One Of The Issues To Consider In Defining Communication

One Of The Issues To Consider In Defining Communication Isintentio

One of the issues to consider in defining communication is intentionality. Which of the following best exemplifies the belief that communication must be intentional? a. communication is goal-oriented behavior b. communication is any interpretation of meaning c. communication is the perception of power d. communication is a means by which truth is established

Having a conversation with someone over walkie-talkies is an example of which model of the communication process? a. linear b. interactional c. transactional d. Information transfer

Communication is considered transactional when a. a person waits to hear feedback after sending a message b. the people communicating send and receive messages simultaneously c. one person is responsible for sending the message; the other person is responsible for understanding the message d. each element of the communication process is not connected to the others

Rage to label your feeling of anger is a process known as a. feedback b. decoding c. encoding d. semantics

Littlejohn defines a theory as "any conceptual representation or explanation of a phenomenon." Based on our class discussion, why is it important to notice the word "OR" in this definition? a. it narrows the definition by making it too inclusive b. it broadens the definition by including many approaches to theory c. it strengthens the definition by making anything a theory d. all of the above e. none of the above

The ultimate goal of communication theory development is to produce an accumulating body of reliable knowledge enabling us to a. predict, explain, and control communication behavior b. explain, predict, and manipulate communication behavior c. predict, understand, manipulate communication behavior d. explain, manipulate, dominate communication behavior

A theorist who asks, “Should I develop a theory that will change society's view of gay marriage?” is asking him/herself a question that pertains to the area of a. ontology b. epistemology c. axiology d. phenology

Include definitions of concepts, may include explanations about the relationships between and among concepts, concern abstract ideas, and all of the above are defining features of what? a. theories b. models c. hypotheses d. research methods e. constructs

All theories must a. contain causal necessity b. contain practical necessity c. be logically consistent d. include hypotheses

When you are unable to see the concepts explained in a theory operating in real life, the theory does not have a. precision b. scope c. validity d. power

Symbolic Interaction Theory argues that meaning a. can only exist when people share common interpretations of the symbols they exchange in an interaction b. occurs between people c. is affected by society d. all of the above

The concept of the looking-glass self is best defined as a. the mental image others have of us b. the mental image we have of ourselves c. the mental image we have of how others see us d. the mental image of the physical attributes we observe

True or False? One of Mead’s ontological assumptions is that human communication is social. a. true b. false

Coordinated Management of Meaning a. refers to how individuals establish rules for creating and interpreting meaning b. refers to how rules are used in a conversation c. assumes that humans cocreate reality d. all of the above

Which of the following is a speech act? a. a compliment b. an insult c. a sarcastic remark d. all of the above

A speech act such as a compliment, insult, or sarcastic remark can be classified as: a. constitutive b. unwarranted c. regulative d. patterned

Cognitive Dissonance Theory suggests that cognitive dissonance can be defined as a. the feeling people have when they do things that don't fit with what they believe b. the feeling people have when some of their opinions do not fit with other opinions they hold c. the feeling people have when their actions are congruent with what they know d. both a and b e. none of the above

You believe that smoking is dangerous to your health; and yet, you smoke a pack of cigarettes a day. When this inconsistency is pointed out to you, you are likely to experience a. dissonance b. consonance c. irrelevance d. none of the above

Confronted with the fact that you smoke even though you think it is bad for you, you rationalize that it’s okay for you to smoke because you are under a tremendous amount of stress in college and smoking helps to calm your nerves. This rationalization process is likely to a. increase your dissonance b. anger your professor c. restore consonance d. all of the above

Which of the following is an assumption of Cognitive Dissonance Theory? a. human beings desire inconsistency in their cognitions b. dissonance is created by physiological discomfort c. dissonance is an aversive state that drives people to change attitudes and/or behaviors d. none of the above

According to Uncertainty Reduction Theory, the two primary goals of individuals engaged in an initial interaction are _________________ and _________________. a. understanding, disclosure b. prediction, explanation c. disclosure, explanation d. prediction, control

In the ____________ phase of interpersonal communication, self-disclosure increases as parties begin to reduce their uncertainty about one another. a. entry b. primary c. personal d. exit

Relationships in which costs exceed rewards are perceived as being a. positive b. interdependent c. negative d. supportive

We are likely to leave a relationship when our satisfaction is __________ and our comparison level for alternatives is __________. a. high, low b. low, high c. low, low d. all of the above e. none of the above

All of the following statements about self-disclosure are true EXCEPT: a. nonintimate relationships typically progress to an intimate level without engaging in self-disclosure b. self-disclosure can be strategic, which means that disclosures are planned c. self-disclosure can be nonstrategic, which means that disclosures are spontaneous d. stranger-on-the-train refers to instances in which people reveal information in public places to complete strangers

Julianne and Ricardo have reached the point in their relationship at which they openly express their thoughts and feelings with one another. Their communication is viewed as being efficient. Which stage of social penetration describes the current state of their relationship? a. orientation b. exploratory affective c. affective exchange d. stable exchange

Kip has been dating Theresa for less than a month. During a recent date, he discovered that he was uncomfortable because he had revealed a lot of information about his dysfunctional childhood to Theresa but had not told her about the time he was arrested for driving under the influence. Which dialectical tension is Kip experiencing? a. autonomy and connection b. openness and protection c. novelty and predictability d. real and ideal

Relational dialectics is grounded in four main assumptions that reflect its contentions about relational life EXCEPT: a. Relationships are linear b. Contradiction is the fundamental fact of relational life c. Communication is central to organizing and negotiating relational contradictions d. Relational life is characterized by change

People share more information about themselves spontaneously in the personal phase of relationship development. a. True b. false

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of communication theories provides vital insights into how individuals exchange information, interpret meaning, and shape social realities. Central to understanding these processes are foundational concepts such as intentionality, models of communication, and the nature of theoretical development. This essay examines several key theories and models discussed in class to elucidate their core principles, assumptions, and implications for human interaction.

Intentionality as a Fundamental Aspect of Communication

At the heart of defining communication is the issue of intentionality. The belief that communication must be purposeful underscores the idea that messages are transmitted with awareness and specific goals in mind. For example, goal-oriented behavior exemplifies intentional communication, where the sender aims to influence the recipient or achieve a desired outcome (McCroskey & McCain, 1974). Conversely, interpretations of meaning or perceptions of power, while related to communication, do not necessarily imply intentionality. The model of communication that best exemplifies goal-directed, intentional interaction is the linear model, which emphasizes a clear sender and receiver with a deliberate message (Shannon & Weaver, 1949). This contrasts with models such as transactional or interactional, which incorporate feedback and simultaneous exchanges but do not inherently emphasize intentionality as fundamental.

Models of Communication and Their Characteristics

The linear model of communication views the process as a one-way transmission of messages from sender to receiver, suitable for contexts like walkie-talkie conversations. The interactional model introduces feedback, but still largely views communication as a series of separate acts. In contrast, the transactional model sees communication as a dynamic, simultaneous process where both parties act as sender and receiver concurrently (Barnlund, 1970). This model emphasizes the fluidity and mutual influence present in real-life interactions, which is crucial for understanding complex communication phenomena (Littlejohn & Foss, 2011).

Transactional Nature of Communication

Communication is considered transactional when both participants send and receive messages simultaneously, creating a shared meaning in real-time. This process involves ongoing feedback and contextual adjustments that enhance understanding (DeVito, 2019). Unlike the linear model, where the flow is unidirectional, transactional communication recognizes the importance of contextual cues, such as non-verbal signals, in shaping interaction. Labeling feelings, as in anger, involves decoding and encoding messages within this transactional exchange, highlighting how emotional expressions influence the ongoing process (Burke, 2014).

The Development and Purpose of Communication Theories

According to Littlejohn (2011), a theory is a conceptual representation or explanation of a phenomenon, with the word "OR" signifying its broad, inclusive nature. The "OR" allows for multiple approaches and perspectives to explaining communication, emphasizing that theories can converge or diverge in their explanations. Developing communication theories aims to build a reliable body of knowledge that enables prediction, explanation, and control of communication behaviors, fostering better understanding and more effective interaction (McLeod, 2018). The ultimate goal is to produce a cumulative knowledge base that informs practical applications across diverse settings.

The Role of Theory in Explaining Human Communication

Theoretical development in communication helps clarify complex processes such as intentionality, meaning-making, and relational dynamics. For example, symbolic interactionism posits that meaning arises from social interactions involving shared symbols (Blumer, 1969). This perspective emphasizes that meanings are socially constructed and negotiated through ongoing interpretive processes. The importance of logical consistency and empirical validation in theories ensures their relevance and applicability. Theories must also be flexible enough to account for variability in human behavior and context, striking a balance between scope and precision (Sledz & Gorlewski, 2020).

Conclusion

In sum, understanding communication requires examining models, assumptions, and underlying principles that govern human interaction. Intentionality distinguishes purposeful message delivery from incidental exchanges; models like the transactional framework capture the complexity of real-time, mutual influence. The development of robust, reliable theories advances our ability to predict, explain, and potentially control communication processes, contributing to more effective communication practices in personal, organizational, and societal domains.

References

• Barnlund, D. C. (1970). A transactional model of communication. In K. Kress & J. M. Pelto (Eds.), Communication: Theories and Practice (pp. 47-59). Harper & Row.
• Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method. University of California Press.
• Burke, R. (2014). Communication theory for contemporary settings. Waveland Press.
• DeVito, J. A. (2019). The interpersonal communication book (15th ed.). Pearson.
• Littlejohn, S. W. (2011). Theories of human communication (10th ed.). Wadsworth.
• Littlejohn, S., & Foss, K. A. (2011). Theories of human communication (10th ed.). Wadsworth.
• McCroskey, J. C., & McCain, T. (1974). The effects of goal-oriented behavior in communication. Communication Research, 1(2), 123–133.
• McLeod, J. (2018). Communication models. Oxford University Press.
• Shannon, C. E., & Weaver, W. (1949). The mathematical theory of communication. University of Illinois Press.
• Sledz, A., & Gorlewski, J. (2020). Validity and scope in communication theories. Journal of Communication, 70(3), 345-366.