Human Communications

Metatheory

Is the Idea of theorizing about theory. It explores the hidden assumptions that come with certain worldviews.

Examples: How do we and others see the world, it creates set of terms for understanding the various types of assumptions a theory makes about communication

Ontology

Is the study of the nature of being. Refers to the assumption a theory makes about communication

Examples: What makes something real? What actually exists. Public speaking (temporary) or trait? (constant)

Epistemology

The study of knowledge and what is valuable to us

Examples: What we can know? How can we know it?

Axiology

Refers to the role values play in research and theory/ also what is important to us

Examples: Should scholars try to be objective in their research? Or is it okay to allow our values to guide your research?

Objective Approach: Ontological Assumption

The Objective Approach assumes there is an external reality, separate from human thought/ interpretation.

Examples: A real world made up of tagiable “stuff” (also called Realism).

Objective Approach: Epistemological Assumption

Humans behave in patterned, predictable ways.

Examples: Behavior is seen in terms of cause and effect (also called Determinism).

Objective Approach: Axiological Assumption

Researchers use the scientific method trying to be as bias free as possible

Examples: Repeated testing. The research takes themselves out of their beliefs and they report back from what they encountered from human behavior.

Subjective Approach: Ontological Assumptions

The subjective approach assumes reality and meaning are always personal and affected by the individual and/or culture that contains them.

Examples: We live in different worlds by how we perceive reality differently, things that are personal.

Subjective Approach:Epistemological Assumption

Things in the world only exist in human thought because we focus on them, talk about them, and give them names (Nominalist View).

Examples: People make decisions based on free will and because of this knowledge can only be understood from the point of view of the people directly involved in the activities being studied (Interpretive and Humanistic)

Subjective Approach: Axiological Assumption

Humans cannot separate their values from their thinking, so values should be acknowledged an include in research.

Examples: Being open about your value is important. This is way better way of understanding human behavior.