Introduction Flashcards
(15 cards)
Intro to COMM 89
Which of the following is not one of the three main approaches to research?
A) Empirical
B) Interpretive
C) Analytical
D) Critical
Analytical
Ontology refers to:
A) The values held by the researcher
B) The study of knowledge
C) The study of reality or being
D) The process of data collection
The study of reality or being
The covering laws approach to communication theory assumes:
A) All behaviors are random
B) Behavior can be explained through universal causal laws
C) Communication is only interpretive
D) Research should prioritize individual experience
Behavior can be explained through universal causal laws
A theory that is parsimonious is:
A) Complex and comprehensive
B) Broad in its scope
C) Simple yet effective in explanation
D) Easy to disprove
Simple yet effective in explanation
The wheel of science illustrates the cycle between:
A) Observation and introspection
B) Deduction and induction
C) Logic and emotion
D) Theory and values
Deduction and induction
TRUE or FALSE:
The empirical approach relies on systematic observation and measurement.
True
Empirical research is observation-based and often quantitative
TRUE or FALSE:
Axiology refers to how researchers handle values in the research process.
True
Axiology examines the role of values in research
TRUE or FALSE:
Heurism is a standard of evaluation that refers to how testable a theory is.
False
Heurism is about how much research or new thinking a theory inspires.
TRUE or FALSE:
A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction about a relationship between variables.
True
A hypothesis predicts the relationship between variables.
TRUE or FALSE:
Operationalization is the process of defining abstract concepts in measurable terms.
True
Operationalization turns abstract concepts into measurable indicators.
Identify and briefly define the three components of a communication theory.
- Concepts: Key ideas or variables the theory addresses (e.g., persuasion, attitude).
- Relationships: How concepts are connected (e.g., “attitude change is influenced by argument strength”).
- Explanations: Why the relationships exist (e.g., cognitive dissonance causes discomfort, leading to attitude change).
Explain the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning and how each relates to theory development.
hint!!!! hypothesis/theory/pattern/observation
Deductive reasoning: Starts with a theory or general principle and moves to specific observations
(theory → hypothesis → observation).
Inductive reasoning: Begins with specific observations and develops broader generalizations or theories
(observation → pattern → theory).
Both are part of the wheel of science, feeding into one another.
List and define three standards used to evaluate a good communication theory.
- Scope: How broad or narrow the theory is
- Parsimony: The theory’s simplicity in explaining phenomena
- Testability: Whether the theory’s claims can be tested and potentially falsified.
How does the critical research approach differ from the empirical and interpretive approaches?
The critical approach seeks to expose power dynamics and promote social change.
critiquing societal structures and advocating for marginalized voices.
What is the difference between epistemology and ontology, and why are they important in theory construction?
Epistemology: The study of knowledge – how we know what we know.
Ontology: The study of being – what exists and how reality is defined.
These guide how theories are built, what is considered valid knowledge, and how reality is understood in communication research.
