Launching Your Study of Communication Theory

According to communication theorist Judee Burgoon, a theory is defined as which of the following?

Why does Judee Burgoon's definition of theory refer to a 'set of hunches' rather than a single hunch?

What is meant by the idea that a theorist's hunches should be 'informed'?

The idea that a theory is an integrated system of concepts that 'connects the dots' relates to which component of Burgoon's definition?

Which philosopher of science described theories as 'nets cast to catch what we call ‘the world’'?

What potential danger or limitation is associated with the 'theories as lenses' metaphor?

The 'theories as maps' metaphor suggests that a communication theory's primary function is to do what?

According to Frank Dance's research conducted about 50 years prior to the textbook's publication, how many definitions of 'communication' were cataloged?

What is the textbook's working definition of communication?

What synonym do communication theorists use for a message that can be analyzed, such as a book, film, or a transcript of a conversation?

The phrase 'creation of messages' in the definition of communication implies that the communicator is doing what?

What is the implication of Herbert Blumer's claim that 'humans act toward people or things on the basis of the meanings they assign to those people or things'?

A symbol that is open to multiple interpretations, such as the word 'intimacy' in the example of friendship, is described as being what?

The idea that communication is a 'relational process' means that it is not a 'freeze-frame snapshot' and primarily affects what?

According to the final component of the communication definition, what must a message do to be considered communication?

How many chapters that concentrate on a single theory are featured in the textbook following the initial 'Overview' section?

The textbook arranges theory chapters into four major divisions. Which of the following is NOT one of those divisions?

What is the stated purpose of the final 'Integration' division of the book?

What is the main purpose of using extended examples from movies, books, or TV shows in the chapters?

Why does the textbook make a consistent effort to link each theory with its creator(s)?

What is the purpose of the 'Questions to Sharpen Your Focus' feature at the end of each chapter?

The end-of-chapter feature 'A Second Look' is intended to serve what function?

What is the function of the italicized words within the 'Questions to Sharpen Your Focus' section?

The authors state that their response to a student who asks if they 'really think about communication theory when you're talking to someone' is 'Yes, but not all the time.' When do they say they tend to think strategically using theory?

What does the chapter suggest is the result of using the term 'communication' to describe almost every kind of human interaction?

The chapter refers to communication as a 'crossroads discipline'. What is the reason given for this label?

What distinguishes communication scholars from scholars in other disciplines who also study messages?

According to the chapter, why is 'consciousness-raising' a goal of several theories presented in the book?

The example of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus observing that 'one cannot step into the same river twice' is used to illustrate which feature of communication?

In the example of the mother and her son playing a game on his tablet, what is required for her question 'Do you have any homework?' to be considered communication?

What is the primary reason the textbook is structured with a one-chapter, one-theory format?

Theorist Judee Burgoon is cited as suggesting that if we care about the fascinating subject of communication, we've got to do what?

The metaphor of theory as a 'net' is potentially disturbing to the authors because it suggests what?

Which of the following is presented as an example of a 'text' that a communication theorist might study?

The case of the aircraft mechanic who chided the professor for being too full of theory is used to illustrate what point?

What does the phrase 'the map is not the territory' mean in the context of the 'theories as maps' metaphor?

Jennifer Slack is quoted as declaring that 'there is no single, absolute essence of communication'. What is the implication of this statement?

What does Celeste Condit suggest the communication process is more about?

The main body of the textbook is organized into four major divisions based on what?

The personal writing style of the authors (using 'I', 'my', 'me') is intended to achieve what?

What is the purpose of the 'Critique' section found in each theory chapter?

What is the intended function of the cartoons included in each chapter?

Which of the following is NOT one of the five essential features of communication highlighted in the textbook's working definition?

The authors suggest that after becoming familiar with a number of communication theories, the 'Integration' section can be an 'eye-opening experience' because it helps students to do what?

The definition of theory as 'an umbrella term for all careful, systematic, and self-conscious discussion' is attributed to which scholar?

What is the main limitation of the 'theories as maps' metaphor?

The textbook suggests that the 'one-chapter, one-theory' arrangement gives teachers the opportunity to do what?