Theories of Communication
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This document provides an overview of several communication theories: 1. Standpoint theory proposes that people experience situations from their own social standpoint and perspective. Members of marginalized groups have different experiences than mainstream groups. 2. Muted group theory suggests that language serves some groups better than others. It argues that men have dominated the development of language and that women's experiences are not fully represented or expressed. 3. Groupthink theory explains how the desire for conformity in cohesive groups can result in irrational and poor decision-making by failing to consider alternative perspectives. 4. Face-negotiation theory examines how different cultures manage conflict and negotiation, with some emphasizing saving face and avoiding damage to groups more than others
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Theories of Communication
- 1. Deborah Adams Theories of Communication MutedGroup
- 2. Disciplines that studies principles of transmiting information Introduction Groupthink Cohesive groups may fail to consider alternatives. Muted Group Theory Language serves certain groups better than others. Standpoint Theory People occupy different places in social hierarchy. Face-Negotiation Vaious cultures manage conflict/negotiation differently. Rhetoric Based on means of persuasion.
- 3. Women’s and Men’s Standpoint differs Standpoint Theory – People are situated in specific social standpoints What does it mean? Because individuals view things from particular vantage points, each vantage point only provides a partial understanding of the social whole. It’s about the different ways that people experience situations Questions the notion of objectivity Focuses on lived experiences Like other theories proposes that differences are to be embraced rather than conformities. People view social situations from particular vantage points
- 4. Women’s and Men’s Standpoint differs Standpoint Theory – People are situated in specific social standpoints Where did it come from? Theory grew from notions about power and power in society People’s lives are sources of “expertise” Members of marginalized groups have experiences different from those of mainstream group
- 5. Language serves men better than women Muted Group Theory – Why some are better served than others The barriers White men are named clearly in language, whereas the experiences of women are not. A critical theory concerned with how power is used against people. Language is a culture bound resulting in male- bias language. Women are muted group, left out of the creation of words. Men create words and meaning for culture. Women are left without means to express what is unique to them.
- 6. Language serves men better than women Muted Group Theory – Why some are better served than others The Assumptions: • Men/Women have different world views • These different experiences results in the performance of different societial tasks Men enact power politically. Women must convert their unique ideas, experiences, and meanings into male language. Women understand men’s meaning, but men don’t understand women’s meaning. Women have a more difficult time expressing themselves. Women create words to provide special and unique meanings to women.
- 7. Muted Group Theory – Why some are better served than others ”Women perceive the world differently from men because of women’s and men’s different experience and activities rooted in the division of labor” (Kramarae, 1981). Muted Group Theory Video, 2010 Male titles are not determined by his relationship, in comparison a woman’s titles (Mrs. and Miss) are reflective of relationship status.
- 8. S a un Fail to consider alternatives Groupthink – Share dissimilar ideas Phenomenon •Conditions in groups promote cohesiveness •Problem solving in groups is a unified process •Groups and group decision making are complex Cohesiveness is the foundation of groups which may hinder alternative viewpoints When striving to ‘get along’ in groups, there is not a predisposition to disrupt by offering ‘out the box’ suggestions Problem –solving and task- oriented groups are complex The similarity of characteristics in group members can foster Groupthink
- 9. S a un Fail to consider alternatives Groupthink – Share dissimilar ideas Symptoms •Overestimation •Closed-mindedness •Uniformity Pressures •Out-Group Stereotypes •Inherent Morality Belief Behaviors suggesting the group is more than it is. Group ignores differences in people and warnings about poor group decisions Members go along to get along Influence on members who provide thoughts contrary to the group’s
- 10. S a un Groupthink Video Groupthink – Share dissimilar ideas Defined A mode of thinking people engage in when they are deeply involved in a cohesive group, the strive for unanimity overrides the realistic appraise of alternative actions (Janis 1982) “Groups bring about the worst as well as the best” (Janis, 1982) Variables of groupthink: cohesion, insulation, and impartial leadership
- 11. Face-Negotiation Theory- Manage conflict differently Concerns & Conflict Negotiation Saving Face Intercultural communications are dynamic Individualistic culture, and people from collectivistic cultures use different ways to resolve conflict. What seems right and natural to one culture may seem inappropriate to members of another. Seen as conflict resolution between cultures with differing styles. Different viewpoints of members of collectivist and individualistic cultures.
- 12. Face-Negotiation Theory- Manage conflict differently Concerns & Conflict Negotiation Criticism • Some collectivistic cultures value egalitarianism • Theory ignored or viewed as ineffective Collectivist cultures emphasize collective and avoid things that might damage the group. To collectivist saving group’s face is primary. The theory has been criticized since its introduction Individualistic cultures emphasize individual members the face of group is secondary.
- 13. Rhetoric Theory – Blast from the Past Rhetoric Video Aristotle •Rhetoric was a teachable skill •Established in Athens •Rhetoric could make the weaker argument the stronger Assumptions of Rhetoric: 1. Consider the audience 2. Use proofs in the presentation Defined by Aristotle as the available means of persuasion Defined by Farrell as productive, constit utive and inventional art. Brings the audience directly into the picture as co-participant
- 14. World-view The Dynamics Gender Differences Ontology Epistemology Empirical Interpretive Critical
- 15. Communciation fosters understanding Perspectives on the five-favorites are that these theories are aligned with my value of quantiative measures. Conclusion Word-view Systematic empirical research as related to the learning and teaching of knowledge & knowing is, in part, my world-view.
- 16. Communciation fosters understanding Conclusion cont‘d Word-view Perspectives on the five- favorites are that these theories are aligned with my value of quantitative measures. Systematic empirical research as related to the learning and teaching of knowledge & knowing is, in part, my world-view.
- 17. Communciation fosters understanding Conclusion cont‘d Word-view The theories selected are closely aligned with my valued beliefs and valued technique of learning. Adverse or disapproving judgments do not matter in as much as experience or observations. If an empirical matter is critical, it is accepted based on the logical proofs within context. Interpretive theories are valued as being an expansion of knowledge spread through models, concepts, beliefs, experiences, understanding, etc. for one and all to glean from and pass down the line.
- 18. Works Cited CIM601 18 Farrell, Thomas. Rhetoric in History as Theory and Praxis: A Blast from the Past. University Park, PA: Philosophy and Rhetoric, Vol. 41, No. 4 2008. Print. Turner, Lynn, et al. Introducing Communication Theory: Analysis and Application. McGraw- Hill: New York, 2010. Print. Barnett, B. (2009). From Theory to Classroom: Some Practical Applications of Standpoint Theory. Feminist Teacher. Muse.jhu.edu Baer, J. (1998, Spring). Muted Group Theory by Cheris Kramarae. University of Colorado at Boulder. Rose, J. (n.d.). Diverse Perspectives on the Groupthink Theory – A Literary Review. Regent University. (2013). Face Negotiation Theory. Communication Studies.
Editor's Notes
- My five favorite theories are based in theories that are observed, experience and contain disapproving judgments. (empirical and critical)Although I wrote research paper on the Rhetoric theory, my favorite of all theories, in this presentation only summaries of each theory and how they interrelate with my world-view will be examined.Standpoint Theory – is deemed to be both empirical and critical. As will be described in following slide(s).Muted Group Theory – rests on three assumptions and five hypotheses about male/female language and interactions. I deem this theory to be empirical, interpretive and critical. Groupthink – is deemed empirical and interpretive as it speaks to the symptoms of Groupthink (overestimation, closed mindedness, and pressure toward uniformity) and how they lead to defective decisions rather than valued resolve of dilemmas.Face-Negotiation Theory- involves the interpretation of the dynamics of intercultural communication.Rhetoric Theory – I deemed mostly empirical and critical in that it speaks to all methods of the act of persuasion, which also should be used in conjunction with rhetorical proofs like logical, emotional and ethical to appeal to the audience’s sensitivities. As you advance through each slide a comprehensive meaning of each theory will unfold along with my world-view that will become apparent by the end of the presentation.
- *There is a strong similarity between Standpoint and Muted Group theories. As they both examine/explain differing points of view, language type, experiences of genders and racial/ethnic groups. These inferences in said theory are made through observations and empirical interpretations.
- Hartsock Harding in “Feminist” notes that “strong objectivity” that examines our own beliefs and values should be looked in analyzing how they impact research questions, interests and practices.**According to Harding, biases should be acknowledged in an effort to produce less partial and distortion in the world-view.
- The theory is said to be critical because it speaks to power and the influence of a particular group (white men) over language, expression of ideas and creation.It is said the the Muted Group theory was first proposed by Edwin Ardener to explain why certain groups in society are not heard. I decided to use the gender perspective, which demonstrates the power play between men and women because women are perceived to be less powerful. Baer, J. (1998). Muted Group Theory by Cheris Kramarae.
- According to the theory, since men have preserved the right to create language they are the ones to benefit most by the way it is constructed.From my perspective, this theory studies knowledge and knowing (epistemology) and as such is mostly critical in comparison to empirical and interpretive. The criticalness of the theory is demonstrated in many examples:Women make approximately 75 cents for every male made $1 to perform equal tasks.Men sustain their power, to an extent, by suppressing women’s positions on issues within the organization.Of the Fortune 500 company heads female CEOs represent about 3%In 2009, women held 15.2% of Fortune 500 board seatsIn 2009 and 2010, 12% of Fortune 500 companies had no women serving on their boards. (USA Today, 2011)
- The above noted are explanation are by Warner & Turner of Groupthink (242-243) who also argues a point that groups are usually better problem solvers than solitary individuals.Cohesion differs from one group to another and can produce varying results (245).
- Groupthink is said to be in existence for 40 years with 24 models and experimental studies limited to a few of those models. When symptoms are present it is highly probable that groupthink has occurred.
- Groupthink, from my perspective, is epistemology in that it studies knowledge as it relates to methods of human behavior. ***Groupthink is said to have occurred when decisions are made against an individual’s better judgment.Some suggestion that may prevent groupthink:An open climate of giving and accepting criticism should be encouragedLeaders should refrain from stating personal preferences and should foster open inquiry.Bring in outside experts from time to time to challenge views.There should be a few devil’s advocates during every group meeting.Reconsider the decision before going public
- First conceived by Stella Ting-Toomey (1985), was born from frustration with interpersonal conflict communication theories of the era.
- Face is the image of one’s self that people display during conversations with others. According to this theory it is maintained, lost or strengthened (West & Turner, 450).A model of face-negotiation that I ascribe most to is that of ‘Approbation Facework’ where there is more focus on the positive aspects of another than the negative aspects (452). It reminds me of the song lyrics, ‘Ac-cent-Tchu-ate the positive’ by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer. In short it speaks to putting all differences aside by focusing on the positive to build towards resolution.
- I simply understand Rhetoric in this way it uses all available means of language to make an argument more effective. The tools of rhetoric known as logos ethos, and pathos help to make your point. Further I believe that it is both an art and a gift and all persons taught the concepts of rhetoric may not be successful in effective persuasion. Hence the need for professional speech writers or writers.
- In pulling it all together it is noted that some theories had similarities.Standpoint and Muted Group theories had similarities on how different experiences/situations influences relationshipsThese theories are also noted to be similar in how they focus on dissimilar groups communications namely male/femaleGroupthink and Face negotiation are similar when noting how factors in both theories lend to probable outcomes. Additionally, the core concept of Groupthink is to save the face of the group where the concept of Face negotiation, depending on the culture, is to save face of individual or the face of the group.
- The theories selected are closely aligned with my valued beliefs and my method of learning. Adverse or disapproving judgments do not matter in as much as experience or observed occurring. However if the an empirical matter is critical it is accepted based on the logical proofs within context. Interpretive theories are valued as being an expansion of knowledge spread through models, concepts, beliefs, experiences, understanding, etc. for one and all to glean from and pass down the line.
- The theories selected are closely aligned with my valued beliefs and my method of learning. Adverse or disapproving judgments do not matter in as much as experience or observed occurring. However if the an empirical matter is critical it is accepted based on the logical proofs within context. Interpretive theories are valued as being an expansion of knowledge spread through models, concepts, beliefs, experiences, understanding, etc. for one and all to glean from and pass down the line.