Theories in Communication & Media Studies (Lec-01)

  

Theories in Communication & Media Studies (Lec-01)

What is a Theory?

1.  A theory is a set of concepts and relationship statements that enables one to understand,
   describe, explain, evaluate, predict, and control things (phenomena). Theory-makers are
   puzzle-solvers. Humans naturally invent theories. We cannot resist solving
   puzzles Theories are why explanations of puzzling phenomena  Cragan and
   Shields, Understanding Communication Theory, 1998.
2.  Theory is a set of assumptions, propositions, or accepted facts that attempts to provide
   a plausible or rational explanation of cause-and-effect relations among a group of
   observed phenomenon
3.  Theory is a model or framework for observation and understanding that gives ample of
   dimensions in shaping the perception towards certain issue. Without theories, a problem
   cannot be solved in a proper time and manner. Theories provides a bigger lens to view
   the world.
4.  Theory is more accurately defined as a set of interrelated concepts that present a
   systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations for the purpose of explaining and
   predicting the phenomena.” -- Tucker, Weaver, and Berryman-Fink, in Research in
   Speech Communication, 1981, citing Kerlinger, Foundations of Behavioral Research,
   1973.

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Theories are maps of reality. The truth they depict may be objective facts ‘out there’ or
subjective meanings inside our heads. Either way we need to have theory to guide us
through unfamiliar territory. Griffin, A First Look At Communication Theory,
3rd ed. (1997)

What do theories do?

Five functions of theories:

1. Comprehension - theories promote understanding
2. Explanation - theories explain
3. Prediction - theories predict
4. Control - theories provide certainty

Criticism - theories provide a basis for evaluation and judgment
(adapted from Miller and Nicholson, Communication Inquiry, 1976; and
Anderson, Communication Theory, 1996).

What is communication theory?

1.  A communication theory provides a set of logically related general propositions
   (statements, ideas, beliefs) which permit the deduction of some outcome or characteristic
   of communication interactions and transactions.
2.  A communication theory provides a unifying explanatory mechanism; a means for
   explaining communication behavior.
3.  A communication theory has predictive power.
4.  A communication theory must be tested, requiring:
   Specification of the initial conditions that generate the theory.
   Clear identification of outcomes.
5. Communication theories are functional, that is, useful in some contexts but not in others.

6. Communication theories are stochastic (probabilistic) rather than deterministic (certain to happen).

Why do we need to study communication theory?

1.  Communication theory is interesting and important. It plays an important role in
   understanding of human beings.
2. (Richard West & Lynn H. Turner, 2014) said that communication theory helps to
   understand people and their communities, the media and associations with families, friends
   and companies.
3. People’s behaviors can be studied by learning communication theories. Why people behave
   like that? What people do in different situations?
4.  Communication theory also helps to explain how a relationship can be built between two
   persons.
5. Communication theories help us understand, to solve the “people puzzles” we encounter.
6.  Communication research helps us learn; to answer questions we develop about the
   “people puzzles

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