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Communicator
Unique individuals whose characteristics are determined by genetics and socially constructed behavior. They organize information into attitudes, beliefs, and values.They have a conscious sense of self that is is developed through interaction. TERM 2
Theory of Truth and Rhetoric
DEFINITION 2 Richard WeaverHumans composed of3 partsBody - Physical partMind - faculties of apprehensionSoul - integrated power that guides the body and mind toward good or evilWeaver's assumption is that because humans communicate and have choice the idea is always to communicate in such a way as to move towards that which is ethical. TERM 3
Theory of Truth and Rhetoric Strengths and
Weaknesses
DEFINITION 3 Strength: This theory offers practical analysis of human communication and ethics. Weakness: lack of scholarly commentary on the strengths and weaknesses of this theory TERM 4
Attribution Theory
DEFINITION 4 Fritz HeiderDefinition: Deals with the ways we infer causes of behavior.Attribution generally demonstrates that people ascribe causes in relation to an individuals disposition (internal) or the environment (external)Several common causesSituational Causes: affected by the environment.Personal Effects: influencing something personally.Etc. TERM 5
Attribution Theory Strengths and Weaknesses
DEFINITION 5 Strength: This theory delves into an important slice of human behavior and wrestles with the topic of behavioral causes.Weakness:The research in this theory is highly subjective and difficult to quantify scientifically.
THE MESSAGE
Definition: texts or sets of signs having meaning that communicators use.Communication theory - Philosophical Hermeneutics TERM 7
Philosophical Hermeneutics
DEFINITION 7 GadamerDefinition: communication theory that says that as humans livetheir lives and tend to interpret it as their reality, it becomes their truth. TERM 8
Philosophical Hermeneutics Strengths and
Weaknesses
DEFINITION 8 Strengths: It has a relatable idea that we need to understand our roots to move toward the future. Weaknesses: theory is in fact, philosophical, the theory is seen as fluid and debatable. TERM 9
Theory of Identification
DEFINITION 9 Kenneth BurkeDefinition: Identity occurs when symbols bring people together; division occurs when symbols tear them apart.material identification: similar goods and possessionsidealistic identification: shared ideas, attitudes,and valuesformal identification: organizations and affiliationsConsubstantiality: sharing meaning in languageOne of the most comprehensive of all symbol theories. TERM 10
Theory of Identification Strengths and
Weaknesses
DEFINITION 10 Strengths: None listedWeaknesses: This theory is hard to accurately place within the context map.
Corporate Colonization Theory Primary
Concepts
4 dimensions of corporate controlNaturalization - those in control of the organization believe that anything benefiting the organization will benefit those involved with the organization.Neutralization: the idea that information is unbiased.Legitimization: organization efforts to promote one specific dialogue as the primary voice of power.Socialization: instructing employees to follow rules and regulation TERM 17
Corporate Colonization Theory Strengths and
Weaknesses
DEFINITION 17 Strength: allows theorists to better understand how organizations interests influence employees through decisions, even if those decisions dominate individual interests Weakness: (1) to gain a more significant advancement of the theory when applied to any situation, a stronger understanding and commitment to democratic communication is needed(2) further research is needed to gain more cooperation within organizations to garner a stronger data set TERM 18
THE RELATIONSHIP
DEFINITION 18 Definition: Relationships are defined by patterns within interactions. TERM 19
Social Penetration Theory
DEFINITION 19 Altman and TaylorDefinition: describes individuals as a sphere containing all that he is. The more one penetrates this sphere, the more one knows about the other.This theory operates on the financial proposition of reward and cost. TERM 20
Social Penetration Theory Four Stages of
Relationship Development
DEFINITION 20 four stages of relationship developmentOrientation: relationship disclosing only impersonal information.Exploratory Affective Exchange: a deeper level of discourse based on the last stage being rewarding.Affective Exchange: Offering evaluations and critical feelings about topics. Requires substantial rewards to engage at this level.Stable Exchange: Highly intimate and including predictable behavior by each.
Social Penetration Theory Strengths and
Weaknesses
Strengths: provides for individual self-analysis and helps define individual motivation for disclosure. Weaknesses: not supported by data. Highest reciprocity may occur at middle levels; may be cycles of disclosure and reserve. Needs to take account of gender (males are less open). Disclosure can increase as a relationship deteriorates. TERM 22
Theory and Coalition and Alliance Building
DEFINITION 22 RoweDefinition: This theory deals with feminist alliances built upon relationships. These alliances are formed as an act of rhetorical invention: that is, they are strategic, self-chosen, and productive.No recorded strengths and weaknesses TERM 23
THE GROUP AND
ORGANIZATION
DEFINITION 23 Definition: Groups are created through interaction. Group and organizational actions can lead to unintended consequences which can affect future efforts. TERM 24
Actor-Network Theory
DEFINITION 24 LatourDefinition: ANT explores the interactions between humans and non-humans and the institutions that are created and continually reshaped as a result of these interactions.ANT has remained an integral part of the Organizational slice of Group Theory TERM 25
ANT, Communication Theory, and the
Scriptures
DEFINITION 25 Two Scriptural applicationsco-orientation: an act between two individuals concerning an object or idea toward which they attempt to negotiate a shared meaning (Matthew 18:19 unity of the brethren when praying)imbrication: views networks as tiles placed one against another constantly influencing and changing an organization from within. The believer views interactions as individuals having influence, but the Designer has final authority.
Spiral of Silence Theory Strengths and
Weaknesses
Strengths: a phenomenon worthy of research and study that has not only been utilized in the arena of complex human interactions, but also been helpful in spurring further studies regarding marginalized and oppressed people groups.Weaknesses: (1) suffers from a lack of universal proof (2) Additionally, the entrance of media as an influence factor further complicates the question as the effects of media are as a rule cumulative rather than the result of a single stimulus TERM 32
(SOS) in both the greater communication
theory and the Christian experience
DEFINITION 32 The (SOS) finds a home in both the sociopsychological as well as cybernetic tradition due to the theory's discussion of the behavior of the individual as well as larger systemic interactions respectivelyFor the believer, the issue of the (SOS) may, in the simplest of terms, be relegated to a matter of obedience. Despite the unpopularity of biblical Christian doctrine, the believer is nonetheless constrained through loving obedience to the Lord, to speak boldly of Him. TERM 33
Lineation Theory
DEFINITION 33 James PotterDefinition: attempts to provide a system of explanation about the mass media generally TERM 34
LT and its Major
Concepts
DEFINITION 34 media organizations, media audiences, media messages, media effects TERM 35
LT's Strengths and Weaknesses
DEFINITION 35 Strengths: (1) addresses the wider mass media theory discussion (2)provides more than just an inventory of mass media concepts, it provides a synthesis of those concepts (3)provide a general framework for sections of mass media study thereby providing a complete picture of the psychological processes underlying the topicWeaknesses: (1) almost non-existence in the world of peer- reviewed literature. (2) broad brush approach which leaves some readers perceiving it as a set of guidelines for future research rather than a bona fide theory
CULTURE AND SOCIETY
Definition: Cultures differ from one another in their individual ways of being which reproduce themselves in symbolic forms and cultural practices.Society is a complex organization of personal networks.Both are shaped through the use of symbols and language. TERM 37
Diffusion of Innovations Theory
DEFINITION 37 Everett RogersDefinition: a theory about how, why and when people adopt new ideas or innovations.Diffusion is the process through which an innovation, defined as an idea perceived as new, spreads via certain communication channels over time among the members of a social system TERM 38
Major Concepts of Diffusion of Innovations
Theory
DEFINITION 38 4 primary elements: (a) Innovation (b) communication channels,(c) time, and (d) social system.5 significant innovation characteristics: relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, and trialability and observability 5 stages innovation adoption follows through: knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation TERM 39
Diffusion of Innovations Theory Strengths and
Weaknesses
DEFINITION 39 Strengths: (1) fascinating theory that has generated several books and at least 5,000 articles, making it incredibly heuristic. (2) It has also generated multiple models and, after more than 60 years continues to grow Weaknesses: society sometimes moves too quickly and could adopt innovations before ill effects are known or understood. TERM 40
Performance Ethnography
DEFINITION 40 TurnerDefinition: a theory within ethnography that seeks to recognize the performative dialogue between the ethnographer and the other
