Comm 10 Midterm Flashcards
(173 cards)
Explain the interdisciplinary nature of communications.
Communications borrows from other social sciences such as sociology, political science, history, and economics. From sociology, we learn that communications has rules we call ‘norms’ which dictate our everyday lives, including how we use social media.
What are norms?
Norms are rules of what behavior is acceptable in any given situation, telling you what is expected or normal.
What is noise and list the different types of it.
Noise is anything that interferes or distorts the message. Types include internal noise and external noise.
List the different types of norms (least to most important).
- Folkways
- Mores
- Taboos
Types of norms - folkways (definition and examples).
Folkways are social rules to which people conform but receive little pressure to do so.
Examples include speaking to someone when introduced or wearing matching socks.
Types of norms - mores (definition and examples).
Mores are more strongly held norms, and breaking them causes a bigger reaction. Norms of greater moral significance
E.g., Casual clothes in a fine restaurant
Types of norms - taboos (definition and examples).
Taboos are the most strongly held you don’t need laws for them. Will elicit a big reaction if not followed
E.g., Incest and necrophilia
What is a model?
A model is a visual tool aiming to show how different tools of communication relate to each other.
What is the SEMCDR model?
The SEMCDR model consists of Source –> Encoder –> Message –> Channel –> Decoder –> Receiver.
Definitions: Source is the initial idea holder; Encoder translates the idea; Message is the content; Channel is the medium; Decoder interprets the message; Receiver is the final recipient.
Give a special exception to the SEMCDR model.
Sometimes an interpreter is needed when the source and encoder/decoder do not speak the same language, or a telegraph operator is required to pass information.
List and describe 3 aspects of messages.
- Message code: structured grouping of symbols shared between people, can be verbal or nonverbal.
- Message content: the ‘what’ being communicated.
- Message treatment: the ‘how’ of the content, revealing style and personality.
What is double bind?
A double bind is a clash between content and treatment resulting in conflicting messages contradicting each other.
Example: saying ‘I’m happy’ angrily.
When there is a double bind, which one do you believe more?
You believe the message treatment more, as body language is harder to control than verbal messages.
What is high fidelity?
High fidelity occurs when a message gets through from source to receiver with no distortion.
Explain the different types of noise.
Internal noise refers to things happening inside the person that interferes with the message (e.g., hunger during a lecture). External noise refers to outside factors that disrupt communication (e.g., loud children or uncomfortable temperature).
Do the types of noise ever interfere? Give an example.
Yes, for example, spotting an attractive person before a lecture can shift focus from external to internal noise.
What is feedback? (missing in the SEMCDR model)
Feedback occurs when the receiver responds to the source’s message, making the initial receiver the new source.
Present a flaw of the SEMCDR model.
The SEMCDR model is linear and only shows one direction, missing the concept of feedback.
What is the relationship between feedback and fidelity?
Feedback increases fidelity, allowing for clarity through questions, contrasting a monologue with a conversation.
List 4 systems of communication
- Intrapersonal
- Interpersonal
- Small group
- Mass
Intrapersonal communication.
Intrapersonal communication occurs within yourself.
Interpersonal communication.
Interpersonal communication occurs between another person, involving self-disclosure and feedback.
Small group communication.
Small group communication occurs between three or more people, where everyone has the potential to be a source.
How to draw a line between small group and mass communication.
If you can’t identify individuals in the group, it’s mass communication.