cmn 101

definition of a theory

scholar's construction of experience based on systematic observation.

theories are conclusions about what?

human experience that have been studied and replicated

4 processes of traditional science

asking questions,
forming hypothesis, making observations, forming conclusions

purpose of theories

seek to describe, explain, predict

john gothams research predicts what?

predicts couples who may get divorces

whats the highest level off understanding derieved from a theory

the ability to predict.

The quality of a theory is based on its (4)

scope, heuristic value, parsimony, validity

systems theory is?

how to survive adapt and chan ge to enviro

scope is

breadth of coverage

heuristic value

degree of interest that theory generates

example of theory with huge heuristic value

emotional intelligence by Goldman

what is heuristic value often driven by

validity

whats parsimony

simplicity and elegance

example of parsimony

motivational quotes

are theorires static or dynamic

dynamic

three ways in which theories grow

extensions intension and revolution

revolution is

a shift in thinking

example of revolution

diabetes/ diet/ genetics

extensions means

theory branches out by adding concepts.

example of extension

leadership theory

intension is

going deeper into specifics of idea already existing in the theory

metaphor for how theories grow

tree

levels of communication is by

stephen little john

intra personal is how many people

1

Interpersonal/Dyadic is how many people

2

Small group is how many people

three - twelve

Organizational is how many people

hundreds

Cultural and mass is how many people

millions

Mediated involves what

some kind of instrument for com to happen

whats a real life example that uses the same levels as com

course curriculum

Robert Craig's seven traditions

Semiotics, Phenomenology, Socio Psychological, Cybernetic, Socio-Cultural, Critical, Rhetorical

Socio Psychological is ?

how the indvidfual thinks

cybernetics is ?

how people process info

socio cultural is ?

Looking how com constructions culutre

Rhetorical is

persuading the public

3 traditions that are consiudered trait thepries

rhetorical sensitivity, aggression theory, conversational style

is defining com clear cut

no

humans are 100% what creatures

behaviour, we cannot not behave

humans can behave both

intentionally and unintentionally.

Those who require intentionality on the part of the sender are advocates of

Sender-Receiver model,

those who do not require intentionality, are advocates of

Receiver model.

Both camps agree that ? is essential requirment

reception

Advocates of the Sender-Receiver model require both

intentionality and reception;

Advocates of the Receiver-model do not require

intentionality and reception;

communication apprehension is?

fear of public speaking/other people

Social and communicative anxiety manifest in three ways:

physiologically, behaviourally, cognitively

being scared of talking on the phone is an example of

situational. anxiety

example-of physiological apprehension

increased HR and blushing

example-of Behaviorally apprehension

avoidance of others

example-of Cognitively apprehension

negative self-talk

which is the strongest of the three apprehensions

cognitive

three proven treatments for helping individuals combat communication apprehension

Systematic desensitization, Cognitive restructuring, Skills training

what does systematic desensitisation involve

reduces bodily symptoms

what does cognitive restructuring involve

replacing negative thoughts with encouraging ones

what does skills training

learning skills about effective com

Michael Motley argues public speaking is what orientated but should be what

performance, com

Michael Motleys main assertion

public speaking is NOT a performance

2 types of appraoches to public speaking

polished or conversational

ways to aid conversational approach

dont memorise, no acting, brief eye contact, own style

example of a performance that is often part of speeches

jokes

Definition of aggression

The application of pressure on another person.

aggression can be both ?

constructive and destructive

whats assertiveness

speaking up for yourself without attempting to take away from anyone else

Argumentativeness is?

willing to discuss controversial topics/ defend ones POV

example of Argumentativeness

general surgeon talking about aids

hostility is

display of anger for the purposes of venting

4 levels of aggression

Argumentativeness, assertiveness, hostility, Verbal insults

which level of aggression is never constructive

verbal insults and hostility

which level has the. least amount of pressure

assertiveness

conversational style by?

Deborah Tannen

conversational style is ?

everyone has their own unique style

Tanners descovery takes a what. perspective.

reciever

Tanners main idea is

we interpret others behaviours. based of our own style

common type of styles opposite to: friendly is ?

open

common type of styles opposite to: reserved is ?

laid back

common type of styles opposite to: dominant is ?

contentious

common type of styles opposite to: animated is ?

dramatic

common type of styles opposite to: methodical is ?

logical

common type of styles opposite to: rhetorically sensitive is ?

not rhetorically sensitive

Rhetorical Sensitivity by ?

rod hart

Hart asserts that there are three general types of communicators

The noble self, The rhetorical reflector, rhetorically sensitive:

rhetorically sensitivity

changing how you speak depending on how your speaking to (I.e talking with your mate vs your Grandma)

the noble. self does what?

never changes style

extreme opposite to noble self

rhetorical reflector (makes others the centre of the universe)

Cognitive Theories

Equivocation, Cognitive Dissonance , Constructivism, Semantic-Meaning, Expectancy-Violations

Equivocation Theory

being deliberately unclear

typically choose to equivocate when ?

protecting others feelings, or protecting ourselves from the truth

Equivocation Theory proposes that all messages consist of a simple four-part process:

1. I...
2. Am saying something...
3. To you...
4. In this situation...

cognitive dissonance theory assertion 1 basic idea

Our mind is made of cognitive elements--attitudes, beliefs, etc

hree types of relationships our cognitive elements can have on our behaviors:

null, consonant, dissonant

null relationship

no logical or practical relationship

Consonant relationship:

cognitive elements are aligned with one's behavior.

Dissonant relationship

cognitive elements are not aligned, and contradiction one another.

strict vegans are in what relationship

consonant

Assertion \#2:

Cognitive dissonance, feeling uncomfortable

how to eliminate feelings of cognitive dissonance

change behaviour, view contradictory elements as less important, find info that supports behaviour, rationalise behaviour

Applications of Cognitive Dissonance Theory

persuasion, decision mkaing, personal choice, effort/initiation, social support

how to use CDT with persuassion

make an audience feel dissonant and you will persuade them

how CDT affects decision making

buyers remorse, then seeking info to justify your purchase

example of CDT in real life

wanting family to like your SO to reinforce your decision