Posts Tagged: theory

1. I never knew that you could theorize about anything you want to. The textbook and class discussions have opened my eyes to a lot of different things. For example, going over the theories in class was an interesting learning experience. I had no idea there were so many different theories that could relate to interactive media and to us as designers and developers. Therefore, the first questions that I asked at the beginning of the week were valid questions. Since I have never had a theory class before, it is opening my eyes to a whole new realm of interactive media. For example, I never knew there were so many ways to measure a theory. From class discussions and activities, I have learned that there are a variety of things to consider when you question or analyze a theory.

2. In response to my second question, “How can we, as US citizens, make sure that the ideas we are receiving from the media are correct and not just theorized ideas the directors came up with?” I think that this question still poses an interesting point. I think there is really no true way to know for sure that someone is not just theorizing about something. However, from the class discussions and textbook, I have realized that there are many ways to analyze a theory (from scope, to validity, to heuristic value, etc.) If there is something in question in the news, I could always do research on the subject matter and analyze the topic based on the criteria we learned in class.

3. In response to the third question I asked, “What can we do to make sure that we communicate effectively through the different mediums as well?” The book doesn’t really touch on this subject too much yet; however, I think my answer is slowly coming to me. I think that being a good communicator is all about knowing your audience and knowing how to relate to your audience. If I know who my audience is and the mediums they choose to work with, I think I can get my points across to them in a way they will understand and respect.

Nicole makes a valid point when she talks about the Political Economy of the Media Theory. She poses the question “Which came first: consumer influence or media influence?” This is an interesting thought to consider. I feel like in today’s culture, people are influenced greatly by the media. They think, feel, and believe what the media tell them to. I’m not going to get on my soap box yet and bring up the concerns that I have for my future children and the way the media will influence them. However, I do feel that the media influence on today’s culture is becoming a huge issue.

Understanding the user is an important step in maximizing the potential of a medium.  Through studying mass communication theory, one can grasp a better sense of particular users.  In my questions that I posited earlier in the week, I was curious about how certain communication research affected the user.

In my first question, I asked about Wimmer and Dominick’s idea about how one could study people in their natural environment when that “natural setting” is online through social networking sites.  I am still not completely sure how one would go about a practical study of observing people on Facebook other than analyzing their profiles and activities, though.  I guess the bigger question that this brings to the surface is the larger concept of a “natural setting” and what constitutes a natural setting.  I believe that this circulates back to the idea of the user–  some users may act on social media sites in a very natural way.  Using social media is second nature.  Social media are still fairly new phenomena, however, and for many people, it is not a natural part of their lives.  These people are still trying to figure out how they will use social media, how the media can help them, how long they will spend on the media, etc.  So, the “natural setting” is in the eye of the beholder– or user.

For my second question, I asked how one could be sure that their human research subjects are only being affected by one variable.  In order to be sure you are only testing one variable, you could create a survey for your participants to learn about anything else in their lives that could skew the results, or you could pull from a specific group that you knew was void of certain problems.

In my last question, I asked how one’s knowledge of communication theories could be beneficial in a workplace environment.  I believe that knowing these basic mass communication theories can greatly benefit one’s career.  I believe that such a knowledge would make one more aware of the consequences of their actions because they have a bigger picture.  Heres a scenario: Two people are working in a newsroom of a local television station.  One reporter possesses the skills to be a vivid storyteller.  The other also possesses these same skills, but has also studied the agenda-setting theory, uses and gratification theory, and the narrative paradigm theory.  This second reporter will be able to produce a story that audiences will more likely be more proactive about viewing, will understand the reasons the producer assigned them that story, and will be able to better communicate with their audience.  We should all hope to be reporter number two.  For in any profession, we should hope to use the theories to tell a better story and connect with our audience.

Whenever I opened our book and seriously thought about what I was getting ready to read, I thought, theory??? But after reading the first chapter, it really sparked my interest. I have never really taken a theory class before; however, I think I have always linked theory, research, and knowledge together.

1. The book stated that theory is answering questions that offer explanations or predictions about how some aspect of the world works. I don’t think that I ever really thought theory related to anything in interactive media. For example, what are some examples of how interactive media and theory go together? What do people in the interactive media field theorize about? The book touched on this subject a little; however, I am still a little confused as to how many topics within the field can actually be questioned.

2. The book mentioned the media as it pertains to the news and how communication and theory affects news outlets. How can we, as US citizens, make sure that the ideas we are receiving from the media are correct and not just theorized ideas the directors came up with?

3. There are many different ways that we can get information. I think that being in the interactive media field opens us up to a whole new line of communication. New information is always being thrown at us from every angle. What can we do to make sure that we communicate effectively through the different mediums as well?

• Are there any particular reoccurring theories that seem to be most relevant to interactive media studies (more specifically, recent studies in the implications of social media growth, for instance?) …And if so, what do these theories suggest?
• What, if any, are the theories that have become outdated since the fading of traditional media and the subsequent birth of interactive media?
• What research or studies have been conducted most recently that has given way to brand new theories about the development of interactive media?
• What are the most highly debated theories regarding the development of interactive media, and/or what are, if any, the theories that have been widely accepted?

1. How have communication theories evolved as our technology and communication mediums have evolved?

2. Every theory on communication is, at its root, just an assumption. So, how do we know the validity of a theory? How can we begin to evaluate it? And at what point does it cross over the line from assumption into theory?

3. What does this theory class have to do with me? That is, how can I apply it to my everyday interactions with media? And where can I see it applied? (For instance, on facebook, twitter, iphones) In essence, what can I take out of this class that will be most beneficial to me and my future career?