Part 2- Chapter Two

Question 1

Theoretical significance

Answer 1

Do the empirical findings support a theory or no?

Question 2

Statistical Significance

Answer 2

Are the results random or due to chance? Always start here before moving to theoretical significance.

Question 3

Falsification:

Answer 3

To find a theory to be false. We can’t “prove” anything but we can have confidence in things.

Question 4

Testability

Answer 4

Real tests afford the possibility of negative results.

Question 5

Reliability

Answer 5

Results should be consistent, never random events.

Question 6

Validity

Answer 6

Are the measures valid? Is it a true measure for what it claims to be measuring?

Question 7

Heuristic Value

Answer 7

Is it useful? Can the theory solve problems or provide solutions closest to the best solution? Does it work? Good theory inspires.

Question 8

Parsimony

Answer 8

Reducing a theory to its simplest form.

Question 9

Logically consistent:

Answer 9

Make sure the principles of the theory are related and consistent with one another.

Question 10

Revolution:

Answer 10

Describes moments when we realize our theory is completely wrong!

Question 11

Extension:

Answer 11

Theory grows by adding knowledge/new concepts.

Question 12

Intension:

Answer 12

Intensifying an existing variable.

Exercise + diet is not enough, intension would be running, weights, and diet.

Question 13

Extension+ intension:

Answer 13

Theories can change by a combination of both.

Question 14

Reductionistic:

Answer 14

Theory organizes experience.

Question 15

Explanation:

Answer 15

Understanding how an event occurs.

“Why?”

Question 16

Prediction:

Answer 16

Answers the question when

Question 17

Control

Answer 17

Ability to alter elements to achieve a specified outcome given certain situational factors in the future.

Question 18

Philosophical Normative Approach

Answer 18

We approach our own behavior with a subjective bias. We can’t study ourselves without bias.

Question 19

Sociopsychological-

Answer 19

Psychologically we all share the same traits while communicating. What’s going on in our minds is the same.

Question 20

Cybernetic

Answer 20

Maximizes signal: lessens the amount of noise in the channel.

Question 21

Rhetorical

Answer 21

Speakers using right language at right time to persuade or motivate their audience.
Ex- Martin Luther king I have a dream.

Question 22

Phenomenological

Answer 22

2 assumptions.
1- we could never know what it’s like to be someone else.
2. the only thing that gives us a chance to understand someone else is communication.

Question 23

Sociocultural

Answer 23

Collection in community.

Ex- Santa pictures at Christmas, hand over heart during national anthem.

Question 24

Critical

Answer 24

How communication facilitates power imbalances or other major crisis. Moments where communication doesn’t work in our favor.

Question 25

Semiotic

Answer 25

Units that make up communication. What meaning is built from.