Insight into Innovation: Applying Communication Theory in Our Web 2.0 Lives

Author(s): Rebecca Curnalia

Edition: 1

Copyright: 2016

Pages: 434

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$50.94

ISBN 9781465296375

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Lives are increasingly lived through mediated channels like smartphones and computers…

Communication theory is more interesting for students if it fits with what they do every day: using and interacting via mediated channels like social networks, websites, texts, and e-mail.

Insight into Innovation: Applying Communication Theory in Our Web 2.0 Lives is an introduction to communication theories, concepts, and research as it applies to Web 2.0 technologies. The unique approach uses theories as lenses to look closely at different types of Web 2.0 technologies, their uses and their effects.

Insight into Innovation: Applying Communication Theory in Our Web 2.0 Lives by Rebecca M.L. Curnalia:

  • Includes a summary of each theory, the concepts and assumptions of it, and offers an applied example that applies it to a current event or new technology.
  • Promotes self-reflection on the reader’s uses of technology and critical thinking by presenting recent scholarship that tests or applies the theory in the Web 2.0 environment. 
  • Helps readers explain, synthesize, apply, and visualize how communication theories and research methods fit together to help one understand ourselves, others, and society.
  • Integrates examples, activities, and links to relevant research and resources throughout.

Introduction 
Welcome to Insight into Innovation!
Why I Love Theory: Lenses for Seeing Life 
What You’ll Learn: Learning Outcomes Associated with Insight into Innovation 
How You’ll Learn: Layout and Features of Insight into Innovation 

Chapter 1. Who We Are and What We Do: The Communication Discipline
Outcomes
The Discipline: What Is Communication?.
Fields of Study: What Do Communication Scholars Research? 
Perspectives on Theory Across Fields of Study in Communication
Defining “Theory” 
Applying Communication Concepts from Theory 
Activities and Assignments
References 

Chapter 2. From Aristotle to Apple’s iPhone: The History of Communication Theory and Research 
Outcomes
The Classical Period 
Modern History
From 1990 to Today: Communication Theory, Research, and Web 2.0
Conclusion
Activities and Assignments 
References 

Chapter 3. Methods in Communication Research 
Outcomes
Why Methods Matter: Methodological Thinking in an Information Saturated World
Types of Research Studies: Exploratory, Confirmatory, and Applied Research
Testing and Applying Theory 
Research Methods in Communication Studies: Critical/Historical, Interpretive, and Scientific Approaches
Conclusion
Activities and Assignments 
References

Unit 1: The Self 
Chapter 4. Symbolic Interactionism and Impression Management 

Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of Theories of the Self 
Methods of Research on the Self 
Selective Self-Presentation Online 
Conclusion
Assignments 
References 

Chapter 5. Attributions and Constructivism
Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of Attribution Theory and Constructivism
Methods of Attribution and Constructivism Research
Applying Research on Attributions and Constructivism to Develop Our Communication Competence 
Applying Competence to CMC: The Case of E-mail 
Conclusion
Assignments
References

Chapter 6. Mindfulness 
Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of Mindfulness 
Methods in Mindfulness Research 
Applied Research: Learning to Listen and Understand
Conclusion
Assignments
References

Unit 2: Sending and Interpreting Mediated Messages: Culture, Gender, and Context 
Chapter 7. Communication Accommodation and Politeness Theory 

Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of Accommodation and Politeness 
Methods in Accommodation and Politeness Research
Applying Accommodation and Politeness: Netiquette
Conclusion 
Assignments 
References

Chapter 8. Genderlect Styles, Muting, and Standpoint Theory 
Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of Genderlect and Muted Group 
Methods in Gender Communication Studies 
Applied Research: Leaning In and Gender Intelligence 
Women in Computing and Technology 
Conclusion
Assignments 
References 

Chapter 9. Expectancy Violations Theory 
Outcomes
Introduction 
Overview of EVT (Burgoon, 1978) 
EVT Research Methods 
Nonverbals via CMC ;) 
Dishonesty in Online Profiles and CMC 
Conclusion 
Assignments 
References 

Unit 3: Interpersonal Relationships Online 
Chapter 10. Interpersonal Attraction 

Outcomes
Overview of Attraction 
Predictors of Attraction
Methods in Attraction Research 
Becoming Attractive: Electronic Propinquity 
Friendship: Social Capital (and Attractiveness) on Facebook and Twitter
Conclusion 
Assignments 
References 

Chapter 11. Hyperpersonal Social Penetration and Uncertainty Reduction 
Outcomes
Introduction 
Overview of Relationship Development Theories
Methods For Studying Interpersonal Relationship Development 
Applied Research: The Online Self-Disclosure/Privacy Paradox 
The Dark Side of CMC Relationships: Over-disclosure, Sexting, and Scams
The Bright Side of CMC Relationships: Information, Closeness, and Social Support
Conclusion 
Assignments
References 

Chapter 12. Relationship Dialectics 
Outcomes
Introduction 
Overview of Relationship Dialectics Theory (Baxter & Montgomery, 1996) 
Methods in Relationship Dialectics Research 
Applying Dialectics: Work-Life Balance in a Teleworking World 
Conclusion 
Assignments 
References 

Chapter 13. Social Exchange Theory 
Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of SET (Thibaut & Kelley, 1959) 
Methods in Social Exchange Research 
Applying Social Exchange and Equity: Maintaining, Withdrawing, and Ending Relationships in a Web 2.0 World
Conclusion 
Assignments 
References

Unit 4: Group s and Organizations in Online Environments 
Chapter 14. Groupthink and Group Functions in Mediated Groups 

Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of Groupthink
Methods in Groupthink Research 
Applying Group Theory in Web 2.0: Capitalizing on the Benefits of CMC in Groups
Conclusion 
Assignments 
References 

Chapter 15. Organizational Cultures 
Outcomes
Introduction 
Overview of Organizational Culture 
Methods for Researching Organizational Cultures
Applied Research: Organizational Culture and Roles in a Flexible Workplace
Conclusion
Assignments
References 

Unit 5: Influencing People Online 
Chapter 16. The Elaboration Likelihood Model 

Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of the ELM
Methods in ELM Research 
Online Marketing and Purchasing: The Age of eWOM 
Motivation, Ability, and Internet Browsing 
How to Adjust Your Online Message: Message Cues, Multimedia, and Layout
Conclusion
Activities and Assignments 
References 

Chapter 17. Cognitive Dissonance Theory 
Outcomes
Introduction 
Overview of Cognitive Dissonance
Methods in Dissonance Research 
Web 2.0: Increasing Polarization and Ambivalence? 
User Control Means More Selectivity Online 
Conclusion
Activities and Assignments 
References 

Chapter 18. The Theory of Planned Behavior 
Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)
Methods of Research in the TPB
Applying the TPB to Understand Adoption of Technology
Conclusion
Activities and Assignments 
References

Chapter 19. Diffusion of Innovations 
Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of the Diffusion of Innovations 
Methods for Diffusion Research 
Identifying e-Influentials: The Modern Opinion Leaders 
Conclusion 
Activities and Assignments 
References 

Chapter 20. Rhetorical Theory 
Outcomes
Introduction 
Overview of Rhetorical Tactics 
Methods for Applying Rhetorical Theory 
Applied Research
Conclusion 
Activities and Assignments
References 

Unit 6: Mass Media 
Chapter 21. Media Ecology 

Outcomes
Overview of Media Ecology 
Research Methods in Media Ecology 
Societal Implications of New Technology: Divides and Gaps 
Digital Literacy in Modern America 
Conclusion
Assignments 
References 

Chapter 22. The Uses and Gratifications Perspective 
Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of Uses and Gratifications 
Methods in U&G Research 
Traits, Circumstances, Motives, and Social Media Use 
Applying U&G: Adapting to People’s Social Media Use Motives 
Conclusion 
Assignments
References 

Chapter 23. Agenda Setting 
Outcomes
Introduction
Quick Overview of Agenda Setting
Methods in Agenda Setting Research
Agenda Setting and Framing in the Digital Age are Interactive, Dynamic Processes
Using Agenda Setting and Framing Research to Design Social Movements
Conclusion
Assignments
References

Chapter 24. Cultural Studies and Cultivation 
Outcomes
Quick Overview of the Theory
Methods: Instutional, Message, and Cultivation Analysis
Cultivation and the Mean, Scary (Online) World
We Are All Commodities Being Bought and Sold
Conclusion
Assignments
References

Chapter 25. Behavioral Media Effects: Social Learning and Spirals of Silence 
Outcomes
Quick Overview of Social Learning and Spiral of Silence
Methods in SCT and Spiral Research 
Applying Behavioral Effects Theory to Media
Applying Behavioral Theories to New Media: Learning About and From New Media
Conclusion
Assignments
References

Conclusion
Chapter 26. Conclusion: Differences, Divides, and Paradoxes 

Outcomes
Five Takeaways
Closing Thoughts: Now You Have the Start of a Theory Tool Box
References

Glossary 

Index

Rebecca Curnalia

Dr. Curnalia is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at Youngstown State University. Her background is in media and persuasion theory, which she applies to research American politics, including analysis of advertisements, traditional and “fake” news coverage, and the political messages in entertainment media. You can read Dr. Curnalia’s research in Communication Research Reports, Qualitative Research Reports in Communication, the American Communication Journal, and in recently published books such as Venomous Speech:Problems with American Political Discourse on the Right and Left and Reality TV:Oddities of Culture

Lives are increasingly lived through mediated channels like smartphones and computers…

Communication theory is more interesting for students if it fits with what they do every day: using and interacting via mediated channels like social networks, websites, texts, and e-mail.

Insight into Innovation: Applying Communication Theory in Our Web 2.0 Lives is an introduction to communication theories, concepts, and research as it applies to Web 2.0 technologies. The unique approach uses theories as lenses to look closely at different types of Web 2.0 technologies, their uses and their effects.

Insight into Innovation: Applying Communication Theory in Our Web 2.0 Lives by Rebecca M.L. Curnalia:

  • Includes a summary of each theory, the concepts and assumptions of it, and offers an applied example that applies it to a current event or new technology.
  • Promotes self-reflection on the reader’s uses of technology and critical thinking by presenting recent scholarship that tests or applies the theory in the Web 2.0 environment. 
  • Helps readers explain, synthesize, apply, and visualize how communication theories and research methods fit together to help one understand ourselves, others, and society.
  • Integrates examples, activities, and links to relevant research and resources throughout.

Introduction 
Welcome to Insight into Innovation!
Why I Love Theory: Lenses for Seeing Life 
What You’ll Learn: Learning Outcomes Associated with Insight into Innovation 
How You’ll Learn: Layout and Features of Insight into Innovation 

Chapter 1. Who We Are and What We Do: The Communication Discipline
Outcomes
The Discipline: What Is Communication?.
Fields of Study: What Do Communication Scholars Research? 
Perspectives on Theory Across Fields of Study in Communication
Defining “Theory” 
Applying Communication Concepts from Theory 
Activities and Assignments
References 

Chapter 2. From Aristotle to Apple’s iPhone: The History of Communication Theory and Research 
Outcomes
The Classical Period 
Modern History
From 1990 to Today: Communication Theory, Research, and Web 2.0
Conclusion
Activities and Assignments 
References 

Chapter 3. Methods in Communication Research 
Outcomes
Why Methods Matter: Methodological Thinking in an Information Saturated World
Types of Research Studies: Exploratory, Confirmatory, and Applied Research
Testing and Applying Theory 
Research Methods in Communication Studies: Critical/Historical, Interpretive, and Scientific Approaches
Conclusion
Activities and Assignments 
References

Unit 1: The Self 
Chapter 4. Symbolic Interactionism and Impression Management 

Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of Theories of the Self 
Methods of Research on the Self 
Selective Self-Presentation Online 
Conclusion
Assignments 
References 

Chapter 5. Attributions and Constructivism
Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of Attribution Theory and Constructivism
Methods of Attribution and Constructivism Research
Applying Research on Attributions and Constructivism to Develop Our Communication Competence 
Applying Competence to CMC: The Case of E-mail 
Conclusion
Assignments
References

Chapter 6. Mindfulness 
Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of Mindfulness 
Methods in Mindfulness Research 
Applied Research: Learning to Listen and Understand
Conclusion
Assignments
References

Unit 2: Sending and Interpreting Mediated Messages: Culture, Gender, and Context 
Chapter 7. Communication Accommodation and Politeness Theory 

Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of Accommodation and Politeness 
Methods in Accommodation and Politeness Research
Applying Accommodation and Politeness: Netiquette
Conclusion 
Assignments 
References

Chapter 8. Genderlect Styles, Muting, and Standpoint Theory 
Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of Genderlect and Muted Group 
Methods in Gender Communication Studies 
Applied Research: Leaning In and Gender Intelligence 
Women in Computing and Technology 
Conclusion
Assignments 
References 

Chapter 9. Expectancy Violations Theory 
Outcomes
Introduction 
Overview of EVT (Burgoon, 1978) 
EVT Research Methods 
Nonverbals via CMC ;) 
Dishonesty in Online Profiles and CMC 
Conclusion 
Assignments 
References 

Unit 3: Interpersonal Relationships Online 
Chapter 10. Interpersonal Attraction 

Outcomes
Overview of Attraction 
Predictors of Attraction
Methods in Attraction Research 
Becoming Attractive: Electronic Propinquity 
Friendship: Social Capital (and Attractiveness) on Facebook and Twitter
Conclusion 
Assignments 
References 

Chapter 11. Hyperpersonal Social Penetration and Uncertainty Reduction 
Outcomes
Introduction 
Overview of Relationship Development Theories
Methods For Studying Interpersonal Relationship Development 
Applied Research: The Online Self-Disclosure/Privacy Paradox 
The Dark Side of CMC Relationships: Over-disclosure, Sexting, and Scams
The Bright Side of CMC Relationships: Information, Closeness, and Social Support
Conclusion 
Assignments
References 

Chapter 12. Relationship Dialectics 
Outcomes
Introduction 
Overview of Relationship Dialectics Theory (Baxter & Montgomery, 1996) 
Methods in Relationship Dialectics Research 
Applying Dialectics: Work-Life Balance in a Teleworking World 
Conclusion 
Assignments 
References 

Chapter 13. Social Exchange Theory 
Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of SET (Thibaut & Kelley, 1959) 
Methods in Social Exchange Research 
Applying Social Exchange and Equity: Maintaining, Withdrawing, and Ending Relationships in a Web 2.0 World
Conclusion 
Assignments 
References

Unit 4: Group s and Organizations in Online Environments 
Chapter 14. Groupthink and Group Functions in Mediated Groups 

Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of Groupthink
Methods in Groupthink Research 
Applying Group Theory in Web 2.0: Capitalizing on the Benefits of CMC in Groups
Conclusion 
Assignments 
References 

Chapter 15. Organizational Cultures 
Outcomes
Introduction 
Overview of Organizational Culture 
Methods for Researching Organizational Cultures
Applied Research: Organizational Culture and Roles in a Flexible Workplace
Conclusion
Assignments
References 

Unit 5: Influencing People Online 
Chapter 16. The Elaboration Likelihood Model 

Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of the ELM
Methods in ELM Research 
Online Marketing and Purchasing: The Age of eWOM 
Motivation, Ability, and Internet Browsing 
How to Adjust Your Online Message: Message Cues, Multimedia, and Layout
Conclusion
Activities and Assignments 
References 

Chapter 17. Cognitive Dissonance Theory 
Outcomes
Introduction 
Overview of Cognitive Dissonance
Methods in Dissonance Research 
Web 2.0: Increasing Polarization and Ambivalence? 
User Control Means More Selectivity Online 
Conclusion
Activities and Assignments 
References 

Chapter 18. The Theory of Planned Behavior 
Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)
Methods of Research in the TPB
Applying the TPB to Understand Adoption of Technology
Conclusion
Activities and Assignments 
References

Chapter 19. Diffusion of Innovations 
Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of the Diffusion of Innovations 
Methods for Diffusion Research 
Identifying e-Influentials: The Modern Opinion Leaders 
Conclusion 
Activities and Assignments 
References 

Chapter 20. Rhetorical Theory 
Outcomes
Introduction 
Overview of Rhetorical Tactics 
Methods for Applying Rhetorical Theory 
Applied Research
Conclusion 
Activities and Assignments
References 

Unit 6: Mass Media 
Chapter 21. Media Ecology 

Outcomes
Overview of Media Ecology 
Research Methods in Media Ecology 
Societal Implications of New Technology: Divides and Gaps 
Digital Literacy in Modern America 
Conclusion
Assignments 
References 

Chapter 22. The Uses and Gratifications Perspective 
Outcomes
Introduction
Overview of Uses and Gratifications 
Methods in U&G Research 
Traits, Circumstances, Motives, and Social Media Use 
Applying U&G: Adapting to People’s Social Media Use Motives 
Conclusion 
Assignments
References 

Chapter 23. Agenda Setting 
Outcomes
Introduction
Quick Overview of Agenda Setting
Methods in Agenda Setting Research
Agenda Setting and Framing in the Digital Age are Interactive, Dynamic Processes
Using Agenda Setting and Framing Research to Design Social Movements
Conclusion
Assignments
References

Chapter 24. Cultural Studies and Cultivation 
Outcomes
Quick Overview of the Theory
Methods: Instutional, Message, and Cultivation Analysis
Cultivation and the Mean, Scary (Online) World
We Are All Commodities Being Bought and Sold
Conclusion
Assignments
References

Chapter 25. Behavioral Media Effects: Social Learning and Spirals of Silence 
Outcomes
Quick Overview of Social Learning and Spiral of Silence
Methods in SCT and Spiral Research 
Applying Behavioral Effects Theory to Media
Applying Behavioral Theories to New Media: Learning About and From New Media
Conclusion
Assignments
References

Conclusion
Chapter 26. Conclusion: Differences, Divides, and Paradoxes 

Outcomes
Five Takeaways
Closing Thoughts: Now You Have the Start of a Theory Tool Box
References

Glossary 

Index

Rebecca Curnalia

Dr. Curnalia is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at Youngstown State University. Her background is in media and persuasion theory, which she applies to research American politics, including analysis of advertisements, traditional and “fake” news coverage, and the political messages in entertainment media. You can read Dr. Curnalia’s research in Communication Research Reports, Qualitative Research Reports in Communication, the American Communication Journal, and in recently published books such as Venomous Speech:Problems with American Political Discourse on the Right and Left and Reality TV:Oddities of Culture