Communication and Theory - the Concept

1. Communication is the relational process of creating and interpreting messages that elicit a response

• message: a stimulus that a source sends to a receiver
• creation of message: The communicator makes a conscious choice of message form and substance
• interpretation of message: “people mean things”
• a relational process: the communication happen between people, and changes the connection among people
• messages that elicit a response: “You cannot not communicate.”

2. Theory：a set of systematic, informed hunches about the way things work

• keywords: multiple, informed, and systematic
• metaphor & the role of theory
  • net,camera, map [but not catch, record, or draw everything]
  • explain: to learn current and past experiences
  • organize & predict: to make future experiences easier
  • clarification: to improve our relationships, workplaces, and social institutions

3. Two approaches to theory

Objective: assume that truth is singular and accessible through unbiased observation

Interpretive: assume meaning or value to communicative texts, emphasizing the power of language

It depends on the epistemology: the study of the origin, nature, method, and limits of knowledge.

• How likely the scholars are going to approach to the reality?

• in a unbiased way or in an intepretive way?

• It depends on person, perspective, and context.