Test Your Knowledge With Terms And Definitions

This answer suggests that critical studies are based on the examination of dialect and context. This means that critical studies analyze and interpret texts by considering the language and cultural background in which they were written. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the text and its implications within a specific cultural and linguistic context.

The explanation for the correct answer is that Communication Accommodation Theory states that individuals adjust their communication style to match or accommodate the needs of the person they are communicating with. This theory suggests that people adapt their language, accent, tone, and other aspects of communication to establish a connection and make the conversation more comfortable for the receiver. Therefore, the statement "Communication accommodation theory is defined as a message producer alters or shifts the form of their message to meet the needs of a message receiver" is true.

The explanation for the given correct answer is that according to the concept of deconstruction, reality is not an objective truth, but rather a construction that is influenced by language, culture, and individual perspectives. Therefore, nothing can be considered as true unless it is perceived and interpreted as such. This implies that truth is subjective and varies from person to person, making the statement "Reality is rhetorically constructed, and nothing can be taken as true unless thought to be" true.

Performance theory explores the idea that drama and theatrical elements are not limited to the stage but are also present in everyday life. It suggests that various aspects of human behavior, such as the way we present ourselves, interact with others, and navigate social situations, can be seen as performances. This theory emphasizes the performative nature of human existence and highlights the ways in which individuals actively construct and present their identities in different contexts. Therefore, the statement "Performance theory addresses how drama is part of everyday life and not just a stage" is true.

The explanation for the given correct answer is that the agenda setting theory suggests that mass media has the power to influence and shape public opinion by determining the information that the public will see. This theory argues that the media plays a crucial role in deciding which topics and issues are important and deserving of public attention. By highlighting certain issues and downplaying others, the media can effectively set the agenda and influence what the public thinks about and prioritizes. Therefore, it is true that the agenda setting theory describes the way mass media sets agendas or priorities for the public.

Semiotics is indeed the process of studying how information is transmitted, received, and interpreted as a process of understanding signs. It involves analyzing and interpreting signs, symbols, and gestures to understand their meaning and how they communicate messages. By studying semiotics, we can gain insights into how communication works and how meaning is constructed in various contexts. Therefore, the given answer, "True," is correct.

The statement is true because the mathematical model of communications, known as the Shannon-Weaver model, includes the concept of signal degradation or noise. As a message is transmitted through a communication channel, it can be affected by various factors such as interference, distortion, or loss of information. These factors can cause changes or degradation in the message, leading to a difference between the original message and what is received at the destination. Therefore, the statement accurately reflects the principle of the mathematical model of communications.

Ethnographic methods involve conducting observational analysis in which the researcher fully immerses themselves in studying a particular community of people. This method requires the researcher to spend a significant amount of time in the community, participating in their activities and observing their behavior. By doing so, the researcher gains a deep understanding of the community's culture, beliefs, and practices. Therefore, the statement that ethnographic methods involve extensive involvement in investigating a community of people is true.

The explanation for the answer "False" is that Dramatism is not a method of observational analysis where the researcher is extensively invested in the investigation of a community of people. Dramatism is actually a method developed by Kenneth Burke that focuses on analyzing human behavior and communication through the lens of drama and storytelling. It examines how individuals use symbols and language to create meaning and understand their social interactions.

The statement suggests that communication patterns remain the same when initiating a conversation, which is not supported by the uncertainty reduction theory. According to this theory, when individuals initiate a conversation, the primary goal is to reduce uncertainty and gather information about the other person. Communication patterns can vary during this process as individuals may use different strategies to gather information and reduce uncertainty. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

The narrative paradigm theory is not a method of observational analysis. It is a communication theory proposed by Walter Fisher that suggests humans are storytelling beings and that our communication is based on storytelling. It focuses on the role of narratives in shaping our understanding of the world. Therefore, the given statement is false.

The explanation for the answer "False" is that the ritual model of communication is not a method of observational analysis. Instead, it is a theoretical framework that views communication as a symbolic process that helps to maintain social cohesion and cultural values within a community. It focuses on the shared meanings and cultural rituals that are involved in communication, rather than the observational analysis of a community.

The statement is false because the archeology of knowledge is not a method of observational analysis where the researcher is extensively invested in the investigation of a community of people. The archeology of knowledge is actually a concept developed by Michel Foucault that focuses on analyzing the historical discourses and systems of thought that shape knowledge and power relations within society. It involves studying the production, circulation, and transformation of knowledge over time, rather than focusing on a specific community or group of people.

Performativity refers to the idea that actions and behaviors can shape and construct social reality. In the context of resistance, performativity allows individuals or groups to negotiate their agency, or their ability to exert power and make choices, within the site of resistance. This means that through performative acts, individuals can challenge and transform power dynamics, opening up possibilities for change and resistance. Therefore, the statement that performativity creates potential for negotiation of agency within the site of resistance is true.

The given answer suggests that the concept of "Methodology" refers to the way in which people investigate the world and form their perceptions of reality. This implies that methodology involves the methods, techniques, and approaches used by individuals to gather information, analyze data, and interpret their observations in order to understand the world around them. It highlights the importance of considering how people's subjective experiences and perspectives shape their understanding of reality.

The term "ontology" refers to the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of being and existence. It is concerned with understanding what is real and how things exist. In this context, "what people perceive as reality" aligns with the concept of ontology, as it suggests that ontology is about understanding the reality that individuals perceive. The other options, such as hope and the study of language, do not accurately capture the essence of ontology.

Rhetorical criticism refers to the evaluation of a specific communication artifact in terms of its meaning. This involves analyzing and interpreting the message, symbols, and persuasive techniques used in the artifact to understand its intended meaning and impact on the audience. Therefore, the statement that rhetorical criticism involves the evaluation of a specific communication artifact in terms of its meaning is true.

This statement is true because reception theory suggests that audiences are not passive recipients of media products. Instead, they actively engage with and interpret the media content based on their own experiences, values, and beliefs. This theory emphasizes the role of the audience in shaping the meaning and reception of media messages, suggesting that they actively construct their own understanding and response to the media.

The correct answer is "How people know and understand the world around them." This is because epistemology is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of knowledge and how we acquire it. It explores questions such as how we can be certain of what we know, what constitutes evidence, and how our beliefs are justified. Therefore, it is concerned with understanding how individuals come to know and understand the world around them.

Symbolic interactionism theory is not a method of observational analysis where the researcher is extensively invested in the investigation of a community of people. Symbolic interactionism theory is a sociological perspective that focuses on the symbolic meaning that individuals create and rely upon in their interactions with others. It emphasizes the importance of symbols, language, and social interactions in shaping individuals' behavior and understanding of the world.

Critical ethnography is a method of observational analysis where the researcher not only investigates a community of people but also critically examines power relations and social inequalities within that community. This approach goes beyond simply studying the community and aims to uncover and challenge existing power structures. Therefore, the given statement that critical ethnography is solely focused on investigating a community is incorrect.

Interpretive studies are based on analyzing and interpreting various forms of texts, such as written documents, speeches, interviews, or any other form of communication. This approach focuses on understanding the meaning and significance behind the text and how it relates to the broader context. Therefore, interpretive studies are grounded in text-based studies, making the given answer correct.

The given options do not accurately represent the concept of Attribution Theory. Attribution Theory is a psychological theory that focuses on how individuals explain the causes of behavior and events. It examines how people attribute behavior to either internal factors (such as personality traits) or external factors (such as situational factors). Therefore, none of the options provided accurately describe Attribution Theory.

The statement is false because Conversation Analysis does not involve analyzing all aspects of a speech. Instead, it is a research method that focuses on analyzing naturally occurring conversations to understand how people use language in social interactions. It examines turn-taking, sequencing, repair, and other conversational features to gain insights into the organization and meaning of talk. It does not encompass all aspects of a speech, such as content, delivery, or rhetorical devices.

The correct answer is "Grounded in texture-based studies". This means that behavioral studies are based on studying the texture of objects or materials. This could involve analyzing how different textures affect behavior or how individuals respond to different textures. It suggests that the focus of the study is on understanding the relationship between texture and behavior.

The Hypodermic Needle Model refers to a communication theory that suggests that media messages are directly injected into the minds of the audience, influencing their thoughts and behaviors without any conscious effort or resistance. It is not related to studying medical terms, a needle used by diabetics, or a scale model of a needle. Therefore, none of the given options are correct.