Chapter 03 – Thinking about Theory and Research
Chapter 03
Thinking about Theory and Research
Multiple Choice Questions
1. All of the following have been identified as goals of theory EXCEPT
2. The scientific method follows
3. Theory is defined as a(n) _____ system of _____ with indications of the _____ among these
concepts that help us to understand a phenomenon.
4. Who among the following suggested that theory “is like a map for exploring unexplored
territories”?
5. _____ are observable, such as text messages or spatial distance.
6. Rhetorical theories, some media theories, and many interpersonal theories
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7. Which of the following is true of the critical approach to how researchers think and talk about
the world?
8. In the context of the covering law approach, which of the following is a definition of cause?
9. Andrew and his elder sister Susan are watching television. Andrew wants to please Susan,
hoping it will encourage her to buy him a skateboard for Christmas. He tunes in to the channel
that she likes even though he hates its shows. According to James Lull, which of the following
rules did Andrew adopt?
10. In the context of the systems approach, which of the following is true of the wholeness
concept?
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30. When considering the role and influence of values in scholarly research, our authors argue
that it is realistic to expect that research will always be value free.
31. Concepts are words or terms that label the most important elements in a theory.
32. According to Wallace’s theory, most researchers tend to strictly adhere to either deductive
or inductive logic but never use both.
33. Some critical theorists, such as Stuart Hall, argue that power imbalances are not always the
result of intentional strategies on the part of the powerful but may instead be accidentally
reproduced.
Essay Questions
34. Describe the elements of the systems approach. Provide a real-life example of a system by
applying each of the elements in your description.
Answers will vary.
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35. Explain the difference between ontology, epistemology, and axiology. Write an original
question to illustrate your understanding of each of these approaches.
Answers will vary.
36. Explain the definition of theory. Do you agree with this definition? Are there ideas or
concepts you would like to add or take away from this definition?
Answers will vary.
37. Differentiate between the positivistic, interpretive, and critical approaches to conducting
research. Identify the paradigm that you think best describes your approach to research. Explain
why you chose this approach.
Answers will vary.
38. Select the three criteria for evaluating communication theory that you deem most important.
For each one, provide a definition, an explanation of what that criterion entails, and an
argument as to why you believe it is among the most important criteria for evaluating
communication theory.
Answers will vary.