Full Description
Striking a balance in coverage between the extremes of analyzing too many or too few theories, Contemporary Communication Theory examines important theory building activity in the field of communication. The text continues the tradition of being primarily social science based yet includes research and theories from other theoretical paradigms.
The NEW second edition of Contemporary Communication Theory:
Features a Streamlined Approach! The publication's chapters have been condensed and streamlined to improve readability and accessibility.
Integrates New Content! New theories have been added and five new chapters have been created (Relational Contexts, New Media/Computer Mediated Contexts, Health Contexts, Cultural Contexts, and Research Methods).
Goes Beyond Theory Handbooks! The text features a new chapter on communication research methods that demonstrates research examples and shows readers how theories are tested.
Is Current! New studies, new research and new citations have been added to most chapters.
Is Practical! Seamlessly integrated within the book's pedagogy, the accompanying content includes interactive exercises, glossary of terms, and an extensive instructor's resource package.
Contents
Part I Theory Building in Communication
Chapter 1 Introduction to Studying Communication
Issues in Understanding Communication
Basic Components and Concepts
Defining Communication
Characteristics of Communication
Points of Controversy about Communication
Communication and Intent
Communication as Planned Behavior
Infante's Communication Plan Perspective
Transactional Nature of Communication
The Importance of Communication
Creating Cooperation
Acquiring Information
Forming Self-Concept
As Entertainment
Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 2 Perspectives on Communication Theory
The Scientific Method
Theory Building Through Deductive and Inductive Approaches
Identifying Variables to Be Investigated
Development of Hypotheses
Conduct an Empirical Investigation
Compare Results to the Original Hypothesis
Assess Theoretical Significance of the Findings and Identify Threats to Validity
What Makes a Quality Communication Theory?
Communication Theory Development
Fundamental Goals and Functions of Communication Theory
How Many Theories Are Enough?
Seven Theoretical Traditions in Building Communication Theory
The Sociopsychological Tradition
The Cybernetic Tradition
The Rhetorical Tradition
The Phenomenological Tradition
The Sociocultural Tradition
The Critical Tradition
The Semiotic Tradition
Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 3 C ommunication Research Methods?
The Scientific Method
Research Variables
Types of Research Variables
Types of Relationships
Constitutive and Operational Definitions
Hypotheses and Research Questions
Reliability and Validity
Reliability is a Necessary Condition for Validity
Levels of Measurement
Rating Scales
Behavioral Observation
Content Analysis
Physiological Measures
Sampling
Experiments
Experimental Design
Factorial Design
Field Research
Summary
Key Terms
Part II Theory Building in Major Approaches to communication
CHAPTER 4 Trait Approaches?
Contexts, Traits, and States
The Cross-Situational Consistency Framework
Apprehension Traits
Presentation Traits
Adaptation Traits
Self-Monitoring of Expressive Behavior
Aggression Traits
Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 5 Verbal Behavior Approaches?
Signs, Symbols, and Signals
Language and Meaning
Language and Perception
Theory of Linguistic Relativity
Language and Power
Communicating Power and Status
Sex, Gender, and Power: Differences in Verbal Behavior1
Language Intensity and Opinionation
Theoretical Approaches to Verbal Behavior
Communication Accommodation Theory
Language Expectancy Theory
Politeness Theory and Face Management
Information Manipulation Theory
Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 6 Nonverbal Behavior Approaches?
Affective-Cognitive Dimensions of Communication
The Contextual Nature of Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal Behavior and Intentionality
Nonverbal Communication Abilities
Functions of Nonverbal Communication
Sending Uncomfortable Messages
Forming Impressions
Making Relationships Clear
Regulating Interaction
Influencing People
Reinforcing and Modifying Verbal Messages
Nonverbal Expectancy Violations Theory
Interaction Adaptation Theory
Strengths and Weaknesses of IAT
Nonverbal Immediacy
Cognitive Valence Theory: An Extension of Nonverbal Immediacy
Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 7 Persuasion Approaches?
Conceptualizing Persuasion
Self-Awareness and Persuasion
Approaches to Understanding Persuasion
Looking at the Source, Message, Channel, and Receiver: The Variable-Analytic Approach
Research on Message Variables
Witte's Extended Parallel Process Model: An Extension of Previous Research on Fear Arousal and Persuasion
Source Credibility and Persuasion
Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Social Judgment/Ego-Involvement Theory
The Theory of Reasoned Action
The Theory of Planned Behavior
Elaboration Likelihood Model
Compliance-Gaining
Cialdini's Persuasive Heuristics
Preventing and/or Resisting Persuasion
Inoculation Theory
Psychological Reactance Theory
Personality Traits and Persuasion
Summary
Key Terms
Part III Theory Building in Communication Contexts
Chapter 8 Interpersonal Contexts?
The Interpersonal Communication Motives Model
Goals-Plans-Action Theory and Planning Theory
GPA Theory
Planning Theory
From Goals and Plans to Action
Constructivist Theory
Relational Framing Theory
Truth Default Theory
Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Three Stages of Initial Interactions
Uncertainty Reduction Axioms
Uncertainty Reduction Theorems
Motives to Reduce Uncertainty
Strategies to Reduce Uncertainty
Testing and Extending Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 9 Relational Contexts?
Similarity and Interpersonal Attraction
Predicted Outcome Value Theory
Relationship Interaction Stages Model
Relationship Maintenance Model
Relational Dialectics Theory
Relational Turbulence Model
Communication Privacy Management Theory
Family Communication Patterns Theory
Understanding Families
Patterns of Communication in Families
Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 10 Group Contexts?
Nature of Groups
Group Size
Types of Groups
Group Roles
Group Leadership
Group Conflict
Group Conformity
Functional Theory of Group Decision Quality
Theory of Groupthink
Multiple Sequence Model of Group Decisions
Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 11 Organizational Contexts?
Classical Management Perspectives
Scientific Management Theory
Bureaucracy Management Theory
Effective Management Theory
Human Relations Management Perspectives
Human Resource Management Perspective
System 4 Management Theory
X,Y Management Theory
Theory Z of Management
Model I and Model II Theory
Managerial Grid Theory
Theory of Independent Mindedness
Theories of Organizational Leadership
Trait Approach to Leadership
Situational Approach to Leadership
Exchange Approaches to Leadership
Worker Motivational Theories
Hierarchy of Needs Theory
Motivator Hygiene Theory
Acquired Needs Theory
Organizational Socialization
Model of Organizational Assimilation
Organizational Information Processing
Information Systems Theory
Organizational Ethical Perspectives and Theories
Practices of Ethical Organizations
Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 12 Media Contexts?
Early Theory-Building Efforts in Mass Communication
The ""Magic Bullet"" Theory
The Two-Step Flow Theory
Diffusion Theory
The Functional Approach to Mass Communication Theory
Agenda-Setting Theory and Mass Communication
Mass Communication and Parasocial Interaction
The Influence of Interpersonal Communication Theory on Parasocial Relationships
Measuring Parasocial Interaction
Uses and Gratifications Theory
Objectives of Uses and Gratifications Theory
Examples of Uses and Gratifications Research
Cultivation Theory
The Interaction of Media and Reality
Heavy versus Light Television Viewers
Refinement of Cultivation Theory
The Spiral of Silence Theory
Media Dependency Theory
Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 13 Computer-Mediated Communication Contexts?
Cues-Filtered-Out Theories of CMC
Social Presence Theory
Lack of Social Context Cues
The Social Identity Model of Deindividuation Effects
Channel Selection Theories
Media Richness Theory
Channel Expansion Theory
Media Synchronicity Theory
Theories of Adaptation to CMC
Social Information Processing Theory
Efficiency Framework
Hyperpersonal Model
Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 14 Health Contexts?
Functions of Communication in the Health Context
Communication Contexts within Health Communication
Relational Control/Compliance
Communication Traits and Health Behavior
Health Beliefs Model
Uncertainty Management
Diffusion of Innovation
Transtheoretical Model
Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 15 Cultural Contexts?
Hofstede's Dimensions of National Culture
Face Negotiation Theory
Culture
Self-Construal
Face Concerns
Conflict Styles
Anxiety/Uncertainty Management Theory
Cross-Cultural Adaptation Theory
Cross-Cultural Adaptation
Factors Influencing Adaptation
Summary
Key Terms
References
Glossary
Subject Index
Name Index
