Instructor Resource
Dainton, Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Lecture Notes
Chapter 1: Introduction to Communication Theory
Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter, you will be able to . . .
1. Analyze a definition of communication, articulating the definition’s level of observation,
intentionality, and normative judgment
3. Differentiate a communication theory from a concept and a model
5. Use criteria for evaluating theory to determine the relative usefulness of a
communication theory
Summary
Chapter 1 provides an overview of communication and theory. The first emphasis is on
communication as a concept and as a field of study. The word communication is difficult to
define, and rather than providing a definition, the chapter outlines three major distinctions in
communication definitions. Another challenging topic to define is theory. The chapter also
Outline
I. What Is Communication?
A. Definitions of communication—there are so many definitions it is difficult to
select just one
1. In the business world, a popular view is that communication is synonymous
with information
2. Communication is viewed as simply one activity among many others, such as
planning, controlling, and managing
B. Communication scholars understand communication as a complex process
associated with sending, receiving, and interpreting messages
II. Dance’s Definitions of Communication
A. Dance offers three ways in which we can group definitions of communication as
there are so many
1. Level of observation—are there limitations as to what counts as
communication?
2. Intentionality—must messages be sent consciously and on purpose to count as
communication? Some definitions are said to take a source orientation while
3. Normative judgment—do messages that are not understood count as
communication?
B. Communication can also be specified based upon the context of the
III. Contexts of Communication
A. Hesitate to provide a single definition of communication, we can identify some
specific contexts of communication.
B. Organized this book around specific contexts
2. Individual differences: consider the nature–nurture debate and how individual
differences and social roles play a role in the communication process
4. Intercultural: interpersonal communication when two people are from
different cultures
6. Group
7. Organizational
9. Mass communication: influence of mass-mediated messages
IV. Communication Competence
A. Communication competence is understood as achieving a balance between
effectiveness and appropriateness
1. Effectiveness refers to the extent to which you achieve your goals in
interaction
B. Understanding theory will allow for a proper balance of effectiveness and
appropriateness
V. Concepts, Models, and Theories
A. Theories provide an abstract understanding of the communication process
B. Theories move beyond describing a single event by providing a means by which
all like events can be described
C. Theories can be defined as any systematic summary about the nature of the
communication process
1. Functions include:
a. Focusing attention on concepts
D. Theories are different from concepts and models
1. Concepts refer to an agreed-upon aspect of reality
2. Models can be defined in four major ways, which can cause confusion
a. Models can be defined as synonymous to theory
b. Models can be defined as precursors to theory
VI. Three Types of Theory
A. Commonsense theory (theories-in-use)
1. Created through personal experiences
3. Never date someone you work with-it always ends up badly
B. Working theory
2. More systematic than commonsense theory because they represent agreed-on
ways of doing things in professions
C. Scholarly theory
1. Undergone systematic research
3. Typically more complex and difficult to understand
VII. Evaluating Theory
A. Criteria for evaluation in terms of scholarly theories
1. Accuracy
2. Practicality
a. Can it be used to address real-world communication problems?
3. Succinctness
a. Is the theory’s explanation or description is sufficiently concise?
4. Consistency
a. The most useful theories have internal and external consistency
i. Internal consistency means that the ideas of the theory are logically
built on one another
5. Acuity