Alexa Parisi

Kristin Berkos
Senior Seminar
September 9, 2016
Dp1
This chapter was a fairly straightforward introduction to
communication theory as a huge umbrella term for the various types of
theories and models we will be looking at this semester. The chapter, like
most introductory communication books and courses, began with its own
definition of communication as well as the various ways that definitions of
communications vary by means of level of observation, intentionality, and
normative judgement. Next, the chapter explained that contexts of
communication (cognitive, individual and social, interpersonal, intercultural,
persuasive, group, organizational, mediated, and mass) all contain theories
within those specific areas of communication. When reviewing the theories in
table 1.2, I recalled a few theories that I am familiar with, with the help of the
contexts in which they are prevalent. Communication competence is a
concept that resonated well with me because it is the achievement of
balance between effectiveness and appropriateness. I am a firm believer that
achieving balance in anything is key to success and harmony. This chapter
also described the three types of theory; commonsense, working, and
scholarly, as well as differentiated them and explained why this text is
strictly scholarly theories. Areas for evaluation of such theories include
accuracy, practicality, succinctness, consistency, and acuity. With these in
mind, we can critically assess theories and their usefulness.
Because this chapter was more of an introduction which included
various definitions and umbrella terms for the theories we are soon to dive
into, I didnt have as many insights and epiphanies that I thought Id have.
However, a few things in this chapter struck me. First, I believe that having a
broad level of observation works best with my own personal definition of
communication. I am a firm believer that communication is everything and
everything is communication. I do not think that it matters whether or not
the message was accurately sent and received, or whether it was
sent/received via verbals, nonverbals, or silence.
One of my discussion questions touches upon what Ive previously
mentioned: Do you agree that a perfect balance of accuracy,
practicality, succinctness, consistency, and acuity create the perfect
theory? Another actual question that I had when reading this chapter: Do
commonsense theories or working theories turn into scholarly

theories? Do all scholarly theories begin as commonsense or

working theories? I was hoping that this last question could be answered
in class so I could better understand where such scholarly theories originate
from. Im hoping that the chapters pick up so I can address more thought
provoking discussion questions.