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The Value of the Traditions
V. Each tradition is characterized by a history of arguments and beliefs, and values. IV. Carey:Models of communication are, then, not merely representations ofcommunication but representations for communication: templates that guide concrete processes of human interaction TERM 2
Value of the Seven
Traditions
DEFINITION 2 I. This form of organizing communication theories is based on interpretation, not solid conclusions.II.This form of organizing responds to problems and reflects the biases particular to the authors socio-historical view of life.VI. Possibly an eighth tradition could be the Mediated, Gender-Based, or SacredTradition. TERM 3
4 Types of Meta-theoretical
Assumptions
DEFINITION 3 Ontology: assumptions about existence and the nature of the human individual and how we relate to the world.Epistemology: assumptions about knowledge; what it means to know something and how claims can be proven Praxeology: assumptions about the practice of theory; structure, presentation, use, and relevance established. Axiology:study of values TERM 4
Communication Theory and Scholarship
DEFINITION 4 Craig argues that communication will never be united by a single theory or group of theories. The field of communication will always be characterized by a multiplicity of approaches.Craig offers that communication is the primary process by which human life is experienced and therefore constitutes reality.. TERM 5
3 Points of Critical Conceptual Differentiation
DEFINITION 5 Level of observation: researcher viewing communication as the overall process, or discussing means of sending messages?Concept of intentionality: purposeful message sending and receiving, or response a human being gives to a symbolJudgments referring to communication: whether or not the communication is successfully exchanged.
Process of Inquiry in Communication
Asking questions, observation of phenomena, constructing answers TERM 7
3 Types of Scholarship
DEFINITION 7 Scientific scholarship-objectivity, standardization, and generalizability.Humanistic scholarship-deals more heavily with individual cases then generalized theory. Social scientific scholarship-includes elements of both science and humanities. TERM 8
The Idea of Theory
DEFINITION 8 Can refer to a single Comm theory or it can serve to define the collective wisdom found in the entire body of theories related to Communication. The authors define theory as "any organized set of concepts, explanations, and principles that depicts some aspect of human experience". TERM 9
Dimensions of theory
DEFINITION 9
- Philosophical assumptions, or the basic beliefs that underlie the theory;2. Concepts, or the building blocks of the theory;3. Explanations, or dynamic connections made by the theory;4 Principles, or guidelines for action. TERM 10
3 Major Types of Philosophical
Assumptions
DEFINITION 10 epistemology: questions of knowledgeontology: questions of existence axiology: questions of value
Practical Theories Offer the Fourth Dimension
which is...?
Principles TERM 17
Evaluating Communication Theory
DEFINITION 17 Theoretical scope: this deals with the comprehensiveness or inclusiveness of the theory. Theories cannot be too general or specificAppropriateness: is the theories claims consistent with or appropriate to its assumptions? Heuristic value: will the theory generate new ideas for research and additional theory? TERM 18
Evaluating Communication Theory Continued
DEFINITION 18 Validity: this term relates to the truth value of the theory. There are at least three meanings to validity (1) value or worth (2) correspondence or fit (3) generalizability which relates to the theories scopeParsimony: involves logical simplicity.Openness: is this theory open to other possibilities? TERM 19
Seven Traditions of Communication Theory
DEFINITION 19 SPaCe CaRSS 1. The semiotic 2. The phenomenological 3. The cybernetic 4. The sociopsychological 5. The sociocultural
- The critical 7. The rhetorical. TERM 20
Rhetoric Through the Eras
DEFINITION 20 classical era: worked to define and codify the art of rhetoric through the use of Sophists who taught the art of arguing both sides of the case in a court of law.Middle Ages: continued the pragmatic approach and focused more on arrangement and style.Renaissance: saw rhetoric reborn as a philosophical art in which humanist scholars focused on all aspects of the human being in an effort to know the human world
Rhetoric Through the Eras Continued
20th century: rhetoric took on new meaning due to the sheer volume, type, and influence of symbols now available. TERM 22
Concepts to keep in mind as one reviews the
traditions
DEFINITION 22
- No tradition contributes to every aspect of communication.2.The traditions are not mutually exclusive.3.Despite overlap each tradition does have its distinctive character.4.Traditions become more or less valuable depending on the context.5.The traditions do not distribute themselves equally crop contact, but they also are not limited to a narrow range of concerns. TERM 23
THE RHETORICAL
TRADITION
DEFINITION 23 Definition: the ways in which humans use symbols to change those around them and to construct the world in which they liveThe bottom line is that rhetoric involves a rhetor who uses symbols and create the text for a particular audience under certain situational constraints. TERM 24
Key ideas of rhetorical tradition
DEFINITION 24 Invention - (conceptualization) assigning meaning to symbols Arrangement - (organizing symbols) according to relationships of people and concepts Style - (considerations in presenting symbols) Delivery - (physical embodiment of symbols) even nonverbals Memory - (larger reservoirs of cultural memory) processes of perception dealing with how we retain and process information TERM 25
Two theories under Rhetorical Tradition
DEFINITION 25
- Richard Weaver's Theory of Truth and Rhetoric2. Cragan, Bormann, and Shields (CBS!) Symbolic Convergence Theory
Key Ideas of the Semiotic Tradition
- "sign" - a stimulus designating or indicating some other condition; signs have a clear reference to something in reality2. symbol - which designates a complex sign with many meanings including personal ones; symbols are arbitrary. TERM 32
Semiotic Thinking states that meaning arises
from a relationship of three things
DEFINITION 32
- The object (referent), 2. The person (interpreter), 3. The sign. TERM 33
Three areas of study in Semiotics
DEFINITION 33 1.Semantics: address how signs relate to their referents or what signs stand for.2. Syntactics: deals with the relationships among signs.3. Pragmatics: looks at how signs make a difference in people's lives, or the practical use and effects of signs and their impact on social life. (overlaps with the socio-cultural tradition) TERM 34
Sapir-Worph Hypothesis of Linguistic
Relativity
DEFINITION 34 Sapir and WorphProposition: There are profound differences between the various human languages. So much so that someone from China, and someone from America cannot fully understand each other through the medium of language. TERM 35
A Christian Responds to the Sapir-Whorf
Hypothesis
DEFINITION 35 1.pessimism about the cross-cultural communication is contradicted every time the gospel of Christ makes its effortless penetration through the linguistic curtain.Many will come from East and West to sit down at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Matthew 8:11)
Sapir-Worph Hypothesis Strength and
Weaknesses
Strength: the theory succeeds at demonstrating the limiting power of language when the claims are appropriately modest.Weaknesses: (1) scientific analogy implied in the term linguistic relativity has failed (2) numerous empiric studies that failed to confirm what the hypothesis predicts 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
THE PHENOMENOLOGICAL
TRADITION
DEFINITION 40 Definition: assume that people are active in interpreting what happens around them and they understand the world by personal experience. This tradition focuses on the conscious experience of the individual.tradition of phenomenology is important because it links experience with language and social interaction
Hermeneutic phenomenology
Definition: Heidegger holds that experience inevitably occurs merely by existing in the world, and that things are known, not through careful analysis or reduction, but by natural experience in everyday life.this approach agrees with the phenomenology of perception but applies it more completely to communication. TERM 47
Performance Ethnography
DEFINITION 47 TurnerDefinition: a theory within ethnography that seeks to recognize the performative dialogue between the ethnographer and the otherethnographers essentially watch how cultures performperformances are both the subject and the method of performance ethnography and the ethnographers are co-performers with those whom they study TERM 48
Assessment of Performance Ethnography
DEFINITION 48
- by promoting listening and dialogue, performance ethnography enables ethnographers to come to a better understanding of the cultures they study2. performances can be used for critical inquiry3. performance ethnography is a research method that expands our ways of knowing. performance ethnography broadens the field of ethnography beyond its traditional fixation on language and text to include embodied practice TERM 49
Performance Ethnography Strengths and
Weaknesses
DEFINITION 49 Strengths: performance ethnography considers many aspects of communication as it borrows form other traditions of communication theoryWeaknesses: (1) relies heavily on researcher integration with subject and therefore is more susceptible to researcher bias.(2) borrowing from so many traditions gives the appearance that Performance Ethnography is not a unified theory of communication research. TERM 50
Philosophical Hermenuetics
DEFINITION 50 GadamersDefinition: theory that says that as humans live their lives and tend to interpret it as their reality, it becomes their truth.
Philosophical Hermenuetics Strengths and
Weaknesses
Strength: It has a relatable idea (as pointed out by Gamsu,
- that we need to understand our roots to move toward the future.Weaknesses: theory is seen as fluid and debatable because it is philosophical TERM 52
THE CYBERNETIC TRADITION
DEFINITION 52 Definition: the understanding of complex systems in which interacting elements influence one another. TERM 53
Key ideas of the cybernetic tradition
DEFINITION 53 1.the idea of system is central to cybernetic thinking. A family for example is a series of interacting parts that only together form a unit. Within cybernetic tradition one can study patterns of relationships, dependence upon parts, an organization through interdependence. The system also needs to import new resources (inputs). Systems take inputs from the environment, processes them, and then create outputs that are sent back into the environment. TERM 54
five variations of system theory
DEFINITION 54 1.Basic system theory: systems are actual structures that can be objectively analyzed and observed from the outside.2. Cybernetics:focuses on feedback loops and control processes. This variation focuses on circular forces rather than a linear one idea causes another idea string of thought.3. Information theory: This area focuses on the transmission of signals from one part of the system to another through networks. TERM 55
Five variations of system theory Continued.
DEFINITION 55 4.General systems theory(GST): GST is a broad, multidisciplinary approach to knowledge, and those helping you in different fields are similar because of shared principles. It recognizes that there is a universality in terms of all types and deals with things that are common among them.5.Secondorder cybernetic: this variation holds that observers never understand how a system works from the outside because the observer is always engaged with the system. The observer affects and is effected by the system
LT's Strengths and Weaknesses
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 TERM 62
LT and Communication Theory
DEFINITION 62 LT finds its home in the Cybernetic Tradition due to its relation to the dominant idea in media theory of the cyclical pattern of information and influence. This pattern1. begins with the effect of media upon the opinion makers of the day,2.the opinion makers spread information through a network of interpersonal communications, 3. this spreading of opinion leads to societal acceptance of those ideas,4.this ultimately creates a return influence upon existing media TERM 63
THE SOCIOPSYCHOLOGICAL TRADITION
DEFINITION 63 Definition: deals with the study of the individual as a social being and originates within the field of social psychologyTheories in this tradition focus on individual social behavior, psychological variables, personalities and traits, and cognition. TERM 64
Key ideas of the sociopsychological tradition
DEFINITION 64 psychological explanations are crucial and that universal mechanisms govern action and can be discovered through careful researchThis tradition is considered the "science of communication"Researchers especially want to understand inputs (information) and outputs (plans and behaviors) TERM 65
3 large branches of sociopsychological
tradition
DEFINITION 65
- The behavioral: The behavioral branch focuses on how people actually behave in communication situations.2. The cognitive- Cognitive theory centers on patterns of thought and focuses on how individuals acquire, store, and process information in a way that leads to behavioral outputs.3. The biological - Biological deals with research interest in the effects of brain function and structure, neurochemistry, and genetic factors in explaining human behavior.
Attribution Theory
Fritz HeiderDefinition: deals with the ways we infer causes of behavior (our own and others). Why did I do something? Why did someone do that to (or for) me? TERM 67
Several common causes or causal attributions
of Attribution Theory
DEFINITION 67 Situational Causes: affected by the environment.Personal Effects: influencing something personally.Ability:being able to.Effort:attempting a thing.Desire:wanting to do something.Belonging:going along in order to belong.Obligation:feeling one should do something.Permission:being allowed to do something. TERM 68
Attribution Theory Strengths and Weaknesses
DEFINITION 68 Strengths: This theory delves into an important slice of human behavior and wrestles with the topic of behavioral causes.Weaknesses: The research in this theory is highly subjective and difficult to quantify scientifically. TERM 69
THE SOCIOCULTURAL
TRADITION
DEFINITION 69 Definition: addresses the way our meanings, norms, roles, and rules are worked out in communication or interaction.This tradition believes that reality is not an objective set of arrangements from outside of us but rather a constructive process that comes from us due to interactions and communication. TERM 70
Key ideas of the sociocultural tradition
DEFINITION 70
- theories in this tradition focus on patterns of interaction between people where meanings, roles, rules, and cultural values are worked out.2. Researchers in this tradition want to understand ways in which people together create the realities of their social groups and cultures.3. researchers tend to hold to the idea that reality is constructed by language and therefore influenced by interaction patterns of the research being done.
6 types of power used in
Superior/Subordinate Relationships
- coercive: subordinate's belief the superior has the power to punish, 2. reward: subordinate's belief the superior has the power to provide desired benefits3. legitimate:subordinate's belief the superior has the right to direct and the subordinate is obligated to comply.4.referent:subordinate'sdesire to be related to the superior.5. expert:subordinate's belief the superior can provide specific knowledge.6.informational:subordinate's desiring to change based upon shared information from the superior. TERM 77
Bases of Power Strengths and Weaknesses
DEFINITION 77 Strengths: (1) early appearance on the scene allowed it a platform from which to influence and inform subsequent theories in the discipline. (2) valuable in its application to the workplace, offering insights into influences regarding the agent/target relationship. (3) one of the most widely cited analyses of social powerWeaknesses: (1)severe methodological shortcomings andearly field studies conflict with established research. (2) French and Raven do not define the legitimacy of leaders requests when dealing with uncooperative subordinates TERM 78
THE CRITICAL TRADITION
DEFINITION 78 Definition: critical tradition deals with the idea at its foundation about meanings that have emerged from communication within our society that give power to some groups and taken away from others. TERM 79
Key ideas of the critical tradition
DEFINITION 79 1.The critical tradition seeks to understand taken for granted systems, power structures, and beliefs that dominate society. In particular researchers look for whose interests are best served by the structures.2. Critical researchers work to uncover oppressive social conditions and power arrangements in order to promote a freer society.3. Critical researchers look to be social activists. That is, they take the theory and research it for answers, but then they spring to action looking for ways to solve the oppression of marginalized people. TERM 80
Variations in the critical tradition
DEFINITION 80 Origins in Marxism thatteach that the economy is the basis of all social structure.Communication is key to this tradition as the dominant language defines and perpetuates the oppression of marginalized groups. The researcher seeks to find ways to expose the dominant ideology and allow competing ideologies to be heard.
Communicative Actions Theory
HabermasDefinition: the sphere of life in which we exist is a product of public discourse and consensus ( I didn't understand the notes so I looked up the theory. I believe this is right.) TERM 82
CATs Strengths and Weaknesses
DEFINITION 82 Strengths: (1)marrying of interpretive social science and systems theory (2) interconnecting of philosophy and theory with empirical research on specific social issues (3) significant influence on the communication studies field Weaknesses: (1) critics argue that Habermas'concept of the ideal speech situation does not and never has existed. (2) difficulty of reaching moral consensus TERM 83
Corporate Colonization Theory
DEFINITION 83 Stanley DeetzDefinition: workplace values and practices extend into non-work life through time structuring. For example, employers permit employees to telecommute and work flexible schedule thus allowing organizations to control workers so that they are accountable 24 hours a day TERM 84
Corporate Colonization Theory Primary
Concepts
DEFINITION 84 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 85
Corporate Colonization Theory Strengths and
Weaknesses
DEFINITION 85 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
