CS235 Chapter 1: The What and Why of Communication Research
Document Summary
Theory a description or explanation for what something means, how something works, or how something ought to work. A set of interrelated ideas and arguments that offer a general insight into some aspect of the world. Main job is to organize our thoughts and make an issue understandable. Axioms statements about the relationships among 2 or more concepts, relationships that have been demonstrated in previous research. Specify what we already know about communication or culture: used to show how interpersonal relationships develop/deteriorate. Propositions predict what relationships are likely among 2 or more concepts given what we already know. 2 major examples of communication theories based on formal logic. Berger/calabrese"s uncertainty reduction theory deals with interpersonal. Uses and gratifications theory addresses an audience"s role in mass. Metaphoric theories use one idea or story rather than axioms and propositions: used to explain/predict how general public engages with mass media.
