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Similar to Theory final (1).pptx final presentation for theories of communication (20)
Theory final (1).pptx final presentation for theories of communication
- 2. Generally speaking, the term theory is a multifaceted term. It means a number of different things, depending on the context. In mathematics and the sciences, for example, a theory is a tested and testable concept which is used to explain an occurrence. For students of the arts, “theory” refers to the non-practical aspect of their work, while lay people refer to unproven ideas and speculation as theories.
- 3. . There are as many definitions to the term as there are many theories of communication. However, only a few of these definitions would be looked at so as to present the basic components of a "theory". There is no exact definition of "theory". So here are some notable definitions:
- 4. . A theory is a general law that states the relationship between two or more variables. A theory is a proposition that explains what happens between variables. "A theory is a statement that purports to account for or characterize some phenomena" (Barnum, 1990).
- 5. . "A theory is a provisional explanatory proposition, or set of propositions, concerning some natural phenomena and consisting of symbolic representations of a. the observed relationships among (measured) events, b. the mechanisms or structures presumed to underlie such relationships, or c. (any) observed data in the absence of any direct empirical manifestation of the relationships”.(Marx, 1976).
- 6. . "A theory is a set of interrelated constructs (concepts), definitions, and propositions that present a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations among variables, with the purpose of explaining and predicting the phenomena"(Kerlinger, 1986) 6. "Not until one has (concepts), and propositions stating the relations between them, and the propositions form a deductive system not until one has all three does one have theory." (Homans, 1964). 7. A set of constructs linked together by relational statements that are internally consistent with each other (Berger and Chaffee)
- 7. . Attributes of a Theory Communication scientists try to evaluate theories to see how sound they are before adopting them. The following list of attributes is what communication scholars look out for, in good theories. Explanatory Power Predictive Power Parsimony Internal Consistence Heuristic Provocativeness Durability
- 8. . 1. Explanatory Power The theory should be able to give plausible explanation for the phenomena it was constructed to explain. Also a good theory should be able to explain a good range of phenomena. The greater the number of phenomena a theory explains, the more powerful the theory.
- 9. . 2. Predictive Power A good theory should be able to predict events. It is however, possible that a theory may predict an event but may not be able to provide plausible explanations to that event.
- 10. . 3. Parsimony Simple theories are usually preferred to complex ones. Assuming that both simple and complex theories predict events and explain them equally well, it should be realized that "the complexity of a theory is directly related to the complexity of the reality it seeks to explain".
- 11. . 4. Internal Consistence The internal logic of a theory should be easily assessed without carrying out any test. For instance, a theory states that "students who work hard excel in their exams and subsequently in life". This theory and the variables therein should be easily assessed even without having to carry out empirical/scientific tests.
- 12. . 5. Heuristic Provocativeness A good theory should be able to generate new hypotheses which will expand the horizons of Knowledge. For instance, if a theory states that "those who drive under the influence of drugs die of motor accidents, this very theory should be able to generate the hypothesis that "if those who get drunk are chauffeur-driven, they will live very long lives".
- 13. . 6. Durability A good theory should be able to stand the test of time. It should be a statement or proposition that can stand for a long time without being flawed. On the other hand, some scholars contend that good theories are those that can be proved false. For instance, Popper (1963) "suggests that theoretical propositions should be attacked from a variety of angles to see whether they can withstand efforts to disprove them".
- 14. . Dimensions of Theory Theories are typically seen as consisting of four dimensions: (1) Philosophical assumptions, or basic beliefs that underlie the theory; (2) Concepts, or building blocks of the theory; (3) Explanations, or dynamic connections made by the theory; and . (4) Principles, or guidelines for action.
- 15. . Uses and Functions of Theories Fawcett and Downs (1992) say that theories allow us to impose order on naturally unordered experiences. They provide a systematic way of viewing random or chaotic experiences. Theories also give us a structure with which to look at the experiences, or at the data derived from the measurement of the experiences and order and analyse the data in a coherent manner. "The function of a theory then is to describe, explain or predict limited properties of reality"
- 16. . Bernard Cohen in 1994, drawing from the work of Larry Lauden in 1982 in Zeepedia, proposes that the central function of theory is to solve problems. According to Lauden: "The first and essential acid test for any theory is whether it provides acceptable answers to interesting questions." Theories can be used to address a number of type's problems. According to Lauden it can begin with three types of problems:
- 17. . 1. Empirical problems 2. Conceptual problems 3. Practical problems Empirical problems: An empirical problem is "anything about the world which strikes us as odd or otherwise in need of explanation". Conceptual problems: Conceptual problem exists when a particular theory exhibits inconsistencies that need to be clarified
- 18. . Practical problems The utility in solving practical problems has historically played a major role in both assessing and promoting theory construction. Within the field of communication, the role of theory in dealing with practical or applied problems is particularly important. Communication scholars often confront applied issues such as how to improve the provisions of health care how to enhance the effectiveness of problem solving organizational groups.
- 19. . Specific Definition of Communication Theory: Communication theory is a set of constructs linked together, relational statements consistent with each other and that explain what happens in communication. A set of propositions that show the relationship between the various variables that are at work in the communication process.
- 20. . Theories are very important in communication because: they are the foundation stones on which the practice of communication operates. Communication requires very sound theories for there to be an effective communication process. Good theories make for practicability of the phenomena (events/activities) in communication.
- 21. . In communication theory, we try to explain the various phenomena that constitute communication. Communication is a universal phenomenon, hence all other fields of study/disciplines use it. As scholars from these other fields borrow from communication they also, in some ways, influence communication, by introducing some of their own ideologies into the field of communication.
- 22. . Some of these ideas borrowed from other fields are The term ‘feedback’ which is borrowed from the field of Engineering, from 'Cybernetics' The 'diffusion of information' is borrowed from Chemistry from the diffusion of gases. Information metabolism is borrowed from biology from the metabolic processes of the human body (biology).
- 23. . So the communicator looks beyond the field of Sociology and the Arts and borrows from other fields. He or she has to be broad-minded, rather than narrow-minded otherwise, he or she will not be able to practice his or her profession effectively. From the foregoing, the most central concept in the various definitions of theory is the word PHENOMEMA. What therefore is a phenomenon?
- 24. . Phenomenon This is anything we can observe directly through our senses or indirectly through our mind. phenomenon, precisely put, is a THING. It can be anything one can think of. communication is a phenomenon. There are categories of phenomena:
- 25. . .