Foundations of Communication Theory
Framework for Organizing Comm Theories
The Communicator
The Message
The Medium
100

Which criteria for assessing a theory describes the theory’s ability to aid in learning as a tool?

Heuristic Value 

100

Which tradition of communication theory understands that reality is socially constructed through interaction in groups and communities?

Socio-psychological

100

Which trait theory explains the degree of anxiety associated with real or anticipated oral communication?

Communication Apprehension

100

Which message foundation theory describes how a language’s structure has an affect on the way the world is viewed and experienced? 

Linguistic Relativity 

100

Which content and effects theory describes how TV use cultivates/produces a common culture?

Cultivation Theory

200

Which criteria for assessing a theory provides internal consistency throughout the theory?


Coherence

200

Which cornerstone of communication understands how communication organizes the interactions of individuals into social groups?

The Social

200

When understanding the the biological dimensions of human communication, what word is used to describe how the sensuous body interacts with elements, events, processes, and histories in the environment?

Emplacement

200

Which theory expresses how storytelling is universal and how humans make sense of life by storytelling?

Narrative Theory

200

Which motivation, uses, & consumption theory explains how media content and interpersonal networks shape an opinion’s popularity?

Spiral of Silence 

300

Which aspect of philosophical assumption raises questions of knowledge? 

Epistemology

300

As part a speech making, what are invention, arrangement, style, delivery, and memory all categories of?

Five Canons of Rhetoric

300

what type of cognitive processing describes the mental discomfort experienced when holding two or more contradictory beliefs?

Cognitive Dissonance 

300

Which message foundation explains how we create and interpret meanings through language social interactions?

Coordinated Management of Meaning

300

Under Medium Theory and Medium Ecology proposes that the medium itself—rather than just its content—shapes society. What is the media sharing with the audience?

The message 

400

Which dimension of theory identifies a logical source as an explanation to an action? For example: causal explanation = this caused that and practical explanation = reaching for a goal.

Explanations

400

Which tradition of communication theory investigates how power, oppression, and privilege are the products of certain communicative patterns and practices in a society?

Critical 

400

Which strategic management theory explains why it is more comfortable to know someone when you are more certain about them?

Uncertainty Reduction 

400

Which aspect of Message Design Logics Theory follows socially appropriate roles/rules/procedures to get things done?

Conventional

400

Which content and effects theory claims that media effects should focus on inclusivity and social justice issues by considering the pillars of power?

Critical Media Effects  

500

Which dimension of theory outlines the basic beliefs that underlie the theory?

Philosophical assumptions

500

Which part of semiotics (the study of signs & symbols) identifies the ways signs are combined into complex systems of meaning?

Syntactics

500

Which self and identity biological dimension of human communication seeks to understand and explain the interconnectedness of social identities and how those interact with systems of oppression, power, and privilege to create unequal social contexts?



Intersectionality 

500

Which messages in action theory assumes that a mild dose of an attack on someone’s belief will build resistance to future persuasion?

Inoculation Theory

500

Which medium and production theory examines how symbolic goods (media, art, and knowledge) are created, distributed, and consumed within specific social, economic, and political contexts?

Media and Cultural Production