COMM 1100: Human Communication Theories

what is communication?

The process of sending and receiving messages to create shared meaning between people.

What are the three models of communication?

Linear, Interactive, and Transactional.

What is the Linear Model?

A one-way process where a sender sends a message to a receiver with no feedback.

What is the Interactive Model?

Adds feedback from the receiver and considers context.

What is the Transactional Model?

Communication is continuous, with both people acting as sender and receiver at the same time.

What is noise in communication?

Anything that interferes with the message (like hunger, distractions, or actual sounds).

What does "context" mean?

The situation or relationship that shapes how people communicate.

What are evidence-based recommendations for practice?

Using research to guide how we communicate effectively in real life.

What is a theory?

An explanation for how and why something happens.

What is the goal of theory?

To help us understand, explain, and predict communication behavior.

What are the key parts of a theory?

Constructs, definitions, and relational statements (positive or negative).

What's the difference between quantitative and qualitative research?

Quantitative uses numbers and data; qualitative uses words, interviews, and stories.

What are criteria for a good theory?

It should be clear, simple, useful, testable, and supported by evidence.

What is perception?

How we see and understand people, situations, and the world.

What is social location?

Where we are in society based on factors like class, gender, and race.

What is positionality?

How our personal identity affects how we see and experience things.

What are dominant vs. subordinate identities?

Dominant groups have more power; subordinate groups have less.

What is a systems approach?

Looks at how different parts of communication connect and affect each other.

What is social constructionism?

The idea that our reality and meaning are created through communication.

What are the layers of persuasion?

Attitudes (outer), Beliefs (middle), and Values (inner).

What is an attitude?

A like or dislike toward something; linked to behavior.

What is a belief?

A personal idea shaped by experience — what we think is true.

What is a value?

Deeply held ideas about what is right and how things should be.

What is cognitive dissonance?

The discomfort when our actions don't match our beliefs — used to persuade by creating that discomfort.

What is the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM)?

Explains two ways to persuade — the central route (logic and reasoning) and the peripheral route (style and appeal).

What are ability and motivation in ELM?

People must have both to process messages through the central route.

What is the Attitude Inoculation Theory?

Exposing people to small opposing arguments helps them resist bigger ones later.

What is the Narrative Paradigm?

Storytelling persuades when it has fidelity (truth) and probability (makes sense).

What is the Foot-in-the-Door strategy?

Start small, then ask for something bigger.

What is the Door-in-the-Face strategy?

Ask for something big first, then something smaller.

What is the Benjamin Franklin Effect?

People like someone more after doing them a favor.

What is the Norm of Reciprocity?

When someone gives you something, you feel like you should return the favor.

What are three key points about deception?

(1) It's common, (2) it's not always easy to detect, and (3) people often justify it.

What does IMT (Information Manipulation Theory) explain?

How people bend the truth while still trying to follow communication rules.

What is the Cooperative Principle?

People try to be truthful and helpful in conversation.

What are the three areas of IMT2 propositions?

Message production, deception detection, and relational impact.

What does TDT (Truth-Default Theory) explain?

People usually assume others are honest unless a "trigger event" makes them suspicious.

What's a trigger event example?

Catching someone in an inconsistency or lie.

Why is nonverbal communication important?

It shows emotion, attitude, and meaning — often more than words.

What are types of nonverbal messages?

Facial expressions, gestures, body language, touch, space, and tone.

What is EVT (Expectancy Violations Theory)?

Explains what happens when someone breaks our expectations in communication.

What is arousal in EVT?

Our reaction when someone surprises us with unexpected behavior.

What is IAT (Interaction Adaptation Theory)?

Explains how we adjust our behavior to match others.

What is ECT (Expectancy Confirmation Theory)?

Says we interpret others' behavior based on whether it meets our expectations.

What is URT (Uncertainty Reduction Theory)?

Explains how people communicate to learn more about each other and reduce uncertainty.

What is UMT (Uncertainty Management Theory)?

Explains how people cope with uncertainty — not always trying to eliminate it.

What's the difference between URT and POV (Predicted Outcome Value)?

URT focuses on reducing uncertainty; POV focuses on whether a relationship seems worth continuing.

How do we manage uncertainty in UMT?

Based on whether we see it as a danger or an opportunity.

What is RTT (Relational Turbulence Theory)?

Explains that turbulence happens when relationships change or expectations are unclear.