COMM370 Midterm: comm exam 1 study guide
5 Oct 2016
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Theory: a set of statements or ideas which illustrate relationships among concepts. To understand, clarify, and explain concepts, and create predictions. Na ve theory: theories which are not scientifically supported: basis. Authority: trust sources believed to be more expert than you. Tradition/tenacity: ideas believed to be true for many years. Science is: systematic, rational, self-correcting, cumulative, empirical, public, scientific method. Tools of science: concepts: an abstract idea; not physical (cannot be shown, construct: concepts combined for a specific situation, operational definition: behaviors and procedures to measure a concept, variables: phenomenon that is measurable and can change. Mass communication: social science: a study of humans which utilizes the scientific method, how theories differ. Ontology: study of existence/reality and what is knowable. Epistemology: how knowledge is created and expanded. Axiology: the role of values in research and the formation of theories. Postpositivism: empirical observation using the scientific method: understand that behavior is not constant across individuals.
