COM 207 - Theory Track Exam Questions and Answers Fully Solved
Theory - Answers a set of systematic, informed hunches about the way things work
-we theorize to predict and explain and/or describe and interpret complex communicative
phenomena
- they provide potential explanations or improved understanding
- they are tested, rejected, improved
- they attach meaning to an observation
- they are comprised of concepts
Concepts - Answers immeasurable objects we believe exist but cannot directly prove
- only have indicators or effects
- we connect the dots between our hunches until a pattern emerges
- this pattern is a conceptual framework
Communication - Answers the relational process of creating and interpreting messages that
elicit a response
- "Words don't mean things, people mean things"
- Relational process
- Elicits response
Communication Theory - Answers attempts to predict/explain or describe/interpret messages
-You observe a communicative phenomenon, combine ideas (concepts) to explain/describe it,
then use that explanation to predict/understand how these messages impact the real world
- Comm. theory provides the means to control and predict or understand and clarify messages
Objective or Interpretive Distinct Differences - Answers Contrasting assumptions include
,- ways or knowing
- nature of communication
- research methods
- purpose/goal of theory
- standards of evaluation
Epistemology - Answers the study of the origin, nature, method and limits of knowledge
-How we know, what we know
Objective Approach - Answers the assumption that truth is singular and is accessible through
unbiased sensory observation; committed to uncovering cause-and-effect relationship
- truth is singular (T)
- reality is accessible through our senses
-mirror reality
Interpretive Approach - Answers the linguistic work of assigning meaning or value to
communication texts; assumes that multiple meaning or truths are possible
- truth is subjective (t)
- multiple meaning are acceptable
- successful interpretations convince others
Research Methods - Answers OBJECTIVE:
- employ quantitative methods
INTERPRETIVE:
- employ qualitative methods
Purpose and Goals of Theory - Answers OBJECTIVE:
, - seek universal laws
- hypothesize
- experiment
- predict/explain behavior
INTERPRETIVE:
- examine unique rules for events
-observe/describe
- interpret and understand
Evaluation Criteria for an Objective Theory - Answers 1. explanation of data
2. prediction and control
3. parsimony and relative simplicity
4. testable hypotheses
5. practical utility
Evaluation Criteria for an Interpretive Theory - Answers 1. new understanding of people
- elucidate texts, patterns of symbol usage, subjective understanding
2. clarification of values
3. aesthetic appeal
4. community of agreement
5. reform society
A Set of Hunches - Answers we aren't yet sure we have the answer
-Burgoon makes it clear that a theory is not just on inspired thought or an isolated idea
Informed Hunches - Answers hunches should be informed
Theory - Answers a set of systematic, informed hunches about the way things work
-we theorize to predict and explain and/or describe and interpret complex communicative
phenomena
- they provide potential explanations or improved understanding
- they are tested, rejected, improved
- they attach meaning to an observation
- they are comprised of concepts
Concepts - Answers immeasurable objects we believe exist but cannot directly prove
- only have indicators or effects
- we connect the dots between our hunches until a pattern emerges
- this pattern is a conceptual framework
Communication - Answers the relational process of creating and interpreting messages that
elicit a response
- "Words don't mean things, people mean things"
- Relational process
- Elicits response
Communication Theory - Answers attempts to predict/explain or describe/interpret messages
-You observe a communicative phenomenon, combine ideas (concepts) to explain/describe it,
then use that explanation to predict/understand how these messages impact the real world
- Comm. theory provides the means to control and predict or understand and clarify messages
Objective or Interpretive Distinct Differences - Answers Contrasting assumptions include
,- ways or knowing
- nature of communication
- research methods
- purpose/goal of theory
- standards of evaluation
Epistemology - Answers the study of the origin, nature, method and limits of knowledge
-How we know, what we know
Objective Approach - Answers the assumption that truth is singular and is accessible through
unbiased sensory observation; committed to uncovering cause-and-effect relationship
- truth is singular (T)
- reality is accessible through our senses
-mirror reality
Interpretive Approach - Answers the linguistic work of assigning meaning or value to
communication texts; assumes that multiple meaning or truths are possible
- truth is subjective (t)
- multiple meaning are acceptable
- successful interpretations convince others
Research Methods - Answers OBJECTIVE:
- employ quantitative methods
INTERPRETIVE:
- employ qualitative methods
Purpose and Goals of Theory - Answers OBJECTIVE:
, - seek universal laws
- hypothesize
- experiment
- predict/explain behavior
INTERPRETIVE:
- examine unique rules for events
-observe/describe
- interpret and understand
Evaluation Criteria for an Objective Theory - Answers 1. explanation of data
2. prediction and control
3. parsimony and relative simplicity
4. testable hypotheses
5. practical utility
Evaluation Criteria for an Interpretive Theory - Answers 1. new understanding of people
- elucidate texts, patterns of symbol usage, subjective understanding
2. clarification of values
3. aesthetic appeal
4. community of agreement
5. reform society
A Set of Hunches - Answers we aren't yet sure we have the answer
-Burgoon makes it clear that a theory is not just on inspired thought or an isolated idea
Informed Hunches - Answers hunches should be informed
