COMM 135 Cumulative Final Exam Study Guide

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and their definitions from the COMM 135 lecture notes.

Communication

A systemic process wherein individuals interact through symbols to create and interpret meanings.

Effective Communication

The ability to convey ideas and information in a clear, impactful manner across various areas of life.

Verbal Symbols

Words used in speech or writing that represent ideas or concepts.

Nonverbal Symbols

Gestures, facial expressions, and body language that convey messages without words.

Content Level of Meaning

The literal meaning conveyed by a communication.

Relationship Level of Meaning

Messages that express the nature of the relationship between communicators.

Interpersonal Communication

Communication that occurs between two or more individuals.

Group Communication

Interaction that takes place within a group working towards a common goal.

Organizational Communication

Communication that occurs within formal organizational settings.

Health Communication

Communication related to health contexts, encompassing patient-clinician interactions and public health messaging.

Mass Communication

The process of sending information to a large audience via mass media platforms.

Public Communication

Communication that occurs between one individual and a large audience.

Intercultural Communication

Communication that occurs between people from different cultural backgrounds.

Linear Model of Communication

A model illustrating communication as a one-way process from sender to receiver.

Interactive Model of Communication

A model that incorporates feedback and views communication as a two-way process.

Transactional Model of Communication

A model recognizing that communicators act simultaneously as senders and receivers.

Cohesive Families

Families characterized by strong communication practices leading to stability.

Critical Thinking

The ability to analyze information and arguments and make reasoned judgments.

Symbolic Activities

Activities that involve using symbols to communicate meanings.

Self-Serving Bias

The inclination to attribute personal successes to internal factors and failures to external factors.

Perception Process

A multi-step process involving selection, organization, and interpretation of stimuli.

Prototype

The best or most representative example of a category.

Schemata

Cognitive structures for organizing and interpreting experience.

Attributions

Explanations individuals give for their own and others' behavior.

Ethics and Communication

The consideration of moral values in how communication is conveyed and interpreted.

Communication Fields

The various areas of study and practice within the discipline of communication.

Digital Communication

Forms of communication that occur through digital platforms and social media.

Mindfulness

The state of being fully present and engaging in the moment.

Nonverbal Communication

All forms of communication that do not involve words.

Message Overload

The phenomenon of being exposed to more messages than one can process effectively.

Monopolizing

A non-listening behavior where one person dominates conversation.

Pseudolistening

Pretending to listen without actually paying attention.

Constructive Feedback

Helpful, supportive, and informative comments aimed at improving performance or behavior.

Symbols

Arbitrary, ambiguous, and abstract representations of ideas or concepts.

Interpretation

The process of assigning meaning to stimuli through personal insight.

Cognitive Complexity

The ability to perceive and interpret complex stimuli distinctly.

Discriminative Listening

Listening to differentiate between various stimuli or messages.

I-statements

Statements that express an individual's feelings or thoughts without blaming others.

You-statements

Statements that attribute responsibility for personal feelings or thoughts to others.

Cultural Relativism

The understanding that different cultures have their values and norms that should be respected.

Norms

Socially accepted rules and standards that govern behavior within a group.

Rituals

Repeated, structured activities that convey meaning within a culture or organization.

Gatekeepers

Individuals who control the flow of information in mass communication contexts.

Agenda-setting Theory

The theory that the media can influence which topics are deemed important by emphasizing certain issues.

Uses and Gratifications Theory

A theory suggesting that individuals actively select media based on their social and psychological needs.

Cultivation Theory

A theory proposing that long-term exposure to media content can shape viewers' perceptions of reality.

Ethos

The credibility or ethical appeal of the speaker.

Pathos

The emotional appeal aimed at persuading an audience.

Logos

The logical appeal based on reasoning and evidence in persuasive discourse.

Social Constructs

Societal norms and beliefs that are created and sustained through communication.

Authenticity

The quality of being genuine, true, and trustworthy in communication.

Active Listening

Engaging fully in the listening process to understand the speaker's message.

Civic Engagement

Involvement and participation of individuals in community and public affairs.

Noise

Any interference or distraction that affects the communication process.

Physical Context

The tangible, external environment where communication occurs.

Cultural Context

The culture that influences communication practices and interpretations.

Relational Dialectics

The dynamic tensions inherent in personal relationships.

Interpersonal Interaction

Communication that occurs between two or more individuals.

Feedback

Responses or reactions to a communication that inform the sender about the impact of their message.

Resilience

The ability to adapt and recover in the face of challenges in communication.

Social Comparison Theory

The theory that suggests people evaluate their own abilities and opinions by comparing themselves to others.

Public Speaking Anxiety

The fear of speaking publicly that can hinder effective communication.

Thesis Statement

A central claim that encapsulates the main idea of a speech.

Narrative

A story that conveys a message or lesson.

Identity Scripts

Guidelines for how to live and behave based on specific cultural or familial expectations.

Communication Ethics

Moral principles guiding communication practices.

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort of having conflicting beliefs or values.

Social Identity Theory

The theory that a person's self-concept derives from perceived membership in social groups.

Communication Accommodation Theory

The theory suggesting that individuals adjust their communication styles to accommodate others.

Digital Footprint

The trail of data one leaves online through activities and interactions.

Virtual Communication

Communication that takes place in a digitally mediated environment.

Identity Verification

The process of affirming one’s identity through communication.

Cultural Dimensions Theory

A framework for understanding cultural differences in communication styles.

Long-Term Orientation

A cultural dimension that values long-term planning and perseverance.

Short-Term Orientation

A cultural dimension that emphasizes immediate results and short-term benefits.

Heuristic Devices

Mental shortcuts that aid in problem-solving and decision-making.

Symbolic Interactionism

A theoretical framework for understanding how people create meaning through social interaction.

Immediacy

The degree to which communication signals closeness and warmth.

Feedback Loop

The process of checking back with others to confirm understanding.

Shared Communication Codes

Common symbols or signs that people within a group use to communicate.

Barriers to Effective Communication

Obstacles that hinder the flow of clear communication.

Cultural Scripts

Predefined patterns of behavior and communication within a culture.

Peer Influence

The effect that peers can have on individual attitudes and behaviors.

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

The theory that suggests discomfort arises from holding conflicting beliefs.

Conflict Resolution

The process of resolving disagreements effectively.

Cohesive Groups

Groups where members are bonded closely together.

Organizational Culture

The shared values, beliefs, and practices within an organization.

Crisis Communication

Strategies for communicating effectively during a critical event.

Civic Responsibility

The social responsibility individuals have to participate in their communities.

Social Exchange Theory

A theory explaining social behavior as a process of exchange aimed at maximizing benefits.

Interpersonal Dynamics

The interactions and relationships between individuals in communication.

Change Management

Strategies for managing organizational change effectively.

Cultural Competence

The ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.

Digital Communication Skills

The abilities needed to communicate effectively through digital platforms.

Public Speaking Techniques

Methods and strategies to improve effectiveness in delivering speeches.

Listening Skills

The abilities required for effective listening and understanding.

Self-Reflection

The process of examining one’s thoughts and actions critically.

Media Literacy

The ability to access, analyze, and evaluate media content critically.

Adaptation in Communication

Adjusting styles and messages to fit different contexts and audiences.

Perception Checking

The practice of clarifying misunderstandings or assumptions with others.