COMM 300 Communication Theories Final Exam Spring 2015 Pleas

COMM 300 Communication Theories Final Exam spring 2015 Please select five of these questions and respond to

Comm 300 Communication Theoriesfinal Examspring 2015please Selectfiveo

COMM 300 Communication Theories Final Exam Spring 2015 Please select five of these questions and respond to them with essay-length answers. You will also answer the final question, for a total of six questions. Each answer should be between 3 – 5 paragraphs with about five sentences per paragraph. I will evaluate your answers based on the accuracy and completeness of your response. I also evaluate on your clarity of expression (spelling, grammar, syntax, etc.).

Your task is to show me that you understand the concepts or the theories discussed in the questions. The test is open-notes and open-book. I expect you to do your own work and not seek assistance from classmates, other online sources, etc.

Select two of these five questions (1, 2, 3, 4, 5): (10 points each)

1. In the Symbolic Interaction theory, Mead suggests that meaning, language, and thought work tightly together to help us understand the concept of self. Discuss the two aspects that Mead calls “I” and “me.” Give examples of the differences.
2. Identify and define the five canons of rhetoric. Give an example to illustrate each one.
3. Describe and analyze the four primary strategies that have been used to manage dialectical tensions. Which do you perceive to be the most effective? Why? Which do you perceive to be the least effective? Why?
4. Apply Uses and Gratifications to New Media such as Instagram, texting, blogging, or instant messages. What concepts and principles of the theory relate? Which are not relevant?
5. Distinguish between the following: convergence, divergence, and overaccommodation. Provide an example of a situation in which you have experienced or engaged in each of these forms of accommodation. Looking at how conversations pervade our lives, examine how the principles and concepts of Communication Accommodation Theory relate to our dialogues with our physicians, teachers, and/or family members. Be sure to provide an example of a conversation to analyze (it can be fictional or real).

Paper For Above instruction

Communication theories serve as vital frameworks for understanding how individuals and groups transmit, interpret, and react to messages in various contexts. For this essay, I will analyze two of the provided questions, focusing on their core concepts and applications, to demonstrate comprehension and critical thinking about communication phenomena.

Question 1: Mead’s Symbolic Interactionism: The ‘I’ and the ‘Me’

George Herbert Mead’s Symbolic Interaction Theory emphasizes the central role of symbols and language in forming the self. Mead introduces two pivotal components of the self: the ‘I’ and the ‘Me’. The ‘I’ represents the spontaneous, impulsive aspect of self, which acts creatively and responds to immediate experiences. Conversely, the ‘Me’ is the socialized aspect, reflecting the internalized attitudes, norms, and expectations of society. For example, when a person spontaneously reacts with joy upon hearing good news (‘I’), they simultaneously consider how others might perceive their reaction (‘Me’), perhaps moderating their expression to conform to social expectations. This dynamic interaction allows individuals to develop a sense of self that is both authentic and socially aware.

The interplay between ‘I’ and ‘Me’ illustrates how individuals navigate their personal impulses and societal roles. The ‘I’ may lead a person to act impulsively, like making an insensitive remark in a conversation, while the ‘Me’ assesses potential repercussions based on social norms, leading to self-regulation. Such interactions highlight the fluidity of self-identity, constructed through social interactions that continually shape and reshape one’s understanding of oneself. Recognizing these aspects enables us to appreciate how identity is both internally motivated and externally influenced, underpinning much of human communication and social behavior.

Question 4: Uses and Gratifications Theory and New Media

Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) explains how individuals actively select media to fulfill specific needs or desires. When applying this theory to new media platforms such as Instagram, texting, blogging, and instant messaging, several relevant concepts emerge. For instance, users turn to Instagram for social connection, self-expression, and entertainment, aligning with UGT’s assumption that media use is goal-oriented. Similarly, texting serves the gratification of immediacy, convenience, and maintaining social bonds. Blogging can satisfy informational needs or provide a platform for self-presentation, reflecting the active role of users in media consumption. The theory’s core principle that users are active agents in choosing media aligns well with the personalized and interactive nature of digital platforms.

However, some aspects of UGT may not fully capture the complexities of new media interactions. For example, the theory’s emphasis on individual needs might overlook the influence of social networks and peer pressure that shape media consumption habits. Additionally, the blurring boundaries between media content and social context in digital environments challenge traditional notions of user motivation. Despite these limitations, UGT remains a valuable lens for understanding how users seek out media to satisfy emotional, informational, or social needs, emphasizing agency and purpose in contemporary communication practices.

Conclusion

In summary, the analysis of Mead’s ‘I’ and ‘Me’ underscores the importance of symbolic communication in shaping identity via social interaction. Meanwhile, applying Uses and Gratifications Theory to new media illustrates the active role of users in selecting platforms to meet diverse needs. Together, these frameworks highlight the dynamic and goal-directed nature of communication, both in self-concept development and media consumption. A deeper understanding of these theories enhances our ability to interpret individual behavior and societal trends in an increasingly mediated world.

References

• Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method. University of California Press.
• Gianotten, M. (2011). The Self and Society: A Symbolic Interactionist Perspective. Social Psychology Review, 23(4), 245-259.