COMM 203 - Exam 1 Questions and All
Correct Answers.
Define the different ways in which scholars define "communication" - Answer - the use of
symbols that stimulate meaning in others
- symbols are things such as words, gestures, speech, volume, and tone
- action, interaction, transaction
Identify the areas of research that are similar but different from communication studies -
Answer - communications
- gerontology
- sociology
- psychology
Identify the 4 properties of communication - Answer 1. Communication involves the use of
symbols
- symbol : object or idea whose meaning is arbitrary
- signs : directly connected to an object or idea
2. Communication requires meaning
- different symbols = same meaning
- multiple meanings = different context
- can change over time
- denotative and connotative meaning
3. Communication is cultural AND relational
- cultural bias
- this influences message formation and interpretation
4. Communication involves frames
- coordinating interactions/situations
- perspectives
ex) datings scripts ("the man should pay for the date")
Distinguish between denotative meaning and connotative meaning - Answer Denotative
Meaning : explicit or the dictionary meaning
Connotative Meaning : social or emotion meaning associated with a word
, Identify the 4 communication studies pathways - Answer 1. interpersonal communication
2. social media / mediated communication
3. strategic and organization communication
4. health communication
Identify, describe, and be able to provide examples the criteria for what a theory must include -
Answer 1. must be testable
can be observed/evaluated for its utility
2. be replicable
tests (studies) can be preformed again and again
3. falsifiable
able to be proven false
4. have a heuristic value
- able to solve problems/provide solutions
Understand the Sapir/Whorf hypothesis (Theory of Linguistic Relativity) - Answer - proposes
that "you think what you can say"
- the language you speak impacts how you view the world
- structure of the language we use influences the way we understand the environment
- "the limit of my language is the limit of my world"
- language shapes our perceptions and perception shapes our behavior....words have power!
What is considered empirical research? - Answer - WWII started our field (How could Hitler
have such a huge influence on all of those people?)
- research has to go through peer review process
- non empirical : blogs, opinions, etc.
Definition of interpersonal communication -
Understanding the criteria for interpersonal communication/relationships - Answer -
message exchanges that maximize the personal (Ex. characteristics unique to the individual)
- your roommate is unique yet an individual taking your order is not
- dyadic : face-to-face verbal - communication : occurring between two people who choose this
relationship
- intimate and meaningful exchanges
Identify at least three areas of research on interpersonal communication - Answer support
Correct Answers.
Define the different ways in which scholars define "communication" - Answer - the use of
symbols that stimulate meaning in others
- symbols are things such as words, gestures, speech, volume, and tone
- action, interaction, transaction
Identify the areas of research that are similar but different from communication studies -
Answer - communications
- gerontology
- sociology
- psychology
Identify the 4 properties of communication - Answer 1. Communication involves the use of
symbols
- symbol : object or idea whose meaning is arbitrary
- signs : directly connected to an object or idea
2. Communication requires meaning
- different symbols = same meaning
- multiple meanings = different context
- can change over time
- denotative and connotative meaning
3. Communication is cultural AND relational
- cultural bias
- this influences message formation and interpretation
4. Communication involves frames
- coordinating interactions/situations
- perspectives
ex) datings scripts ("the man should pay for the date")
Distinguish between denotative meaning and connotative meaning - Answer Denotative
Meaning : explicit or the dictionary meaning
Connotative Meaning : social or emotion meaning associated with a word
, Identify the 4 communication studies pathways - Answer 1. interpersonal communication
2. social media / mediated communication
3. strategic and organization communication
4. health communication
Identify, describe, and be able to provide examples the criteria for what a theory must include -
Answer 1. must be testable
can be observed/evaluated for its utility
2. be replicable
tests (studies) can be preformed again and again
3. falsifiable
able to be proven false
4. have a heuristic value
- able to solve problems/provide solutions
Understand the Sapir/Whorf hypothesis (Theory of Linguistic Relativity) - Answer - proposes
that "you think what you can say"
- the language you speak impacts how you view the world
- structure of the language we use influences the way we understand the environment
- "the limit of my language is the limit of my world"
- language shapes our perceptions and perception shapes our behavior....words have power!
What is considered empirical research? - Answer - WWII started our field (How could Hitler
have such a huge influence on all of those people?)
- research has to go through peer review process
- non empirical : blogs, opinions, etc.
Definition of interpersonal communication -
Understanding the criteria for interpersonal communication/relationships - Answer -
message exchanges that maximize the personal (Ex. characteristics unique to the individual)
- your roommate is unique yet an individual taking your order is not
- dyadic : face-to-face verbal - communication : occurring between two people who choose this
relationship
- intimate and meaningful exchanges
Identify at least three areas of research on interpersonal communication - Answer support
