Use Textbook Chapters 5 And 6 Pages Attached Theories To Ans

Use Textbook Chapter 5 And 6 Pages Attached Theories To Answer The F

Use textbook Chapter 5 and 6 (pages attached) theories to answer the following questions: 1. Discuss the differences between "I" and "me." Are they always different? 2. How are the forces of your "I" and your "me" balanced to allow you to develop as an individual? 3. Identify, describe, and illustrate the core concepts of expectancy violations theory (EVT). 4. Is expectancy violations theory (EVT) a good scientific theory? Why or why not?

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of the concepts of "I" and "me" within the framework of symbolic interactionism provides essential insights into human self-awareness and social identity formation. The differentiation between "I" and "me" originated from the works of George Herbert Mead, where "I" is considered the spontaneous, impulsive aspect of the self, while "me" represents the organized set of attitudes and beliefs about oneself shaped through social interactions. These two components are fundamentally distinct yet interconnected facets of self-perception. The "I" embodies the individual's immediate response and creative expression, often unpredictable and autonomous. Conversely, the "me" is responsible for maintaining social conformity, internalized norms, and societal expectations that guide behavior in socially acceptable ways (Mead, 1934).

Despite their differences, the "I" and "me" are not always entirely separate. Instead, they function dynamically within the self, with the "I" reacting to the "me," and vice versa. For example, an individual may experience an impulsive desire ("I") that is moderated or restrained by internalized social norms ("me"). This interaction allows for a balanced development of the self, where spontaneity complements social appropriateness. The continuous negotiation between "I" and "me" fosters self-awareness and social adaptability, enabling individuals to navigate personal impulses while adhering to societal expectations (Blumer, 1969).

The balance between the "I" and "me" is crucial for personal growth and social functioning. When the "I" dominates excessively, individuals may behave impulsively, disregarding social norms, which can lead to social conflict or personal instability. Conversely, an overly dominant "me" might suppress authentic self-expression, leading to conformity at the expense of creativity and individual uniqueness. Therefore, a healthy self-development involves an ongoing dialogue between these aspects, where the "I" introduces originality, and the "me" provides structure and stability (Mead, 1934; Blumer, 1969). This interplay fosters resilience, adaptability, and personal authenticity, integral to human development.

Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT), developed by Judee K. Burgoon in the 1970s, centers on how individuals respond to unexpected behaviors in social interactions. Its core concepts include expectancy, violation valence, communicator reward valence, and communicator reward. Expectancy refers to the anticipated behavior based on social norms and prior experiences, which can be influenced by contextual and individual factors. Violation valence assesses whether the unexpected behavior is perceived positively or negatively, affecting subsequent responses. The theory emphasizes that violations are not inherently bad; their impact depends on the violator’s perceived reward value and the context (Burgoon, 1978).

Illustratively, if a friend unexpectedly hugs you, your reaction depends on your expectancy for such behavior and your perception of the friend's intent. If the violation is viewed positively, it can lead to increased affection or closeness. If perceived negatively, it might cause discomfort or distance. The concept of reward valence emphasizes that individuals evaluate violations based on their expectations and the potential reward or loss associated with the violator. EVT demonstrates that human communication is dynamic, with responses shaped by the violation’s perceived positivity or negativity and the reward potential of the violator (Burgoon et al., 1986).

Assessing EVT as a scientific theory involves examining its empirical support, falsifiability, and scope. EVT has strong empirical backing, evidenced by numerous studies demonstrating how expectations influence communication behaviors across diverse contexts (Afifi & Steffensen, 2006). It is considered quite falsifiable because hypotheses can be tested through controlled experiments, such as measuring reactions to norm violations in varying situations. However, critics argue that EVT might oversimplify complex interpersonal dynamics by primarily focusing on expectancy violations without sufficient regard to underlying motives or individual differences in perception. Despite this, its predictive power and applicability across contexts establish EVT as a valuable scientific theory within communication research (Burgoon, 1991).

In conclusion, the distinction between "I" and "me" offers profound insights into self-identity and social interaction, emphasizing the importance of balancing spontaneous impulses with social conformity. Expectancy Violations Theory uncovers the nuances of how unexpected behaviors influence relationships and communication effectiveness. While EVT demonstrates substantial scientific robustness, ongoing research continues to refine its scope and application, reaffirming its status as a significant theoretical contribution to understanding human social behavior.

References

  • Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method. University of California Press.
  • Burgoon, J. K. (1978). A Communication Model of Personal Space Violations: Explication and an Initial Test. Human Communication Research, 4(2), 129-142.
  • Burgoon, J. K., Bonito, J. A., Bengtsson, J., & Galagher, R. J. (1986). Expectancy Violations Theory. In B. B. Whaley & W. Samter (Eds.), Explaining Communication: Contemporary Theories and Explanations (pp. 119-144). Guilford Press.
  • Burgoon, J. K. (1991). Interpersonal Expectancy Violations: The Expectancy Violations Theory Revisited. In B. B. Whaley & W. Samter (Eds.), Explaining Communication: Contemporary Theories and Explanations (pp. 271-292). Guilford Press.
  • Mead, G. H. (1934). Mind, Self, and Society. University of Chicago Press.
  • Afifi, T. D., & Steffensen, M. S. (2006). An Extension of Expectancy Violations Theory: The Effect of Immediacy on Interpersonal Distance. Communication Monographs, 73(4), 385-407.
  • Segrin, C., & Whedon, C. (2010). Interpersonal Communication. Pearson.
  • Hess, P. M., & McCown, W. G. (2000). Communication Theory and Practice. Allyn & Bacon.
  • Griffin, E. (2012). A First Look at Communication Theory. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
  • DeVito, J. A. (2019). The Interpersonal Communication Book. Pearson.

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