Comm Theory | Finals

Situational Theory of Publics

aims to help institutions and organizations identify whom they should consider as publics, and then to see how those publics engage in communication behaviors such as information seeking and processing (Grunig, 2003)

Problem Recognition

It is when a person identiies and recognizes underlying problems that they may or may not encounter and thinks about ways to solve these

looming problems.

Constraint Recognition

It is when the person recognizes that the factors outside their control are limiting their actions. Constraints can either be physical or psycholog ical.

Physical Constraints

Examples of this constraints are physical disabilities, lack of money and shelter, and no accessibility to roads and bridges.

Psychological Constraints

Examples of this constraints can be lacking motivation, low self-esteem, lack of interest, and low self-efficacy (Witte & Allen, 2000).

Level of Involvement

It is the person’s connection to a speciied problem. A person’s level of involvement is dependent on how relevant or important the problem is for that person. The more the person understands in formation about a problem, the more they get involved in that problem. This involvement will then initiate the person to take action to that problem.

Muted group theory

• explains how certain groups in society may have difficulty expressing themselves because the dominant group establishes the language, communication practices, and cultural norms that determine which voices are recognized and understood

• is a communication theory associated with anthropologists Edwin Ardener and Shirley

  Ardener, and later developed and applied to feminist communication scholarship by Cheris Kramarae.

• The theory emerged from anthropological discussions in the 1970s and became influential in feminist communication studies.

Edwin Ardener

he observed that dominant social structures can influence which groups' perspectives are expressed and represented.

Shirley Ardener

She contributed to the development of muted group perspectives through anthropological work on gender and society.

Cheris Kramarae

he applied the theory to communication, emphasizing how women and other less powerful groups may be disadvantaged by language and communication systems shaped by dominant groups

Dominant Group

A group with greater social, institutional, or cultural power to influence language, decisions, and accepted communication practices.

Muted Group

A group whose experiences and ideas receive less recognition or whose members face barriers to communicating on equal terms.

Mutedness

it is not the same as being naturally quiet. It refers to unequal opportunities to communicate, influence decisions, and have one's experiences understood.

Ridicule

Making fun of a person's ideas, accent, identity, or communication style.

Control

Limiting who may speak, participate, or make decisions.

Dismissal

Treating a person's experiences or concerns as unimportant.

Exclusion

Leaving particular groups out of discussions, media representation, or decision-making.

Pressure To Conform

Expecting people to adopt the dominant group's language or communication style before their ideas will be accepted.

Uncertainty Reduction Theory

• this theory explain how communication is used to reduce uncertainties between strangers engaging in their first conversation together.

• this theory was initially presented as a series of axioms, universal truths which do not require proof and theorems, which describe the relationships uncertainty and several communication factors.

Charles Berger

• he is more recognized for creating the Uncertainty Reduction Theory in 1975.

• is an American professor emeritus of communication at University of California, Davis, USA.

• contends that our drive to reduce uncertainty about new acquaintances gets a boost from any of three prior conditions: anticipation of fiture interaction, incentive values, and deviance.

Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese

They created Uncertainty Reduction Theory.

Denise Solomon

She stated that “a core assumption of uncertainty reduction theory is that people are driven to increase the predictability of their own and their communication partner’s behavior” 2008

Uncertainty

Assumptions |

• is an aversive state, generating cognitive stress.

Interpersonal Communication

Assumptions |

• is a developmental process that occurs through stages of relational development.

• is the primary means of uncertainty reduction.

Cognitive Uncertainty

Types of Uncertainty |

• pertains to the level of uncertainty associated with the cognition (beliefs and attitudes) of each other in the situation. Uncertainty is high in initial interactions because individuals are not aware of the beliefs and attitude of the other party.

Behavioral Uncertainty

Types of Uncertainty |

• pertains to the “extent to which behavior is predictable in a given situation” (we behave in accordance to the situation we are in)

Proactive Uncertainty Reduction

Process of Uncertainty Reduction |

• making predictions of the most likely alternative actions the other person might take, is strategic communication planning prior to interaction. In initial meetings, people attempt to predict what the other may want to hear based on the meaning they acquired from previous statements, observations, or information ascertaine

Retroactive Uncertainty Reduction

Process of Uncertainty Reduction |

• is the process of analyzing the situation post interaction, which refers to making explanations for the other person's behavior and interpreting the meaning of behavioral choices

The Entry Stage

Stages of Relationship Development |

• is characterized by the use of behavioral norms. Meaning individuals begin interactions under the guidance of implicit and explicit rules and norms, such as pleasantly greeting someone or laughing at ones innocent jokes. The contents of the exchanges are often dependent on cultural norms. The level of involvement will increase as the strangers move into the second stag

The Personal Stage

Stages of Relationship Development |

• occurs when strangers begin to explore one another's attitudes and beliefs. Individuals typically enter this stage after they have had several entry stage interactions with a stranger. One will probe the other for indications of their values, morals and personal issues. Emotional involvement tends to increase as disclosure

The Exit Stage

Stages of Relational Development |

• the former strangers decide whether they want to continue to develop a relationship. If there is no mutual liking, either can choose not to pursue a relationship.