Who defined theory as the set of systematic hunches about the way things operate?

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FORCOMM 20013 COMMUNICATION MODELS AND THEORIESCOMPILED BY: Earl Jaynus Guzman

Table of ContentsMODULE 1: Foundations: Communication, Models, and TheoriesLesson 1: What is communication?Lesson 2: What are Models?Lesson 3: What is Theory?Lesson 4: The Objective – Interpretive ApproachLesson 5: The Nature of Knowledge and Ways of KnowingLesson 6: The Seven Traditions in the Field of CommunicaitonMODULE 2: Communication ModelsLesson 1: The Shannon and Weaver ModelLesson 2: The Lasswell ConstructLesson 3: Osgood and Schramm’s Circular ModelLesson 4: Dance’s Helical ModelLesson 5: Gerbner’s General Model of CommunicationLesson 6: Katz and Lazarsfeld’s Two-Step FlowMODULE 3: Theories of Interpersonal CommunicationLesson 1: Symbolic Interactionism / Coordinated Management of MeaningLesson 2: Expectancy Violations TheoryLesson 3: Social Penetration Theory / Social Information Processing TheoryLesson 4: Uncertainty Reduction TheoryLesson 5: Media Mutliplexity Theory / Communication Privacy ManagementLesson 6: Relational DialecticsMODULE 4:Persuasion and Influence, Group, Organizational, and PublicCommunicationLesson 1: Social Judgment Theory / Elaboration Likelihood ModelLesson 2: Cognitive Dissonance TheoryLesson 3: Functional Perspective on Group Decision MakingLesson 4: The RhetoricLesson 5: Cultural Approach to OrganizationsLesson 6: Critical Theory of Communication in OrganizationsMODULE 5: Mass CommunicationLesson 1: Media EcologyLesson 2: SemioticsLesson 3: Cultural StudiesLesson 4: Uses and Gratifications TheoryLesson 5: Cultivation TheoryLesson 6: Agenda-SettingMODULE 6: Cultural ContextLesson 1: Genderlect StylesLesson 2: Standpoint TheoryLesson 3: Muted Group TheoryLesson 4: Face-Negotiation TheoryLesson 5: Communication Accommodation TheoryLesson 6: Co-cultural Theory

Course OutcomesThis course introduces learners to the major communication theories that are thefoundation to understanding the discipline of communication. Here, students will bestudying theories of interpersonal, group, mass, and cross-cultural / interculturalcommunication that are central to a larger understanding of communications studiesproper. Students will also learn what to do with theory and how to apply communicationtheories to everyday communicative exchanges.Develop greater appreciation of communication as their chosen field ofspecializationRealize the important relationship between research and theoryRelate the concepts learned in introductory to those in advanced communicationcoursesAssociate himself/herself to the kind of science he/she belongs toApply specific communication theory concepts in his/her day-to-day activities inschool, at home and in the workplace.

Who defined theory as the set of systematic hunches about the way things operate?

I.What is a theory and what does it do?

A.Ernest Bormann defined theory as “an umbrella term for all

careful, systematic, and self-conscious discussion and analysis of

communication phenomena.”

B.This definition is purposefully broad, but may not be helpful in

providing a direction for study.

C.Judee Burgoon suggested that a theory is nothing more than “a

set of systematic informed hunches about the way things work.”

1.Set of hunches.

a.If a theory is a set of hunches, it means we aren’t

yet sure we have the answer.

b.Theories always involve an element of speculation

or conjecture.

c.A theory is not just one inspired thought or an

isolated idea.

d.Good theories define their key terms.

e.A theory offers some sort of explanation.

f.A theory offers some indication of scope.

2.Informed hunches.

a.A theorist’s hunches should be informed.

b.A theorist has a responsibility to check it out.

c.A theorist should be familiar with alternate

explanations and interpretations.

2. Hunches that are systematic.

a.A theory is an integrated system of concepts,

laying out both relevant terms and their

relationship to one another.

b.A theory ties together ideas into a unified whole.

2.Images of theory.

a.Theory might also be understood using descriptive

metaphors.

b.Karl Popper described theories as nets, a tool used

to grasp an elusive concept.

c.Theories can be seen as lenses which help focus

attention.

d.A communication theory is a kind of map that’s

designed to help you navigate some part of the

topography of human relationships.

II.What is communication?

A.No singular definition of communication is agreed upon by

communication scholars.

B.Frank Dance, who published the first comprehensive book on

communication theory, concluded that we’re “trying to make the

concept of communication do too much work for us.”

C.Communication is the relational process of creating and interpreting

messages that elicit a response.

1.Messages are at the core of communication study.

a.Communication theories deal specifically with

messages.

What is a set of systematic informed hunches about the way things work?

a theory consists of a set of systematic informed hunches about the way things work.

Is theory a set of hunches?

In everyday use, the word "theory" often means an untested hunch, or a guess without supporting evidence. But for scientists, a theory has nearly the opposite meaning. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can incorporate laws, hypotheses and facts.

When we say a theorist's ideas or hunches are informed we mean?

When we say a theorist's ideas (or hunches) are "informed," we mean: The theorist is familiar with alternative explanations for the topic of interest.

What is Judee Burgoon's definition of theory?

Judee Burgoon's definition of "theory" A set of systematic hunches about the way things operate.