Summary Communication Theory

Theories are a series of interconnected proposals. Theories are an effort to describe, explain, predict, and finally control a period of events. We are able to base our experiments and select the contenders for the experiments off of our theories. We are able to test our theories by how well the cumulated data describes, relates to and predicts reality. Theories act as patterns for interpreting specific data that we may refer back to. These patterns ensure we stay on topic and are able to obtain the proper results needed to verify our theories.

A theory is described, as an idea or set of ideas generally intended to explain, to prove facts or events. Theory can be an idea that is suggested or presented as possibly true, that is not an ideas that relates to a particular subject (Merriam-Webster, 2015). Theory is an explanation of something. Theories in criminal behavior explains why an individual commits criminal and delinquent acts. This paper will compare and contrast two theories of crime or criminal activities that was discuss in this course.

1. What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory? (Pages 2 – 3)

When we talk about science, many people hear the term “theory”. The definition of a scientific theory can become confusing since many people interpret the meaning differently. When a person uses the term “theory” in a sentence it is usually used in a non-scientific way. They assume that a theory is something assumed, but not proven. When the term “theory” is used in science, it means an explanation based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning. It has been tested and confirmed as a general principle to explain phenomena. A scientific theory must be based on careful examination of facts. “A theory is a hypothesis or set of hypotheses that has stood the

Goodson (2010) defines theoretical thinking as the dynamic process of asking specific types of questions that focus on causes and obtaining answers to explain why phenomena occur. In other words, to think theoretically means applying a theory to conceptualize and to solve a problem. It requires extensive knowledge and consistent practice to approach unfamiliar problems and to find creative solutions (Goodson, 2010). Goodson (2010) later asserts that theory is “the end result [and] the outcome” of theoretical thinking (p. 8). By definition, theory “is a set of interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that present a systematic view of events or situations by specifying relations among variables…” (Glanz & Viswanath, 2015, p. 24).

Symbolic Interactionism attaches significant meaning to the value of communication. According to symbolic interactionism, people attach meanings to symbols based on their understanding of the symbols. For example, if marriage is important in a society,

Understanding the differences and similarities of interpretive and objective theory approaches is key to further expand one’s knowledge of communication studies. Author of A First Look at Communication Theory Em Griffin, describes interpretive theories as “the linguistic work of assigning meaning or value to communicative texts; assumes that multiple meanings or truths are possible” (Griffin, p.15). He also defines objective theory as “the assumption that truth is singular and is accessible through unbiased sensory observation; committed to uncovering cause-and-effect

Language is our thoughts expressed, it’s how we attempt to define ourselves and set ourselves apart as individuals or as part of a social gathering of living situation.

A theory is a scientific prediction. In class we discussed the theory called Intelligent Design, which is a concept that states God created humans and put them on earth ten thousand years ago fully formed and at the time the universe was only seven days old. The theory was discussed in class and is relevant to the debate. It was discussed whether or not intelligent design is a theory or just Bible fiction.

“A theory is an organized set of ideas that seek to explain a particular phenomenon. Theories are typically formulated when there is no empirical evidence” (p.8, book). Professionals must be able to understand the theories and research how to evaluate which theory to use in practice.

When studying communication, there are certain assumptions to be made. These assumptions vary depending on the paradigm that the researcher is following. In the Interpretive Approach, the major assumption is that humans construct their own reality, and researchers must tap into and understand that reality. This could not be truer, as everyone has their own perception of the world around them and reality in general. It is also assumed that the focus will be on the communicator. The Interpretive Approach draws focus on the creativity of humans rather than our predictability. Following the

Reading the book titled “Communication Theories in Action” written by Juliana T. Wood, showed and explained four goals of theories which are: Description, Explanation, Prediction or Understanding, and Reform (p.32). Reading these four goals of theories lead into an insight of understanding as I realized they are the building blocks of theory.

There are many definitions to theory. According to Akers (2009) “theories are tentative answers to the commonly asked questions about events and behavior” (Akers, (2009, p. 1). Theory is a set of interconnect statements that explain how two or more things are related in two casual fashions, based upon a confirmed hypotheses and established multiple times by disconnected groups of researchers.

Theory is an explanation of a happening or circumstance that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning.

Where humans are today is an absolute miracle significantly due to the process of collective learning. Collective learning is how individuals learned to do many fundamental tasks and how various cultures in the world developed. Early evidence of collective learning was found by archaeologists when they discovered human skulls that dated back about 200,000 years ago. These skulls had a more flexible jaw allowing those early humans to speak vocally. (Early Evidence of Collective Learning, Big History Project). Languages allowed humans to share information with each other and pass down information across countless generations. Humans have cultivated a complex and well-defined language that has allowed for collective learning in which we can progress much further as a society than any other animal group has.