Communication Theories and Application Worksheet
Fill out the different cells with regard to each theory definition. You are to identify the name of the theory the example represents, who developed the theory (theorist), note the context of the theory (interpersonal, intrapersonal, group, etc.), and then provide your own brief personal or professional application example of the theory. Remember to use APA citation rules if you integrate information from your text or other sources.
Theory Definition
Identify the Theory and its Context (Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Organizational, Public, Intercultural, Mass)
Theorist(s)
Relevance of Theory
Application Example from your Personal or Professional Life
The theory explains why, as relationships develop, communication moves from less intimate levels to more intimate, more personal levels.
Social penetration theory.
Interpersonal context
Dalmas Taylor and Irwin Altman
Relations begin from less, more and to personal levels. Relations proceed in a systematic and an orderly manner and comprise of self-disclosure and dissolution
In romantic relations, trust is built as individuals stay in the relationship. Commitment also begins at low levels and progress as the two continue to stay together.
Theory explains how people hold expectations about the nonverbal behaviors of others. Violations of these expectations may trigger a change in the perception of exchange either positively or negatively, depending on the relationship. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Expectancy Violations theory
Group context
Judee K. Burgoon
The theory describes how individuals assess and resorts to sudden abuse of social standards.
When people interact with one another, they expect to hold together. Violation of those hopes have costs.
Theory explains the process that people use to manage the relationship between concealing and revealing private information.
Communication privacy management theory
Intrapersonal context
Petronio
Expounds on why people make specific decisions that reveal or hide certain facts.
Social media users do not reveal all information about themselves since it is private.
Theory explains how people experience a limited effect from media. Individuals are thought to be actively seeking specific types of media to generate specific needs. However, some theorists working within this model study how effects, such as attitudes and perceptions of social reality, can and do happen.
Cultivation theory
Mass context
Larry Gross and George Gerbner
Describes the effects of watching television for too long; it influences how they view reality.
Example is watching programs that discourage the use of certain substance such as alcohol, they tend to moderate consumption.
Theory explains why parties to communication experience conflicting pulls causing relationships to be in a constant state of flux. The closer individuals become to one another, the more conflict will arise to pull them apart.
Relational Dialectics
Group context
Hailey Furgerson
Parties who engage in communication exercise internal pull that sometimes cause conflict. This leads to dialectical strain and unrest
As relationships the duo in relationship experience pull that causes a state of uncertainty.
Theory explains meanings for routine organizational events, thereby reducing the amount of cognitive processing and energy members need to expend throughout the day.
Organization theory
Organizational context
Frederick Taylor
An organization is a type of social unit of individuals who work together to address a specific objective.
Example is investors who come together and forms partnership with the aim of making profits.
Theory explains how different cultures manage conflict and communication. The theory explains that the root of conflict is based on identity management on an individual and cultural level.
Face negotiation theory
Culture Context.
Stella Ting-Toomey
Describes how different cultures deal with conflicts. Communication forms the basis of negotiation. Cultural changes and other situational issues influence habits.
When individuals goes against set standards in their culture, they will face the consequences of going against set norms.
Theory explains how individuals act toward things on the basis of the meanings they ascribe to those things. The meaning comes from the social interaction that one has with others and society.
Symbolic interactionism
Group context
Herbert Blumer
A person reacts to certain issues depending on how they perceive the meaning of those things.
People react to s.
If people belief that using tobacco affect health, then they will desist from using tobacco.
Theory explains why people tend to remain silent when they feel that their views are in the minority.
Spiral of silence
Intrapersonal context
Neumann
People employ their sixth sense to assess public views and balance against their opinions. If they believe that their views are in line with public opinions, then they will reveal more.
When brainstorming, a person will provide ideas they think is in line with the topic under discussion.
Theory explains why certain groups in society are muted, which means they are either silent or not heard.
Muted group theory
Group context
Edwin Ardener
There is dominant and non-dominant groups in the society. Social believes characterize the muting practice. Laws regard men and women equally.
Certain communicates discriminate women, therefore, leading to gender discrimination.
Matching
Match the six communication theories with the appropriate definition by placing the letter of the definition in the blank.
Communication Theory
Definition
- __c__ Cultivation Theory
(a) Theory that explores the relationship between technology and social structures
- __a__ Coordinated Management of Meaning
(b) Theory is an audience-centered approach that states when an audience actively seeks out media, they are typically seeking it in order to gratify a need.
- __e__ Adaptive Structuration Theory
(c) Theory suggests that exposure to television, over time, subtly “cultivates” viewers’ perceptions of reality.
- __b__ Uses and Gratifications Theory
(d) Theory explains relational development (or lack thereof) between strangers.
- __d__ Uncertainty Theory
(e) Theory that sees communication as doing things fully as much as talking about them.
- _f___ Standpoint Theory
(f) Theory suggests standpoints influence how the people adopting it socially construct the world.