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Communication Theories & Practices
MCOM 140
Dr. Carol Walker
Symbols of Communication
rodsmith.org.uk
What is Communication?
http://www.vtaide.com/lifeskills/verbalC.htm
Linear Model
Interactive Model
Defining Communication
• Dance’s Three points of variation:• Level of observation• Inclusive• “process that links discontinuous parts of living
world”
• Restrictive• “means of sending military messages . . . by
telephone, telegraph, or radio”
• Intentionality• Message sent purposefully or not
• Normative judgment• Evaluate success, effect or accuracy of message
Communication Theory
• Communications systematically studied since ancient times
• History• After WW I• Advances in technology & literacy• Increase education and involvement for children
• Post WW II• Propaganda• Use of video in education
Academic Study of Communication
• Interdisciplinary origin• Initially studied as part of the arts, sciences,
and humanities
• Communication becomes independent field• Organizing element• New professions and industries • Better communication became the answer•
“Communication Theory as a Field,” R.T. Craig
• Craig conceptualized Comm Theory• Comm never studied as a single theory• Unify the field through• Common understanding • Dialogue• Theorize through metamodel of communication• Metadiscourse• Used in special areas of communication to
develop experience• Provided 7 traditional standpoints
Craig’s 7 Traditional Standpoints
• Rhetorical
• Semiotic
• Phenomenological
• Cybernetic
• Socio-psychological
• Socio-cultural
• Critical
Model of Inquiry
• What is inquiry?
Questions
Observation
Constructing Answers
Theorizing
Types of Scholarship
• Scientific• Objective, standardized, general• Tells What• Replication• Goal: observe and explain world
empirically• Quantitative measurement and
statistics
Types of Scholarship
• Humanistic• Subjective & creative• Tells Why • Assumption: people are holistic• Goal: understanding
Types of Scholarship
• Social – Scientific• Includes elements of both Scientific
& Humanistic• Interpretation is complicated • Goal: Interpret and explain
Where does theory fit?
• ALL research should be based in theory• Supports and helps to define the research type• Provides a basis of understanding for the
approach• Enables scholar to analyze results and
establish a viewpoint
