Chapter 1-4 Overview

Question 1

Features of Com Theories

Answer 1

Maps of reality, lenses
Can have several theories of some phenomenon; they can each be useful
Need to be tested and retested
Usually associated w/particular academics

Question 2

Com Theories are…

Answer 2

truth-seeking and strategic
objective or interpretive
answer “why?”

Question 3

Research methods for Com theories are:

Answer 3

quantitative, qualitative, or both

Question 4

Objective Theories

Answer 4

"Scientific" (use scientific method)
Quantitative methodologies (experiments, surveys)
Truth is singular
Focus on cause and effect
Deterministic
Generalizability
Predictability and control
"Value free'

Question 5

Deterministic

Answer 5

Behavior seen as influences by factors or forces beyond level of awareness

Question 6

Interpretive Theories

Answer 6

"rhetorical" or humanistic"
Concerned with meaning
Assume the impossibility of separating the knower from the known
Voluntaristic
Value-laden
Interest in emancipation
makes sense of unique events
Qualitative methods
Guides for interpretation of communication behavior

Question 7

Voluntaristic

Answer 7

assume that behavior is often the product of conscious choice