12.follow the instruction to write 1page essay

Answer all questions.1. What are the two primary functions of a theory? Using these functions, explain why
theories are useful in small group communication.
2. Systems theory asks you to view small group communication through the lens of a
system. Use at least 3 of the core tenets, with specific examples from a small group
experience in your life, to demonstrate your understanding of Systems Theory. Conclude
by stating how/why this knowledge is useful.
3. Review your work for Blog Post 1 in Lesson1. Considering your post and any com ments
you received, is Social Exchange Theory or Symbolic Convergence theory a better fit for
understanding the small groups in your life? Refer to specific statements you made in
your blog or comments you received to explain why you selected this theory.
4. Structuration theory focuses on the use of rules to govern behavior. Describe three rules
in your life that govern your behavior in small groups. How do these rules contribute or
detract from effective group behavior and why?
5. Explain why the variables of small group communication are interdependent. Include at
least three specific examples.
Information you might need
Describe five theories utilized in small group communication.
In the study of human communication, many theories seek to explain and predict human interaction. In
this course, you will focus on five theories that give you a sampling of different theoretical ways to approach
small group communication. Click on each the title of each theory below to learn more. For additional
information, pay close attention to pages 40‒47 in your textbook.
Systems Theory
Systems theory asks you to view small group communication through the lens of a system. As stated in your
textbook, a system is a combination of interdependent parts that form a whole (p. 40). Consider an
automobile. Within the car are a number of parts such as the engine, transmission, and fuel tank. Each part
contributes to making the car run. When one part of the car breaks, the whole car can be affected in various
ways. A car is an open system that receives input, processes the input, and creates an output. Small groups
are also open systems. Systems theory works well because it allows the scholar (that would be you) to
account for the components of small group communication, as well as all of the different environments that
influence the group.
Social Exchange Theory
Social exchange theory draws on the principles of economics to explain human behavior. In application to
small group communication, relationships are described in terms of rewards, costs, profits, and losses. For
the person in a small group, the group remains worthwhile as long as the rewards outweigh the costs to
equal a profit. For example, consider Sally below. She is involved in three different small groups. Lately, Sally
feels like her schedule may not permit her to remain in all three groups. In terms of rewards and costs, which
small group do you think she should take a break from?
Symbolic Convergence Theory
When you join a small group, you often feel a sense of belonging with the group that is formed through the
group’s identity. According to the authors of the textbook, symbolic convergence theory explains how
“certain types of communication shape a group’s identity and culture” (p. 43). Such communication
influences aspects of the group including roles and norms. As the group develops, members share the same
awareness relating to emotions, motives, and meanings. The textbook indicates the key to understanding
symbolic convergence theory is the function of fantasy. In this theory, a fantasy is the “creative and
imaginative shared interpretation of events that fulfills a group’s need to make sense of an experience and
anticipate its future” (p. 43). Group fantasy often begins in the telling of a story in which group members
share stories in succession. Stories develop into themes for the conversation that lead the group to develop a
sense of shared identity.
Consider Sally from the example above. In her
running club, members share stories about running experiences. One person might share about a time they
started the race too fast. As they continue to talk, others share about running events, how they tra in for
races, and what works for them. Before long, Sally’s group understands itself to be a group of runners that
enjoys running and racing for the fun of it. Winning is nice, but it is not the goal of the group. They just run to
finish the race. Conversely, another running club might be just the opposite. Sally’s running club works well
and continues because each person feels a sense of belonging and buys into the identity of the group.
Structuration Theory
Structuration theory helps you to understand how people behave in small groups by noting rules and
systems. Rules are principles for behavior like raising your hand to signal that you want to speak in a
classroom setting and waiting to be called on. Such rules determine how a group structures itself. Systems as
discussed in systems theory are combinations of interdependent parts that form a whole. In the textbook,
structuration theory suggests, “When we join a new group we use rules we learned in other groups to
structure our behavior” (p. 46). Though you may bring your previously learned rules to the new group, the
group can still create new or different rules to help structure the group. According to Beebe and Masterson,
“Structuration theory helps explain why and how groups develop the rules and behavior patterns they adopt”
(p. 46).
Functional Theory
Functional theories are focused on identifying and explaining behaviors that allow a group to achieve its goal.
One interesting area in which functional theory has been used is in the political realm. Take some time to
review “Functional Theory and Political Discourse: Televised Debates in Israel and the United States ” by
Benoit and Shaefer. It compares televised debates in Israel and the United States. When you read the article,
pay particular attention to the tenets of their functional perspective on page 284, and how context can affect
the ability of some theory to transcend inherent cultural differences on page 292.
In the textbook, the work of scholars Dennis Gouran and Randy Hirokawa is showcased with a three-pronged
functional perspective on how groups engage in effective problem solving and decision making. As you read
in Benoit and Shaefer’s research, consider how Gouran and Hirokawa’s tenets may be affected in different
cultural settings.
Define potential variables in small group communication.
This course highlights seven key variables for study in small group communication. These variables function
interdependently with each affecting the others. Review the definitions below to match them with the
appropriate variable.