Communication Theory Take Home Test

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communication_theory_test_2.docx

Com 337 Test 2

Each question is worth 10 pts and consists of a part “a” and “b”, which are worth 5 points each. You can pick 4 of the 5 questions to answer, but you have to answer both parts of each question you pick (no choosing “a” from one and “b” from another and treating it as 1 full question).

Make sure to answer the questions using key theory terms. Remember, your goal for each answer is to demonstrate that you understand the theory. Do not use examples used in class or discussion. Feel free to study together, make sure the answers you submit are yours.

Bonus: please answer the following 3 questions. More points will be awarded for more specific/in-depth answers. Those points will be added to your score, so though the test is worth 40 points, you can earn up to 45.

B1: What about the class helped you to learn theory?

B2: What about the class would you change?

B3: What would have been helpful in transitioning from one teacher to the next? Also, feel free to add whatever other comments you have about the class.

1) Genderlect

a) What is the difference between sex and gender? Explain 3 differences in the way men and women communicate, according to Genderlect.

b) Describe the 4 different approaches that communication scholars use to examine how gender and communication style interact. Which of the 4 do you think is most accurate? Justify your pick.

2) Elaboration Likelihood Model

a) What are the differences between the central and peripheral routes to attitude change? Under what circumstances would you prefer your audience processed your message peripherally?

b) Pick an existing charity or non-profit organization. You have been hired to create a commercial to cause strong attitudinal/or behavioral changes (that align with your organization’s goals/needs) for those who view it. Describe the commercial, and justify your logic using the ELM.

3) Uncertainty Reduction Theory

a) Why is it so important for humans to reduce interpersonal uncertainty? Define and give an example of the 4 strategies we use to reduce uncertainty in the initial stages of relationships.

b) Pretend you have been hired to run a team project, but none of your team knows you, nor do they know each other. Using what you know about URT, propose three tactics that you could implement to make your team work efficiently as quickly as possible.

4) Expectancy Violations Theory

a) Explain Reciprocation and Compensation in the context of EVT. Explain how violations of nonverbal expectations can help to create more meaningful relationships.

b) Explain the key concepts of EVT by creating a scenario that features a violation of nonverbal expectations. Make sure to directly link each set in the process directly to the example you have created.

5) Mindlessness

a) What is a script? How do they relate to trigger features and fixed action patterns? Give an example of a script you have developed that is unique to your life.

b) Describe the copier experiment done by Ellen Langer. What script did the experiment find evidence for, and how did it do so?