COM 100 Week 1 Individual Assignment Introduction to Communication Worksheet

Paragraph Questions

Answer the following questions in your own words. Each response must be written as an academic paragraph of at least 150 words. Be clear and concise, and provide explanations for your answers. Format your sources consistent with APA guidelines.

1. According to Introducing Communication Theory (2010), what is the definition of communication? What does communication mean to you personally? Provide an example.
2. Describe the differences between linear, interactional, and transactional communication.
3. Why is communication critical to developing self-concept? Provide an example of how communication has helped you develop your self-concept.

Myth or Reality?

Identify whether each of the following sentences is a myth or a reality. Explain your answers.

1. We communicate only when we consciously and deliberately choose to communicate.

Myth or Reality

1. Words do not mean the same things to the listener as they do to the speaker.

Myth or Reality

1. We communicate primarily with words.

Myth or Reality

1. Nonverbal communication is not perceived solely through sight.

Myth or Reality

1. Communication is not a one-way activity.

Myth or Reality

1. The message we send is identical to the message received by the listener.

Myth or Reality

1. You can never give someone too much information.

Myth or Reality

Matching

Match the seven contexts of communication with the appropriate definition by placing the letter of the definition in the blank.

1. _ Interpersonal

a. Communication within and among large, extended environments

b. Communication between and among members of different cultural backgrounds

c. Communication with a group of people

d. Communication to a large group of listeners

e. Communication with oneself

f. Communication to a very large audience through mediated forms

g. Face-to-face communication between people

1. _ Intrapersonal
2. _ Group
3. _ Public/Rhetorical
4. _ Organizational
5. _ Intercultural
6. _ Mass

Communication Theories

Match the communication theories with their descriptions by placing the letter of the description in the blank.

1. __ Social penetration theory
2. __ Communication accommodation theory
3. _ Spiral of silence theory
4. __ Relational dialectics theory
5. __ Rhetoric/dramatism/narrative paradigm
6. __ Muted group theory
7. _ Communication privacy management theory
8. _ Organizational culture theory
9. _ Agenda-setting theory
10. _ Face-negotiation theory
11. _ Organizational information theory
12. _ Symbolic interaction theory
13. _ Cognitive dissonance theory
14. _ Expectancy violations theory
15. _ Groupthink

Communication Theories and Contexts

Match the communication theories to their contexts by placing the letter of the context in the blank.

A. Intrapersonal

B. Interpersonal

C. Group

D. Organizational

E. Public

F. Intercultural

G. Mass

1. __ Social penetration theory
2. __ Communication accommodation theory
3. __ Spiral of silence theory
4. _ Relational dialectics theory
5. __ Rhetoric/dramatism/narrative paradigm
6. __ Muted group theory
7. __ Communication privacy management theory
8. __ Organizational culture theory
9. __ Agenda-setting theory
10. __ Face-negotiation theory
11. __ Organizational information theory
12. __ Symbolic interaction theory
13. __ Cognitive dissonance theory
14. __ Expectancy violation theory

References

Altman, I., & Taylor, D. A. (1973). Social penetration: The development of interpersonal relationships. New York, NY: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

Baxter, L.A. (1988). A dialectical perspective on communication strategies in relationship development. In S. Duck (Ed.), Handbook of personal relationships. 257-273. New York, NY: Wiley.

Burgoon, J. K. (1978). A communication model of personal space violation: Explication and an initial test. Human Communication Research, 4, 129–142.

Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.

Griffin, E. (1997). A first look at communication theory. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. In J. A. Anderson (Ed.), Communication Yearbook 14, 256–287. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

McCombs, M., & Shaw, D. L. (1972). The agenda-setting function of the mass media. Public Opinion Quarterly, 36, 176–185.

West, R. & Turner, L. (2004). Introducing communication theory: Analysis and application. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.