The Idea of Theory Chapter Two

Communication Theory Theory defined Variations of theory How they are generated Type of research used How they are presented What communication they address Function of theories Explain, understand, interpret, judge, and focus Represent how individual “sees” the environment, not reality

Example

Dimensions of Theory 1. Philosophical Assumptions Epistemology, Ontology, Axiology 2. Concepts 3. Explanations 4. Principles

Philosophical Assumptions Epistemology Studies knowledge Three primary focus of communication based questions What extent exists What extent is certain Process for gaining knowledge Rationalism Empiricism Constructivism Social construction

Ontology Existence Works hand in hand with epistemology Focus Nature of human social interaction Four issues: To what extent do humans make real choices? Determinists & Pragmatists Is human behavior best understood in terms of traits? State view & Trait view Is human behavior primarily individual or social? To what extent is communication circumstantial?

Axiology Value Three axiological issues: Theory value free? To what extent does inquiry affect what is seen? Should scholarship achieve change or generate knowledge? Two general positions for scholarship: Value Free Value conscious

Second Dimension of Theory: Concepts Terms, categories, & definitions Goal of theory Formulate and discuss set of labeled concepts Taxonomies Theories that stop at conceptual level

Third dimension of theory: Explanations 3 rd dimension of theory Show relationships and provide explanations Answer why? Causal explanation Practical explanation

Fourth dimension of theory: Principles Principle defined: Guideline that enables interpretation, judgment & decision Three parts Situation Value Action

Nomothetic Theory Goal: Seek universal laws to depict accurately how social life works Research approach: Hypothetico – deductive or variable – analytic tradition Four processes Developing questions Forming hypotheses Testing hypotheses Formulating theory Falsifiable Causality

Philosophical Assumptions of Nomothetic Theory Epistemology Empiricist & rationalist Ontology Behavior determined by & responsive to biology & environment Axiology Value neutral

Concepts of Nomothetic Theory Operationalized Operational definition Relies on measurement Validity of Measurement Reliability Validity Example: College students enrolled in HE majors will report a higher level of cyberbullying others than those in HA majors.

Explanations in Nomothetic Theory Causal Scientific realism Communication theorists adopting nomothetic Commit to importance of concept Reduce to categories Avoid extraneous concepts Determine causal relationships Commit to reliablity

Practical Theory Goal: Improve life in concrete ways Capture the differences among situations Provide a set of understanding to achieve goals Robyn Penman’s Five Tenets of Practical Theory Action is voluntary & individual Knowledge is created Theories are historical and change according to settings & times Theories affect the reality they are covering Theories are never neutral

Philosophical Assumptions of Practical Theory Epistemology People take active role Ontology Individuals are goal-oriented agents Axiology Largely value conscious

Concepts and Explanations of Practical Theory