COMM 25902 Communication Theory Final Exam Study Guide 1 What types of groups did Janis focus on in his theory of groupthink a Groups that are goal or task oriented 2 According to groupthink theory what is cohesiveness and why might it become a problem a Cohesiveness unity and consensus is a main goal so much so that it leaves little room for disagreement 3 Explain the concept of affiliative constraints presented in groupthink theory a Affiliative constraints when one member withholds their opinion for fear of being rejected or disrupting cohesion Because these are task or goal oriented groups they strive for cohesion so much so that there is no alternative opinions expressed 4 Describe the antecedent conditions of groupthink i e group cohesiveness structural factors and group stress and how the conditions relate to concurrence seeking Note Use Figure 14 1 in the course textbook as a guide West Turner 2010 p 248 a Antecedent conditions of groupthink 1 structural factors A Group insulation isolation causes insulation from outside events so that they don t affect group ideas B Lack of impartial leadership personal goals first C Failure to establish clear decision making procedures 2 Group stress A Internal or External B stress like time makes decision makers break down look to each other for moral support C Pressure to come to a conclusion 5 Define and give an example of each of the 8 symptoms of groupthink Note See Figure 14 1 West Turner 2010 p 248 A Overestimation of group invulnerability or inherent morality B Closed mindedness out group stereotypes C Collective rationalization collective rationalization minimize warnings that should prompt reconsideration D Pressure toward uniformity self censorship and illusion of unanimity silence is consent E Pressure on dissenters self appointed mind gaurds hide info pressure toward majority opinon F Self censorship don t talk G Integration 6 Geertz et al s organizational culture theory says that meanings within an organization are shared through exchanges of verbal and nonverbal symbols Using Table 16 1 in the course textbook as a guide see West Turner 2010 p 279 familiarize yourself with the different types of verbal symbols behavioral symbols and physical symbols A Verbal Symbols a b Jokes personal stories nickanmes Jargon myths corporate stories B Behavioral Symbols a Ceremonies rituals b Traditions customs and punishments C Physical symbols a Art design b Logos d cor dress appearence 7 Define and provide an example of each of the following concepts as described in organizational culture theory a ritual performances b passion performances c social performances d political performances and e enculturation performances A Ritual Performances a Performed on a regular and recurring basis b Personal task social organizational B Passion shows knowledge of the story enthusiastically relate to others C Social civility and politeness courtesy good morning how are you D Politics expressing influence communicate a desire to influence others E Enculturation learning about the organization knowledge and skills to be a contributing member Public Rhetorical Communication Chapters 18 20 8 What is Aristotle s definition of rhetoric A Available means of persuasion includes memory style delivery arrangement invention 9 What is an audience analysis and how does it relate to Aristotle s rhetoric A Audience analysis B analyze the audience use ethos pathos and logos to persuade C Must be ethical use of the above 10 Aristotle s proofs refer to the means of persuasion and for Aristotle 3 proofs exist ethos logos and pathos Define and provide an example of each of the 3 proofs A Ethos credibility i e credentials experience B Pathos emotion appeal to pity fear sadness excitement C Logos logic the arrangement of proofs like syllogisms to get your point across and appeal to the desire for logic 11 List define and describe each of the canons or rhetoric presented Note Use Table A Memory mastery and rehearsal of content B Style use of language C Delivery nonverbal presentation of ideas i e vocal cues and eye contact D Arrangement organization logical E Invention construction and development of content 18 1 in the course textbook as a guide West Turner 2010 p 317 12 Compare and contrast the rational world paradigm to Fisher s narrative paradigm Narrative Paradigm Humans are storytellers Decisions are based on good reasons Good reasons are biology culture tradition Rationality based internally The world is experienced by a set of stories being told that we have to choose from Rational World Paradigm Humans are rational Decisions are based on arguments Arguments adhere to some logical construction Rationality based on formal reasoning World can be reduced to a series of logical relationships 13 Explain the concepts of coherence and fidelity as outlined in the narrative paradigm Provide examples Fidelity does the story ring true does it sit right logic of reasons values in the narrative and are they useful for ideal human behavior relevance pattern of reasoning biography character culture Does it make sense Does it affect me in some way Coherence Structural do the elements of the story flow smoothly Material congruence between the story being told and other stories that seem to relate compare it to other stories they have heard that relate to the same theme Characterological are the characters in the story believable should show continuity of character in thoughts motives and actions COMM 25902 Final Exam Study Guide 2 Mass Mediated Communication Chapters 21 22 23 25 14 What is the main point of Hall s cultural studies Note See Theory at a Glance box on page 363 of the course textbook as a starting point West Turner 2010 Cultural studies not what information is presented but whose information it is culture is influenced by a few powerful groups especially within the media media messages are pervasive and a primary means by which a lot of people learn about the world around them media communicate a powerful idea about society and one s place in it 15 Define each of the following terms and describe how they are discussed within the context of cultural studies ideology hegemony false consciousness and counter hegemony Hegemony influence power or dominance of one social group over another Ideology Various norms values and premises that provide the frameworks through which we represent interpret understand and make sense of some aspect of social existence False