drew and heritage inferential frameworks (1992)

Question 1

what is the theory drew and heritage proposed?

Answer 1

inferential frameworks:
explains how people make sense of communication within specific communities or settings.

Question 2

what is the core idea of the theory?

Answer 2

• members of a shared context, like a workplace, develop a common understanding of things like norms, values, and expectations.
• this shared knowledge acts as an “inferential framework” that allows them to interpret communication efficiently.

Question 3

what is the communication often conveyed through?

Answer 3

subtle cues like tone, pauses, or use of jargon (special words/expressions for professions that are difficult for others to understand.)

Question 4

what is an example of this in real life?

Answer 4

• doctor-patient conversation.
  patients might use vague language (“I don’t feel well”), but the doctor based on the medical knowledge can infer the potential issue.

Question 5

EVALUATION: what are two criticisms of this theory?

Answer 5

1- it focuses on specific settings, so it might not apply universally.
2- It also doesn’t fully account for power dynamics and potential conflicts within the setting, as power dynamics within the setting may influence who has more control over the communication (power asymmetry.)

Question 6

overall, what do drew and heritage’s inferential frameworks highlight?

Answer 6

it highlights the significance of shared knowledge and implicit meanings for effective communication.