Communications 201

What is communication? Check all that apply.

Symbols are arbitrary. What does arbitrary mean?

Symbols are abstract. What does abstract mean?

Symbols are ambiguous. What does ambiguous mean?

The main goals of theory are [blank_start]description[blank_end], to identify how and why something works and its key features, [blank_start]explanation[blank_end], which clarifies how these features interact with each other, [blank_start]prediction[blank_end], which helps to understand how to [blank_start]control[blank_end] the phenomenon, [blank_start]understanding[blank_end], which generates insight, and [blank_start]reform[blank_end], which advocates for positive social change.

There are two types of explanations: [blank_start]laws based[blank_end], which uses universal truths to explain phenomena, and [blank_start]rules based[blank_end], which explains patterns as a result of specific situations.

The five ways to evaluate a theory are by its: [blank_start]Scope[blank_end] [blank_start]Heurism[blank_end] [blank_start]Utility[blank_end] [blank_start]Testability[blank_end] [blank_start]Parsimony[blank_end]

Which of the following is NOT apart of the semantic triangle (from General Semantics theory)?

In General Semantics theory, the Ladder of Abstraction is organized with concrete description at the bottom and more abstract description the further up the ladder.

Which of the following are solutions that General Semantics suggest we should use in our everyday life to avoid misinterpretations?

Symbolic Interactionism argues that we acquire identity through personal reflection.

According to Symbolic Interactionism, [blank_start]Mind[blank_end] is the ability to use symbols that have common social and not intrinsic meaning, [blank_start]Self[blank_end] is the ability to reflect on ourselves from the perspectives of others. There are two complementary forces within this component known as the [blank_start]I[blank_end], which is imaginative and impulsive, and the [blank_start]Me[blank_end], which is analytical and evaluative.

Check all things that are true, according to Symbolic Interactionism.

The theory of [blank_start]Dramatism[blank_end] is responsible for the idea of Substance (an individuals nature and personality) and the desire to identify with others through a process called Consubstantiation.

The five main components of the Dramatistic Pentad are [blank_start]Act[blank_end] (what was done), [blank_start]Agent[blank_end] (who did it), [blank_start]Scene[blank_end] (where it was done), [blank_start]Agency[blank_end] (the means), and [blank_start]Purpose[blank_end] (why it happened). The Pentad is useful in order to analyze a speaker's motives.

According to Dramatism, what are the main reasons for why we communicate? Check all true answers.

There is such thing as the Dramatistic Hexad, and the last component is Attitude (how an individual positions themselves relative to others).

Dramatism suggests there are different ways to purge guilt. [blank_start]Mortification[blank_end] is the act of self-blame and admittance, [blank_start]Victimage[blank_end] is blaming external force(s) other than the speaker, and [blank_start]Scapegoating[blank_end] blames a specific external force for all the discomfort they feel, often through propaganda.