A First Look At Communication Theory, 10e (Griffin)
Chapter 18 Symbolic Convergence Theory
1) The basic unit of analysis of symbolic convergence theory is a:
A) fantasy.
B) fantasy theme.
C) symbolic cue.
D) rhetorical vision.
2) A(n) ________ is an agreed-upon trigger that sets off group members to respond as they did
when they first shared a fantasy.
A) rhetorical vision
B) information model
C) dramatizing message
D) symbolic cue
3) In the context of the features that are present in all rhetorical visions, the ________ legitimates
the rhetorical vision.
A) central character
B) plotline
C) scene
D) sanctioning agent
4) According to Bormann, a wide-ranging body of people who share a common symbolic reality
is called a ________.
A) symbolic community
B) rhetorical community
C) chained community
D) cohesive community
2
5) Within a group that has successfully sparked a fantasy chain, ________.
A) there is no need to rely on symbolic cues to trigger the fantasy
B) emotions and motives seem to dissipate
C) the group begins to have a more objective viewpoint than it had before
D) the same theme often appears across multiple narratives
6) Fantasy themes are expressed in the form of:
A) metaphors.
B) jokes.
C) stories.
D) All of the answers are correct.
7) According to Bormann, what is the relationship between fantasies and the development of a
group’s shared identity or consciousness?
A) Fantasies tend to derail a group’s bonding efforts.
B) Groups that do little fantasizing tend to be highly cohesive and attractive to others.
C) Sharing fantasies contribute to group cohesiveness.
D) When a group is able to push fantasies aside, they can get to a shared identity.
8) Rhetorical visions:
A) are fostered by powerful individuals within small groups.
B) are too abstract to be embraced by communities.
C) catch on with large groups of people.
D) replace fantasy themes.
9) Which of the following components is NOT a feature of a rhetorical vision?
A) characters
B) interpretative schemes
C) plot lines
D) sanctioning agents
10) Which of the following pieces of advice is offered by Bormann, regardless of one’s group
role?
A) avoid personification as it disrupts the cohesiveness of a group
B) be cautious as fantasies can be unpredictable
C) be sure that dramatic messages are kept to a minimum
D) drama that emphasizes the group’s future are most beneficial
11) According to Bormann, comments that lack imagery are considered dramatizing messages.
12) Bormann restricts the term “fantasy” to children’s literature, sexual desire, or things “not
true.”
13) Bormann advised the use of personification to identify one’s group and to build cohesiveness.
14) According to symbolic convergence theory, disruptions and counterproductive stories hinder
a group’s ability to become a cohesive unit.
15) A dramatizing message is one that contains imaginative language such as a pun, figure of
speech, or other creative expression of ideas.
16) Dramatizing messages help group members understand a confusing situation.
17) A symbolic cue is an agreed-upon trigger that sets off group members to respond as they did
when they first shared a fantasy.
18) Groups must choose between sharing group fantasies and creating symbolic convergence.
19) In order to be classified as an effective fantasy, it needs to be positive and altruistic.
20) Bormann claimed that symbolic convergence holds for all people, in any culture, at any time,
in any communication context.
21) The sharing of fantasy themes creates ________.
22) A ________ is a composite drama that catches up large groups of people into a common
symbolic reality.
23) Group members who hold a(n) ________ vision place value on practical or everyday
answers.
24) How does a group chain onto a fantasy?
25) Outline the principal features of Bormann’s symbolic convergence theory. Do you see it as
more of an objective or interpretive theory?
26) Think of a small group of which you are/were a part. What fantasies does/did your group
share?
27) Define and describe the concept of rhetorical vision.
28) If a group fails to share fantasies or create fantasy themes, what does Bormann predict about
the group’s cohesiveness?
29) At times, a group’s fantasy theme may not be supported by those outside the group. Can you
think of a situation or circumstance when sharing fantasies may build up a group’s identity but
still be problematic?
30) Critics charge that symbolic convergence theory, ignores a group’s power dynamics and
overstates the benefits of bondedness. Do you agree?
31) Both coordinated management of meaning and symbolic interactionism suggest that social
realities are co-created by communicators. How is that process mirrored at a group level in
symbolic convergence theory?
32) How does the sharing of fantasies and creation of fantasy themes reduce uncertainty?
33) Where would the chaining of fantasy themes and the development of a shared vision fit into
Hirokawa and Gouran’s functional perspective? Would they be as enthusiastic as Bormann and
see it as positive experience for a group?