Chapter 20 – The Narrative Paradigm
Chapter 20
The Narrative Paradigm
1. The Narrative Paradigm asserts that
2. The Narrative Paradigm argues that the criteria used to evaluate stories are
3. All of the following are questions the listener asks about the narrative regarding a “logic of
reason” EXCEPT
4. After listening to his daughter’s story about an event that occurred at school, Alberto says, “I
believe your story because a similar thing happened to me when I was in the sixth grade.”
Alberto is judging his daughter’s story on the basis of
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19. All of the following are questions the listener asks about the narrative regarding a “logic of
good reasons” EXCEPT
20. _____ refers to any verbal or nonverbal account with a sequence of events to which listeners
assign a meaning.
21. _____ refers to a principle of narrative rationality judging the credibility of a story.
22. Characterological coherence refers to the
True/False Questions
23. The Narrative Paradigm asserts that logic and rational thinking are the basis of human
beliefs.
24. The Narrative Paradigm suggests that all stories are equally effective.
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25. Aristotle and Plato valued logos (rational argument) above mythos (story and narrative).
26. The logic of good reasons presents a listener with a set of values that appeal to her or him
and form warrants for accepting or rejecting the advice advanced by any form of narrative.
27. Fisher contends that people may believe a compelling story even if it is factually
inaccurate.
28. Fisher argues that there is no way of knowing what individuals consider when judging
whether to believe a particular story because individuals differ too greatly in their life
experiences, perceptions, biases, etc.
29. According to Fisher, good reasons mean strict logic or argument.
30. As people listen to conflicting stories, their choice of story does not stem from narrative
logic but from traditional logic.
Essay Questions
31. Identify the five essential assumptions of the Narrative Paradigm.
Answers will vary.
32. Identify, define, and provide an example of the three types of coherence used to evaluate a
narrative.
Answers will vary.
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33. How is fidelity used as a standard for assessing narrative rationality?
Answers will vary.
34. What does Fisher mean by “good reasons”?
Answers will vary.
35. Do you agree or disagree that all communication is narrative? Why, or why not?
Answers will vary.
36. Comment upon the following statement within the context of the Narrative Paradigm:
“Stories are lived experiences which are random, unpredictable, and spontaneous.” What does
the statement mean to you? How does it apply to Fisher’s theory? Discuss the statement using
some key concepts of the theory.
Answers will vary.
37. “The Narrative Paradigm has made a substantial contribution to our understanding of
human communication and human nature in general.” Based on your understanding of the
theory, is their claim too broad and wishful? What evidence and examples can you point to in
order to justify your opinion?
Answers will vary.
38. Evaluate a story you heard recently on at least five concepts of the Narrative Paradigm as
you deem relevant. Did you believe the story? Explain why or why not, invoking the
appropriate concepts from the Narrative Paradigm.
Answers will vary.
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39. How would you go about using the Narrative Paradigm to frame a study about how
individuals assess narratives? Select a particular context and type of narrative or narrative topic
to investigate in your study. Develop a research question or hypothesis and describe your
study.
Answers will vary.