1. Communication
Theory WebQuest
Classroom Notes PowerPoint Creation
Introduction
Task
Process: pg1pg2pg3
Evaluation
Conclusion
Teacher’s Page
Communication Theories class 2011

2. Forward to
Your Task
Introduction >
 Communication Theory is a very important aspect of your
education. It is not only a requirement of a Communication
Studies major to know these theories, but your knowledge of
them will help you in the future. You’re probably wondering
though… how many theories are there? What do I need to
know about all these theories? How will I remember all this?
And why does this matter to me?
 In the following exercise, which should take you and your
group of five about three lessons, you will learn all about a
specific theory and answer these questions for yourself in a
hands on experience.
 You will also get the chance to present your creation to the
class.

3. Forward to
Process
Your Task >
 Your group will have the chance to research a Communication
Theory and create a PowerPoint with your research, like I have
shown you with our Intro notes. You’ll be presenting your Power
Point which will highlight the important facts of your assigned
theory. By the end of this exercise, you and your group will have
this information and more about your particular theory:
 Who was the major theorist of this theory?
 Why is this theory important?
 What are the basics?
 What are the most important things to know?
 You’ll also learn all this information about three other theories in
the same manner and assess your peers’ work.

4. Process
Page 2
Process
1.) Get in groups of 5. Make sure you are with a group of people you can contact
easily and get together with outside of the classroom. There should be 4 groups
total.
2.) One of the following theories will be assigned to you by the professor:
- Symbolic Convergence Theory
- Social Penetration Theory
- Cognitive Dissonance
- Spiral of Silence
3.) Once you have your theory, go to its resource page (linked above).
- Once you have seen your presentation date and resources, go to Process Page 2.

5. Process
Page 3
Process Page 2
4.) Split your group up and find the following information independently.
Divide the information needed between yourselves as you deem
necessary.
- Who created the theory? (Give a short biography, did they write
anything important)
- Give an introduction to the theory. Definition of the Theory itself.
- Most important points. (Terms with definitions, key concepts).
- Any other theorists?
- What does the theory focus on?
- Themes, Principles, Assumptions of the theory.
- What is this theory’s main view on Relationships?
- How does this theory apply to every day life?
-Any theories it is related to; any theories that came off of this one;
or a theory that led to this one being created.

6. Evaluation
Process continued
5.) When you have this information, collaborate with your group and then
open a new Power Point document to begin the creation of your project.
6.) The Power Point should be created similarly to the Power Points you
have seen in this class, given as notes. Make sure the font is readable
and large enough to be seen. Work together to create it. One person
should not be the only creator.
7.) When you have made and finished your Power Point, make sure there is
a resources page. It should include the resources given to you by the
professor AND your own resources you may have used. Then, save it to
someone’s Travel Drive as back up and email it to me.
8.) Prepare your presentation of your Power Point notes project to be
presented to the class on the date given on your theory’s resources
page. The work on this should be done outside of class.

7. Conclusion
Evaluation
The important factors of your grade will be:
1.) Group work
2.) The Power Point itself
3.) The presentation to the class
Here is a Rubric that you should follow to make sure all
your work is complete and accurate. Keep it in mind as
your create your Power Point.

8. Teacher’s
Page
Conclusion
 You have now finished your Power Point class notes project. Congratulations!
 The information you have learned through this WILL be helpful to you in the
future. Your research class requires a paper on a Communication theory,
journalists need knowledge of these theories to react properly to certain
relational situations, and there are many other situations in which you will use
these theories.
 Keep looking to these theories in the future for your own personal use too. When
you’re confused about a friend’s reaction to something, or why a certain
relationship works, you can check these out…even just for fun!
 Anyway, you need the knowledge of these theories not just for the tests but for
the paper due at the end of this class too!
 I hope you enjoyed learning about your theory and take what you’ve learned with
you.

9. Teacher’s Page
 Krista Hess
 Communication Studies Professor at ______________ .
 B.A. in Communication Studies from East Stroudsburg
University
 kmh0580@esu.edu for more information or any
questions.

10. Resources
 Rubistar

11. Symbolic Convergence Theory
Resources
 Presentation to class: February 2nd
 Chapter 3, A First Look at Communication Theory (7th Ed)
 COLORADO SITE
 Fantasy Theme Analysis

12. Social Penetration Theory
Resources
 Presentation to class: February 25th
 Chapter 9, A First Look at Communication Theory (7th Ed)
 Theory Workbook
 Oregon State

13. Cognitive Dissonance Resources
 Presentation to class: March 30th
 Chapter 16, A First Look at Communication Theory (7th Ed)
 Colorado Theory Site
 Psychology World

14. Spiral of Silence Theory Resources
 Presentation to class: April 22nd
 Chapter 29, A First Look at Communication Theory (7th Ed)
 Hayes, Andrew F. “Exploring the Forms of Self-Censorship: On the Spiral of
Silence and the Use of Opinion Expression Avoidance Strategies.” Journal of
Communication 57.4 (2007): 785-802
 Neuwirth, Kurt. “The Spiral of Silence and Fear of Isolation.” Journal of
Communication 57.3 (2007): 450-468
 Theory Workbook