Theory of Communication

Flashcards for Theory of Communication.

System

Most scholars reserve the term theory for an integrated _______ of concepts.

Maps

Em Griffin mentions a few metaphors for communication theory. Two of them are the "lens" and the "net." What is another metaphor for communication theory?

It may encourage us to abandon any search for truth.

It is suggested that one limitation of the "lens" metaphor of theory is that:

Relational

Communication is a ________ process because it takes place between two or more people.

The flow of communication is always in flux.

When we say communication is a process, we mean:

Elicit a response.

For a message to be considered communication, it must:

Specifies the relationship among the theorist’s ideas.

Theory is defined as a set of systematic, informed hunches. A systematic hunch:

Theory

Metatheory is theory about ________.

The objective, interpretive, and critical approaches.

What are the main approaches to communication theory?

How do we know what we know, if we know it at all?

Which question best fits epistemology?

The nature of reality.

What is ontology?

Is mainly subjective, meaning multiple meanings or truths are possible.

Interpretive theorists believe that truth:

A one-of-a-kind custom suit.

If communication theory is like fashion design, then interpretive scholars are most likely to create:

assume that there is one reality.

The positivist/objective approaches to theory:

Universal laws

Positivist/objective approaches attempt to find ________ that explain human behavior in a variety of situations.

liberate; oppression

Critical scholars value research that seeks to ________ people from ________.

Agenda Setting Theory

Which of the following is NOT a critical theory we will study in this semester?

Seven

How many theoretical traditions are advocated by Robert Craig?

sociopsychological tradition

One of the theoretical traditions views communication as expression, interaction, and influence. This tradition is ________.

Philosophical tradition

All of the following are included in Robert Craig's theoretical traditions EXCEPT:

Communication scholars have often ignored theories from other disciplines

Which of the following is NOT a reason to reconstruct communication theory as a field?

the dialogical-dialectical coherence principle

Robert Craig reconstructed communication theory as a field based on ________ principle.

The sociopsychological tradition.

Among the seven theoretical traditions, which one approach the objective territory?

They view communication as the process of sharing meaning through signs.

How do semiotic theorists view communication?

The critical tradition

Standpoint Theory stresses reflective assessment and critique of society. It is a theory in ________.

the rhetorical tradition

Narrative Paradigm is a theory that defines communication as discursive reflection. Narrative Paradigm is a theory in ________.

The Ethical Tradition

Which of the following is proposed as a new theoretical tradition?