provides feedback, leading to a conversation.

Transactional Model of Communication

A model where both individuals are communicating and continuously providing feedback to each other.

Selection in Perception

The process of noticing things that are intense, larger, or unusual, influenced by self-talk, needs, interests, and motives.

Cognitive Schemata

Mental structures that help us organize and interpret experiences.

Prototype

A knowledge structure that defines the clearest or most representative example of a category.

Personal Constructs

Mental yardsticks for measuring people and situations along bipolar dimensions like honest and dishonest.

Stereotypes

Fixed, over-generalized beliefs about particular people, groups, or situations.

Scripts

Sequences of activities that outline expected behaviors in specific situations.

Self-Serving Bias

Tendency to attribute our successes to internal factors and failures to external factors.

Cognitive Complexity

The number and intricate relations of cognitive constructs we use in shaping our perceptions.

Empathy

The ability to feel with another person.

Social Roles

Roles that shape our perceptions and communication.

Arbitrary Language

Language symbols that are not intrinsically connected to their meanings.

Ambiguous Language

Language meanings that are not precise, leading to misunderstandings.

Abstract Language

Language that is not concrete or tangible, which can lead to ambiguity.

Kinesics

Nonverbal communication through body position and facial motions.

Haptics

Nonverbal communication that involves physical touch.

Physical Appearance in Communication

How our looks communicate cultural meanings and values.

Olfactics

The nonverbal communication through scents and odors.

Artifacts

Personal objects that convey our identities and social signals.

Proxemics

The use of personal space in communication.

Chronemics

The perception and use of time in defining identities and interactions.

Paralanguage

Vocal communication that is not verbal, such as tone and pitch.

Silent Communication

Using silence as a powerful form of nonverbal communication.

Pseudolistening

Pretending to listen while the mind is elsewhere.

Monopolizing

Shifting the topic to oneself in conversation.

Selective Listening

Focusing only on parts of communication that support one's own views.

Defensive Listening

Assuming negative motives and reading into others' messages.

Endorsement

Accepting another person's feelings or thoughts as valid, not necessarily agreeing.

Conflict Orientations

Different approaches to conflict: lose-lose, win-lose, win-win.

Standpoint Theory

The idea that our experiences in social groups shape our perceptions and communication.