Intercultural Communication Personal

To begin, I will make you aware that I was a pretty sheltered girl in grade school: I went to a Catholic school, so just about all of my friends and people I knew were Catholic. However, in high school I met people with many different religion backgrounds: Jews, Mormons, Lutherans, and Atheists. My freshman year I thought it was a little odd the different holidays we would all be able to take off due to our religion. But I thought it was so neat: the variety of celebrations, typically all for the same purpose. 

Anyway, not only did intercultural communication enter my life by becoming friends with people of many different faiths, but I basically dove into another culture, taking every opportunity I could to learn from it. I am referring to a relationship I had in high school; I dated a Jewish guy for two and a half years in high school and felt it necessary to take every opportunity to learn about Judaism since they are the Catholic's roots. However, at times I did feel a little uncomfortable during Passover or batmizvahs when I had myself convinced I was the only person present not understanding the Hebrew being spoken. I would often ask my boyfriend what was being said, and of course a verbatim translation was not accurate because "language differences can go much deeper than simple translation ambiguities" (Tubbs & Moss 323). Ultimately, even though I felt a little uneasy at times I knew the importance of our successful intercultural communication, especially since Catholics and Jews are often seen on different spectrums of things. This was a great experience of intercultural communication in my life. 

Intercultural Communication Applied

Our world today

 "is characterized by an ever growing number of contacts resulting in communication between people with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds" (1st website). The article, Stereotyping and Intercultural Training, suggests the importance of learning about one another's cultures in a positive way to help communicate. 

To begin, the article notes that it is essential for people to make generalizations about other people's cultures to properly communicate with one another. However, the article specifically states that this is very different from stereotyping, which normally constructs generalizations about cultures and groups through a negative window. 

Stereotyping and Intercultural Training stresses "Intercultural awareness training does provide conclusions on cultures or nationalities but it does not stereotype," (2nd Website). Therefore, intercultural training provides people with social norms that can set certain standards for cultures. They can prepare people to be ready to shake one's hand or bow, depending on which culture they are in. Moreover, in order to improve intercultural communication, intercultural training observes people, pinpoints commonalities, and draws conclusions base on the commonalities. "For example, an intercultural researcher or trainer working and/or living in Kuwait is able to make a few accurate, but at the same time, general statements about the Kuwaitis. They may therefore be able to make the generalizations that one should be aware of gender roles, that to do business building a personal relationship is crucial, that if you have a good network of contacts this should be used, and that decision making can be a long slow process that ultimately always rest at top of an organization" (2nd Website). Clearly, this example exemplifies the necessity of intercultural training's assistance of intercultural communication which will help people survive visiting or moving into other cultures. 

1st website: http://www.immi.se/intercultural/ 

2nd website:http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/cultural-services/articles/intercultural-training-stereotypes.html

Definitional Intercultural Comm

Due to the increase in intercultural communication it is essential to determine the different dimensions of cultural differences. 

First, a central dimension that is measured between cultures is individualism or collectivism. Individualist societies have the tendency for "people in a given culture to value 'individual identity over group identity, individual rights over group rights, and individual achievements over group concerns" (Tubbs & Moss 317). For example, Tubbs and Moss recognizes the Unite State, Australia, Great Britain, and Canada as individualist cultures. On the other side, "collectivism has been defined as the tendency of people in a given culture to value "group identity over the individual identity, group obligations over individual rights, and in-group-oriented concerns over individual wants and desires (Tubbs & Moss 317). Also, Tubbs and Moss suggests that Brazil, China, India, and Mexico are cultures that practice collectivism. However, Dr. Hatfield proposes that there is no definite line that exists to be able to refer to each country as either collectivists or individualists. She supports this theory as she explains how in general America may be an individualist culture where Americans live life competing against one another. But, Dr. Hatfield illuminates that America is also able to apply the collectivism culture in time of need; for example, Americans rush to each others rescue when it is necessary such as, Hurricane Katrina or 9/11 (In Class Discussion).

Cultures can also be defined as high or low-context cultures. Communicating Across Cultures suggests, "high context refers to societies or groups where people have close connections over a long period of time. Many aspects of cultural behavior are not made explicit because most members know what to do and what to think from years of interaction with each other" (website). In this case a family is a good example of high context culture. On the other side, Communicating Across Cultures defines low context cultures as "societies where people tend to have many connections but of shorter duration or for some specific reason. In these societies, cultural behavior and beliefs may need to be spelled out explicitly so that those coming into the cultural environment know how to behave" (website). People will often have low contact interactions at a very large US airport. 

Individualism and collectivism along with high-and-low-context cultures are two of the dimensions of intercultural communication.

website: http://www.culture-at-work.com/highlow.html

personal mass com

"New research on the use of social networks in the United States finds that 55 percent of online teenagers use social networking on such Web sites as Facebook and Myspace, and 55 percent have posted an online personal profile" (Tubbs & Moss 546). I am part of the 55 percent that has fallen a victim to these social networking sites. However, I never really paid much attention to my accounts until college.

One reason college has affected my use of my social networking through Facebook is because I am half a country away from all of my best friends, friends, and family. And Tubbs & Moss claims that 82% of social networking users are on these networks to stay in touch with old friends (546). So even though I was going to Creighton, I never intended on having these important people not be a part of my life. Facebook has been a great way to accessibly communicate with friends from high school, who I may not have stayed in contact with, and to see how one another's college experience is going. However, five of my best girl friends from grade school, and myself have a "thread" on Facebook. This allows us to update one of each other on our lives in sort of an open email within the six of us. It has been a great way to all keep in contact and up to date with each other. I have truly appreciated the easy means of communication provided by Facebook.

Another reason I have used Facebook more since I have entered into college life is because it has helped me to communicate and learn things about my new classmates. Tubbs & Moss notes that 49% of users use Facebook to help make new friends (546). Facebook is very helpful when it comes to learning if you have anything in common with a new friend or even just to simply communicate to one another through chatting or comments. 

Overall, Facebook has had positive effects on my interpersonal communication through mass communication providers. 

Applied - Mass com

Technology has allowed for an extreme change which is a trend referred to as "narrowcasting." "Narrowcasting refers to the programming designed to target a specific segment of the media audience" (Tubbs & Moss 538). Narrowcasting employs sophisticated research to learn information about the audiences lifestyles, characteristics, age, gender, needs, and preferences. Facebook is a online business that practices narrowcasting. 

Facebook allows easy access for companies to be selective in the viewers the companies want to attract. To begin, it instantly wants to clarify who the advertisement is meant to target. It asks for specific variables such as, location, age, keywords, relationship status, gender, relationship interests, languages, workplaces, and age that can help advertisers select the viewers of their ads. This is clearly beneficial toward companies because most of its viewers are all prospective clients. However this form of narrowcasting can be overwhelming to Facebook audiences. For example, a surplus weight loss ads are targeted to females on Facebook. It is no secret that females tend to be very self-conscience about their bodies, so no matter how healthy the viewer is, they may feel like these ads are truly trying to tell them something. In this situation, the narrowcasting Facebook has allowed weight loss companies to use is detrimental to the Facebook user and can cause harm to there health, by looking into unhealthy ways of loosing weight instead of the suggested advertisement. This which essentially benefits no one. This is an example in which the narrowcasting can harm a viewer; however, Facebook has many aides that pertain to males such as razors. In this case, these ads are normally beneficial to the company because males can easily see which razor suits there needs. Ultimately, it is essential for people to be aware of the narrowcasting on Facebook and not to let it alter decisions about what they like and who they are. 

http://www.facebook.com/advertising/?advertising&src=aw05Target Your Audience By:

• Location
• Age
• Sex

• Keywords
• Education
• Workplace

• Relationship Status
• Relationship Interests
• Languages 

definitional Mass Comm

"'Mass communication' is often used loosely to refer to the distribution of entertainment, arts, information, and messages by television, radio, newspapers, magazines, movies, recorded music, and associated media" (website). Evidently, mass communications is how our world communicates news to one another. But who decides what is newsworthy for peoples attention, and for how long? 

"A gatekeeper is a person, who by selecting, changing ,and/or rejecting messages, can influence the flow of information to receiver or groups of receivers" (Tubbs & Moss 508). Seven different decisions help gatekeepers determine what is newsworthy. The first variable that gatekeepers must recognize is economics because much of the mass media in the United states is concerned with the profit they will make when spending and raising money. Next, legal restrictions affect the presentations and the content of information have to be taken into consideration. Also, the amount of time a gatekeeper has for a story (deadlines) affect the "depth as well as the time available to determine the accuracy of news selected" (Tubbs & Moss 510). The fourth thing gatekeepers take into consideration when determining the strength of a story is their ethics; their personal beliefs will influences the information they share will others. "A fifth factor is competition among media: In a market with several available sources, it was hoped that competition would raise the overall level of professionalism, ensuring a more objective presentation of information" (Tubbs & Moss 510). Also, the value of the news and the amount of time to present the story are huge factors when a gatekeeper is contemplating the "newsworthiness" that lies within a story. The final variable that affects a gatekeepers decision about stories within mass communication is reaction to feedback, where it is essential for gatekeepers to look at the media goals against public opinion. These are the several variables gatekeepers use to determine what stories should be released through mass communications. 

http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/M/htmlM/masscommunic/masscommunic.htm 

Rhetoric & Public Culture Applied

I have been to Mexico several times for different reasons. I have been there both on vacation with my family and on Mission Trips to build houses with my parish. No matter what ever the reason I find myself in Mexico, my time spent there is always eye-opening to the different realities of our world. 

Every time I leave Mexico I am always overwhelmed with a feeling of appreciation. I tend to appreciate our physical world a lot more after my trips to Mexico. It breaks my heart when I walk up to the houses where a family of ten might be living and it is smaller than my dorm room with no running water or secure roofing. Furthermore, I always become thankful for the little things in America's physical world that we live with in our day to day life style, such as cars, grocery stores, paved streets, bathrooms, and computers. The circumstances the citizens of Mexico live under astonish me. 

However, the circumstances are not what ultimately stands out to me, it is Hispanics social realm that impresses me. Despite all of the communities "set backs" in developments and technological advancements the families thankfulness and closeness is stronger than any families I have ever seen.  For example, the families always provide a nice home cooked Mexican meal for us as we build the house when they do not need to and normally do not have the money to support the cause, but the financial restrictions do not stop the families appreciation. After spending about thirty seconds with the different families I always feel I am amongst the most genuine love that can be bestowed in people. No matter what happens the families eternal love is present in their day to day interactions with one another. Also, their power of prayer is impeccable. The families are so thankful for us, the workers, and God and express their thankfulness repetitively while we are there. I love my trips to Mexico because they are eye opening to the different "worlds" different cultures live in. 

Applied Rhetoric & Public Culture

The study of rhetoric allows the consumers of messages to think critically about why messages are being sent and what intentions the messages send. A person's "understanding of how messages work will be greatly enhanced if you apply yourself to the intense study of how and why human communication works through messages" (The Power of Messages). It is important for people to take a step back, and acknowledge the different effects various messages have. 

For example, the coke company often manages to employ different props that to assist in selling coke products. The rhetorical aspect this specific diet coke commercial implies that if you drink diet coke, you will have as much fun as the people in the commercial. The setting on the commercial allow suggests diet coke aligns with bright sunny days with friends. Furthermore, the idea that diet coke delivers happiness comes as tiny bubbles and stars leave the diet coke can as it opens.  To continue strengthen the coke's appeal people in the commercial appear to be having the time of their life as they not only drink diet coke, but skate around on roller-skates dancing to a fun poppy song, "Starry Eyed Surprise" by Paul Oakenfold. This fun song illuminates the the coke companies underlying message that diet coke brings happiness to its consumers. Coke applies peripheral rhetoric to help sell the diet coke. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmBDeswu2dI

Definitional Rhetoric & Public Culture

The Power of Messages suggest that we live in three very distinct, but that overlap one another. These three worlds are our physical world, social world, and symbol world. It is important to acknowledge that all of the worlds unite; one cannot exist without the others. The Power of Messages informs that they all "provided us boundaries, resources, and challenges." 

To begin, The Power of Messages suggests that many may believe that humans have mastered the physical realm. Human's have come close to mastering the physical world through exploring ideas such as sailboats, aircraft, space exploration, automobiles, gravity, and many more inventions and sciences. However, "our physical world often reminds us that we have neither total nor adequate control of physical conditions. One hurricane, one deadly virus, one tsunami,  or one ravaging fire can quickly remind us that all of out efforts, improvements, technologies, and skills are at times puny" (The Power of Messages). We can anticipate and plan for our physical environment; however, we will most liking never fully "master" it. 

Also, people's social world alters in various cultures and time. Most commonly, families prepare members to be introduced into society by practicing social norms. For example, eating with silverware is a norm in America, whereas the social realm in Asian cultures uses chopsticks. Additionally, Mark Twain proposes a flaw to people's conforming to a society when he says, "a nation is only an individual multiplied" ( http://thinkexist.com/quotations/society/2.html). Moreover, social interactions consist in many different situations, but they allow us to help make sense of situations. The "social world often is the source of our greatest contentment and the foot of our most maddening distractions." 

Finally, the symbol world consists of sounds and images that influence our thinking. It is essential to be aware of our social world because "the use of language tools and habits allow us to manipulate words and images about time, space, and physical conditions" (The Power of Messages). Therefore, if we do not pay attention to how others employs sounds and images in the symbol world we can fall a victim to things such as false advertisement. 

Ultimately, people must recognize how the three worlds overlap. The Power of Messages explains the constant unification of the three worlds, "We have used our symbol world to describe, understand, and manipulate our physical world. Our physical world holds the constraints and possibilities that make our creation of symbols, worlds, and language possible. Our social world deeply influence how we use material resources to construct what some scholars call our "built" environment." 

Personal Group Com

When planning prom night junior year, I fell a victim to groupthink. Within the larger group I hung out with in high school their was a smaller group of 6 of us that were always together. I wanted to go to dinner with the larger group and participate in a backyard BBQ that my friends were having. However, my boyfriend at the time and the rest of our subgroup wanted to go out for dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. I thought it was rather ironic that the boys chose to spend more money because they normally do whatever they can to save a buck or two. I fought the idea of the steakhouse for about a day, but eventually I gave in because all of my closest friends preferred the steakhouse idea. Looking back on the occasion I still kick myself for not trying to change people's minds one at a time. I do not mean this in a manipulative manner (even though it may come off that way) I just wanted all of us to share our first prom with our larger group of friends. Regardless junior prom was still amazing, and senior prom was even more fun since everyone wanted to participate in the catered dinner that our parents were putting on in our friends backyard. I do not know if it was because the food was catered or because it was our senior year, but I definitely appreciated getting to spend before prom with our subgroup while being with our larger group. This is just one example of when I have changed my opinion to create less controversy with my small social group. 

Applied Group Com

In some groups it is very common for members to fall a victim to groupthink. Groupthink is when other people's judgements affect our beliefs, attitudes, perceptions, and values (Tubbs & Moss 392). It can be very harmful for small groups because groupthink limits a groups creativity by only examining a few alternatives. 

The movie Mean Girls perfectly displays victims of groupthink. The "mean girls" who are the three most popular girls on campus have groupthink rules such as, only being able to wear their hair up once a week, that limit one's self-expression. Also, the group has a "queen bee" who controls and manipulates the other two girls in their social group through forcing groupthink to align with all her beliefs. 

When a fourth member is invited to the club, groupthink effects become extremely apparent. Linsday Lohan's character, Cady, is perfectly happy with the person she is. However, Cady witnesses the girls criticize every each of their body, so she follows the trend trying to fit in by saying she has bad breathe in the morning. Her attempt to fit it only grosses the girls out because Cady's flaw was not critical of her appearance.  This scene displays how groupthink is deteriorating their image of themselves, and concerns of how others perceive them. 

The movie displays how groupthink can negatively effect a whole high school. There are many flaws with groupthink, but it can be resolved by allowing leaders to remain impartial, using an outsiders opinion, or by playing a devil advocate approach. 

definitional group com

Tim Borchers of Moorhead State University defines a small group as a group with at least and no more then 15 members where, "members must be able to communicate freely and openly with all of the other members of the group. Groups will develop norms about discussion and groups members will develop roles which will affect the group's interactions. A group must have a common purpose or goal and they must work together to achieve that goal. The goal brings the group together and holds it together through conflict and tension." (http://www.abacon.com/commstudies/groups/definition.html). 

Tubbs & Moss discusses four different types of groups: social or casual groups, learning or educational groups, work groups, and self-directed groups. To begin, a casual or social group consists of people with whom we socialize, such as, family, friends, neighbors, fraternity and sororities. These relationships can be short-lived, but also the foundation for how we indirectly communicate our identification to others. Furthermore, members of a learning or education group come together to learn something about a given subject. This kind of group can extend outside of the classroom; Tubbs and Moss give examples of a Quarterback Club and Film groups. It has been suggested that these groups are "'enlightenment groups,' in which members may attempt to solve problems but have no authority implement their decisions" (Tubbs & Moss 387). Next, a work group consists of individuals who may have little in common other than their job because they come together with specific goals to achieve, mostly in a work environment. The fourth type of small group is the self-directed work team: "a group of employees who have day-to-day responsibility for managing themselves and the work they do with a minimum of direct supervision (Tubbs & Moss 388). Undoubtedly, any type of interaction we have with more than one other person and less than 15 other people, the communication can typically fall under one of these small group categories. 

Personal Organizational communication

My last two year of high school I was elected to Student Council. My junior year I was a class senator and my senior year I was Student Body Recording Secretary. The organizational communication within the class was different each year. My junior year the President ran the organization with downward communication, and my senior year was horizontal communication.

My junior year the class was ran more effectively with the Student Body President running the class off downward communication. The president, Peter, would take volunteers to head subgroups and then make sure other students were on the committees. Daily, he would check in with the leaders of the subgroups so the whole class could know where we stood with assemblies, dances, lunch cart, etc. This was effective because everyone filled there roll in the class. However, it often formed clicks because people typically joined the groups that their best friends joined. 

On the other hand, my senior year the student body President, Becca, ran the class with horizontal communication. I believe she cared a little more what people thought of her, so it was difficult to be the enforcer Peter was, even though she saw how he ran the organization. Within this organization we had many great ideas being discussed in the class but less action was definitely being taken. However, there were not as many clicks; the problem came because we all enjoyed talking to each other so much that own communication did not always stay on topic. We still managed to get stuff done, but most of the time Becca did not inform enough people what was going on, so a handful of people consistently did most of the work. 

Applied Organizational Communication

Snap Patties fast food place will be installing downward communication within its organization. Snap Patties key question is "what is right for the enterprise" including employees from every level of the staff. The companies downward communication organization strategy is defined as communication "initiated by the organization's upper management and then filters downward through the 'chain of command'" (Tubbs 478). 

The leader of the organization, Mitch Meaty, believes the downward communication will be most beneficial for the efficiency of Snap Patties. Snap Patties will apply legitimate power where "the authority a person has by virtue of her or his position" where the boss handles all authority (Tubbs 482). Therefore, Mitch Meaty will be at the top of the pyramid for the communication of Snap Patties, the communication will then funnel down to "chain of command" through e-mails, faxes, and phone calls because combined, oral and written, suggestions are most effective in downward communication. 

If one has not noticed yet, Mitch Meaty choose downward communication not only because he has seen the wonders Jim Donald has created with Starbucks through downward communication, but Mitch Meaty wants the control. This can be positives and negatives for the organization. On the upside, Mitch Meaty with easily be able to trace where the accidents have occurred within the organization. When looking for an error in communication, Meaty will easily be able to look down the funnel of communication his staff practiced and see where the accident went wrong. However, on the down side, such a demanding and controlling boss can intimidate employees and make the staff of the company unsuccessful.

If Meaty employs his power wisely through downward communication he can work the wonders Donald did. He just has to make sure he makes the choices. 

Definitional Organizational Com

Organizational communication is "a program that focuses on general communication processes and dynamics within organizations. Includes instruction in the development and maintenance of interpersonal group relations within organizations; decision-making and conflict management; the use of symbols to create and maintain organizational images, missions, and values; power and politics within organizations; human interaction with computer technology; and how communications socializes and supports employees and team members."  (source: U. S. Department of Education, http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2002/cip2000/ciplist.asp?CIP2=09) Evidently, the success of an organization corresponds with the business's organizational communication; 85-90% of a companies achievement relies on the leader's organizational communication (Tubbs 472). There are four different types of culture and leadership style for managers or leaders of the organization: Tough-Guy-Macho Culture, Work-Hard-Play-Hard Culture, Bet-Your-Company Culture, and Process Culture.

The Tough-Guy-Macho Culture mostly occurs is organizations that are demanding and risk one's life. Police departments and surgeons are common organizations which obtain the Tough-Guy-Macho Culture because the people within the organizations must be authoritative. 

Next, the Work-Hard-Play-Hard Culture represents companies who encourage their workers to work hard to be excited for the companies success because their own success with align. This type of organization focuses "on sales and meeting customers' needs...Sales type organizations also celebrate a lot to keep up their energy and motivation." (Tubbs 470). McDonalds and Mary Kay Cosmetics are good examples of Work-Hard-Play-Hard Culture.

Also, the Bet-Your-Company Culture requires its individuals to endure high risk, but slow feedback (Tubbs 470). Big oil companies and NASA are prime examples of the Bet-Your-Company Culture.

Lastly, the Process Culture maintains very low risks and feedback. Often times employees will rarely witness results (Tubbs 470). The Process Culture is maintained in systems with check-and-balances, such as the government, so nothing bad slips through. 

Applied Health Communication

Every time someone watches television, it is almost guaranteed that during commercial breaks there will be a health care commercial. Whether the commercial advertises medicine or is an eye opening "truth" commercial a television viewer is bound to watch health adds during a television program. Liberty Medical applies the theory of planned behavior to their advertisement. 

To begin, the advertisement is making the audience aware that medicare "may" cover someone's testing supplies who has diabetes. The man tries to sell Liberty Medical's coverage by affecting a viewers attitude. He suggests many pros that align with signing up with Liberty. He claims clients will receive a free testing meter, free shipping, medicare will cover their testing supplies, and that Liberty will take care of all the billing. 

Liberty Medical subtly focuses on the subject norms during their commercial. In this particular commercial they do not discuss any family members that would help influence health behavior. However, the character of the old man illuminates the persona that the company is trying to reach out to. Almost instantly this clarifies the main demographic Liberty Medical is trying to attract. 

Finally, the advertisement strengthens the viewers perceived behavior control because the ad makes Liberty Medical's program sound so simple. He tells the viewer to call the number and that Liberty will be ready to assist you. Also, throughout the advertisement he discusses how they take care of the dirty work, such as bills and mailing testing supplies. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXQaMaBxwRg

Personal Blog

Health communication in people's lives often goes unnoticed. I never realized the theories and models that take place in effective health communication until this chapter. Also, all of the models really opened my eyes to the roles health communication has played in my life. When we were discussing it in class, I realized my life definitely maintains the stages of change model for exercising. 

For instance, I never thought anything of my work out cycle, even though I have noticed that unless I am in a rhythm it will be hard for me to go to the gym. For example, I could go work out everyday for a week, and it is not hard; it just becomes part of my thought process. However, the first day I do not work out, it suddenly becomes the hardest thing in the world to return to the gym the next day or whenever i finally talk myself into it. 

The stages of change model perfectly displays my thought process during these cycles. The cycle begins with pre-contemplation, my thoughts about wanting to get into shape. Then during the contemplation stage I acknowledge that I can work out in efforts to get in shape. Once I decide I am finally ready to get in shape, this will lead to my action of going to the gym. The difficult part after I have started going to the gym is maintaining this is my agenda. Especially since any day that I miss can allow me to relapse, in which case I would stop going to the gym. This cycle is very prominent in my work out schedule. I'm either on or off, and thankfully right now I'm on. :)

Definitional Health Com

"Health communication encompasses the study and use of communication strategies to inform and influence individual and community decisions that enhance health. It links the domains of communication and health and is increasingly recognized as a necessary element of efforts to improve personal and public health" (webstie). In "Communicating Health Strategies For Health Promotion," Nova Corcoran discusses cognitive theories, such as the Theory of Planned Behavior to illuminate the significance of the study of health communication. 

To begin, the Theory of Planned Behavior states (TPB), "the closest determinate of behavior is the intention to perform (or not perform) that behavior" (handout). A persons intention to perform a behavior is based upon three factors: attitude toward the behavior, subject norm, and perceived behavior control. First, at person's attitude toward the behavior balances the pros and cons, as well as,  the risks and rewards that parallel the certain behavior. Next, the subject norm factor plays a role when someone thinks of performing a behavior because social pressures, such as pressure from family, media, or friends will impact a person's decision. Finally, one's perceived behavior control is to be considered while one determines their intention to perform an action because this is a person's perception about their ability to carry out the intentions. "This simplistic version of the model proposes that the more positive the attitude, supportive the subject norm and higher the perceived behavior control and the stronger the intention, the more likely it is the person will perform that behavior" (handout).  

TPB is important for health practitioners to examine. If health practitioners discover ways to effect their patients attitudes they can increase patients intentions to perform behaviors by suggesting risk and rewards that correspond with the necessary actions to assist in healing a patient. It is most imporatant that doctors strengthen an individual's perception of behaviors because people must be confidante in their actions in order to make them believe it is beneficial. The three components that define TPB are crucial in successful health communication. 

Applied

"Nonverbal/nonvocal communication involves only gestures and appearance" (Tubbs 105.) Often times it may be difficult for one to correctly interpret anthers nonverbal/nonvocal communication. However, visual cues such as, facial expressions, oculesics, body movements, hand gestures, haptics, and one's physical appearance are all visual cues that help others interpret nonverbal/nonvocal messages (Tubbs). In the show, Lie to Me, nonverbal communication is studied to determine when someone is telling the truth. 

The show reveals all of the normal characteristics that constitute a liars nonverbal communication. To begin, the scientists of the show were trying to figure out the truth behind a rape case. The first sign the scientist noticed was that the woman must have been lying because of the eligible victim's hesitant frown as she told her story. It was impressive to me that the scientists could even acknowledge these frowns because the facial expressions did not last long.

Furthermore, the scientists are trained to learn emotions at a glance. They have a computer systems that places someone's face and expression on the screen, and the scientists must be able to instantly identity the nonverbal communication through the facial expressions.  One of the new employees on the show was getting frustrated because her new boss was picking up on every emotion she had; she claimed she could not understand how people work in this environment with everyone constantly knowing each other's train of thought. I was shocked to how much nonverbal communication our facial expressions and other visual cues revealed, and I would definitely feel extremely subconscious and uncomfortable in the environment of the Lie to Me scientists. 

Personal

In sports nonverbal communication is essential in order to defeat the other team. When I played softball nonverbal communication was a strategy, that each girl must have conquered. A single misinterpretation of the nonverbal signs could cost the team the game. 

To begin, not only before each at bat, but before each pitch my third base coach would give the batter a nonverbal sign. The nonverbal signs typically would be interpreted as hit and run, bunt, drag bunt, fake bunt, or do what ever you choose. These strategies can be key to winning or loosing a game. For example, if our coach puts on fake bunt and the batter does not do it, but the on base runner continues to run anyway it is more likely that the runner will get thrown out as they proceed to run to the next base. One may not think this is a big deal, but when that runner on second is the winning or tying run that miscommunication of the sign is huge. 

Furthermore, I use to be a catcher in softball when I was younger. The nonverbal communication between myself, the coach, and the pitcher between each pitch was essential. Normally, the coach would sign to me with different numbers, and I would then have to relay the message to the pitcher who would either continue to pitch that pitch to the assigned spot or shake it off. It was necessary for my pitcher and myself to be on the same page because I would not want to be expecting a curve ball when she threw a change up since that would effect my approach and reactions to the pitch. 

Ultimately, throughout my softball career nonverbal communication played a major role, and the difficulty of comprehending the signs strengthened when the competition did as well. 

Definitional

"Communication in general is process of sending and receiving messages that enables humans to share knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Although we usually identify communication with speech, communication is composed of two dimensions - verbal and nonverbal." (website). In Human Communication, D'Angelo and Stwewart propose that there are four different types of communication if one distinguishes vocal from nonvocal and verbal from nonverbal.

First, the most common form of communication is verbal/vocal. Verbal/vocal communication suggests that people communicate through spoken word (Tubbs). For instance, Mike and Josh discuss their plans to to go to the mall. 

The next form of communication is verbal/nonvocal; "words are involved but no speaking takes place" (Tubbs). When someone writes a letter, e-mail, blog, Faceboook message or comment, verbal/nonvocal communication take places because words are exchanged, but no sound is made. 

The third form of communication is nonverbal/vocal communication where vocoalizations such as a groan will constitute the form of communication (Tubbs). Often times these can be people's subconcious mannerisms such as clearing there thoat or saying "um" a lot while they speak.

The final form of communication is nonverbal/nonvocal. Nonverbal/nonvocal communication only involves appearance and gestures (Tubbs). An example of a nonverbal/nonvocal message would be a smile or a frown. Nonverbal/nonvocal messages can easily be interpreted the wrong way, for someone may lose eye-contact during a conversation which may suggest to the other person that they are uninterested when the conversation truly holds their attention.  

Works Cited

Tubbs, Stewart L., and Sylvia Moss. Human Communication : Principles and Contexts. New York: McGraw-Hill Humanities, Social Sciences & World Languages, 2007.

http://www.fhsu.edu/~zhrepic/Teaching/GenEducation/nonverbcom/nonverbcom.htm

Confused Child (Applied)

In this YouTube Video the gender traits society assigns to males and females becomes apparent through a three and a half-year-old's observations. This little boy discusses his life when he becomes a father. The video begins with the boy stating that he wants to have 10 kids, all boys. He continues that the boys will never have to be disciplined or get spankings. This idea is parallel to the social norm that must must develop a sense of independence on their own. Julia Wood acknowledges that research displays that parents are typically more assertive to a young boys individual rights, and this young boy is accepts this idea for he is clearly ready to let his ten sons learn their own ways (Wood 10). 

Furthermore, the three and a half year old boy strengthens social norms as he discusses the roles his wife will play within the household. This young fellow hopes to have the perfectly domestic house wife. He mentions that she will stay up all hours of the night to cook food for him anytime he wants. Moreover, this little boy suggests that she will clean the house, do the laundry, stay at home with the kids, and once again cook. However, societies effects on gender identity become most apparent when the young boy state that his wife will be doing all of these chores while he is at work! Man, does this young potential father figure have nerve to assume his life will perfectly align to the social norms society has developed within him. 

Work Cited

Wood, Julia T. "Gender Relatioships And Communication." Gendered Relationships. Ch. 1. 3- 19.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru4k5ygePFk

Who Am I? ( Personal)

I am Mindy Treon. My sex is female, but what is my gender? Gender is something that I have learned throughout life. I have two older brothers who I have shadowed my whole life. I use to be the biggest Tom Boy ever. Girly girl was never a term I had wanted to be associated with. My whole life I was aware of the stereotype that girls were suppose to have cute hair, play with dolls, like pink, and be fashionable. However, I rarely did my hair, loved sports, liked all colors, and wore my brothers clothes. Does this mean I am a boy? Obviously not, my XX female chromosomes are inevitable; however, my brothers more than society had a huge role in assisting my gender identification. 

Furthermore, when we conducted the experiment of assigning adjectives to women and men in class I found that I did not specially fit one or the other, but both. What was really strange to me was that even though many women are athletes our class only assigned athletic as a male trait. I for one do believe it is more fitting for the male stereotype, but thought it was ironic because it is a trait I have associated with myself my whole life. Also, as I have seen my father, brother, uncles, and cousins be amazing fathers, but I do not associate "nurturing" as a male characteristic; even though, it is definitely an essential trait for men to posses. This experiment helped me recognize the stereotypes society assigns to men and women, and my own personal choice to accept the stereotypes but not follow them. 

Sex Vs. Gender (Definitional)

Many people use the terms gender and sex interchangeably. However, it was interesting to discover that these terms are not synonyms at all. Julia T. Wood's article "Gender Relationships and Communication" emphasis the differences. 

She clarifies that "Sex is innate, but gender is socially created and learned by individuals" (Wood 1). Sex is determined by genetics and hormones; the terms male and female, boy and girl, man and woman refer to one's biological sex. Sex is to be determined by one pair of chromosomes: the patterns XY for males and XX for females create one's sex. 

On the other side, "Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviour, activities and attributes that a particular society considers appropriate for men and women." Additionally, one's interactions and relationships with others continue to strengthen one's gender identity. To begin, "our earliest relationships in nuclear families weave gender into out basic self-concepts" (Wood 1). However, people's gender identities continue to grow through their romantic relationships and friendships individuals experience on their own. It is important to acknowledge "gender is both created by and creative of relationships" (Wood). Specifically, relationships help one determine gender; similarly, gender constructs the foundations of relationships. Ultimately, people must recognize that gender is dynamic, and life experiences will continue to alter a person's gender identity, for people can only identify  their gender through experiences.  

Works Cited

"Gender Quotes." World Health Organization. 1 Mar. 2009 .

Wood, Julia T. "Gender Relationships And Communication." Gendered Relationships. Ch. 1. 3- 19.

Class Assignment (Personal)

Warning: This is Solely For a Class Assignment 

Woman Seeking Man Friendship or maybe more, 19 years old

Relationship: Long Term

Body Type: Athletic

Ethnicity: Caucasian

Religion: Catholic

Other: Doesn't Smoke

     Doesn't Drink

     Doesn't Have Children

     Wants Children in the FAR Future

Description: I am an easy going person who generally gets along with most people. I love anything that has to do with sports and competition. I generally tend to stress myself out with school work, but always find fun ways to relieve my stress with my friends. I am from Phoenix, but looking to meet people in Omaha. I am looking to meet someone who has a great sense of humor and loves to have fun. However, this person also needs to be very intelligent and very up to date with news and what is going on in our world. Often times I struggle with this, so it is nice to have someone to discuss these things with to help stay updated. The person I am seeking must love playing sports and attending sporting events. I would hope to find a respectable man, who is very compassionate and caring. I am not looking for someone who I have to attend to or who has to attend to me, but someone who will be there to have fun with and talk to! :) 

Check Your Location (Applied)

There are many unspoken rules that exist in communication. The unspoken rules are set up by societal norms through roles each person plays in society. Social norms are "rules, whether implicit or explicit, about behavior" (Tubbs 273). With these rules people developed ideas about how best friends, family members, lovers, and strangers should act towards one another. When people step out of their societal norms and act differently to certain people, it throws off the roles each person represents in the circumstance. 

To begin, when people have had a stressful day they tend to just ramble about their problems to just about anyone they meet. For example, a bus stop or local coffee shop are prime locations where people can easily be taken out of the role as a stranger and instantly turned into a companion or someone to talk to simply because one has accidently sat or stood next to someone who has had the bad day. Situations like this tend to not align with the proper level of intimacy that should be in the relationship because the stressed person (old lady in the red shirt) suddenly does not have a filter with the information they are disclosing to the stranger, acquaintance, new best friend because they are so frazzled about their day. Therefore, next time you are stressed about remember your settings and the roles of the people in it before you discuss your life with someone who is entirely uninterested. 

Works Cited

Tubbs, Stewart L., and Sylvia Moss. Human Communication : Principles and Contexts. New York: McGraw-Hill Humanities, Social Sciences & World Languages, 2007.

Johari Window (Definition)

The Johari Window is a model that is used to describe human interaction. It is named after the first names of its inventors, Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham ("Johari"). The intention of the Johari window is to conceptualize levels of awareness and self disclosure in human communication (Tubbs 281). The window is consisted of four different quadrants which focus on "how self-disclosure can affect what we know about ourselves and how we feel about who we are" (Handout). Essentially, it suggests ways at observing intrapersonal and interpersonal affairs. Intrapersonal deals with experiences that come from oneself, but interpersonal affairs are derived from interaction with other people. 

The four quadrants the model acknowledges are the open, blind, hidden and unknown quadrants ("Johari"). The first quadrant is the "open area," which consists of information that is open to the public and easy for one to reveal. The next box is the "blind area," also recognized as "things others know about us, but we don't know about ourselves" (Handout).  The third quadrant is the "hidden area" is more personal information that we know about ourselves, but we chose not to share this information with others. The final and fourth quadrant is the "unknown area" that is information that you and no one else has yet to discovered about yourself. The Johari Window can allow for one to have eye opening experiences about themselves. 

Works Cited

Handout from Class

"Johari Window." 26 Apr. 1999. 22 Feb. 2009 .

Tubbs, Stewart L., and Sylvia Moss. Human Communication : Principles and Contexts. New York: McGraw-Hill Humanities, Social Sciences & World Languages, 2007.

I'm Sorry (Personal)

I have a friend who we'll call "Alex" that I have been best friends with since the first grade. She means the world to me and knows every single thing about me; I swear she has a "Mindy sense" because I never need to tell her if anything is wrong, she just knows. Unfortunately, Alex is also the only one of my friends that I tend to get in disputes with. However, since we both know one another so well it can be too easy to push one an other's buttons or discovers one's reasoning behind their actions. Surprisingly, this is what often times leads to are frustrations. Thankfully, with our past communication experiences I can examine those patterns to help define the truths behind our quarrels. 

Recently, Alex and I get into an argument over how we are away from each other at school and getting out priorities straight to see one another when we are home. We had miscommunication and took one an other's actions the wrong way. Our schedules did not align to see one another over Thanksgiving break, and I made Alex feel as if it was simply unimportant for me too see her. However, since Alex has been my best friend since the first grade I knew that know matter what she would always be there, and I had so many family obligations and prior plans with other friends I had already committed to. I was very disappointed that I did not get to see her, and Alex was upset too. I was able to predict how she would act due to our life-long friendship. Later, I employed qualitative research for my concerns with accurately understanding and describing how Alex was reacting to me not being able to see her. And after I few unanswered phone calls, I faced the harsh reality that I probably would not be talking to her until I saw her over Christmas break. This was extremely upsetting for me since I often have the urge to tell her about every aspect of my life. However, once we were able to communicate about the series of unfortunate events that occurred over the past three weeks while we were away we were able to understand one an other's motives and reconcile with one another. I was able to predict that we both needed to just be able to talk to one another about everything to make the other person understand our side of the story, and once we did our friendship became as strong as its always been even through the miles between the corn fields of Nebraska and the desert of Arizona. 

"Did You Hear Me!?!?" (Applied)

"Did you just hear what I said!?" yells Amanda Bynes in her hit television show What I Like About You as she is in a fight with her boyfriend. This argument within this particular episode of What I Like About You is full of common communication flaws. For example, Amanda and her boyfriend both talk in a loud tone at the same time, making it impossible to listen to one another. Also, neither of them or even willing to listen to the other person's story because they are both so focused on getting their own message across. Hollywood often portrays many boyfriend/girlfriend, and husband/wife relationships to have challenges seeing eye to eye at times. Amanda's quote, "Did you just hear what I said!?" is a line that Hollywood employs as well as everyday people do, to clarify if the other person or peoples are listening. 

After acknowledging this common trend in communication I have developed the hypothesis that if someone uses this phrase with a loud tone in an argument it tends to upset the other person more. There are several possible ways I could go about affirming this information. First, I need to recognize that this will be an experiment of the social sciences since I would hope to understand if this rule or question explains the following behavior of another person. I would have to employ the three step process of question, observe, and three step process. Furthermore, I would apply the qualitative research method because "Qualitative researchers gain understanding through interpreting and elaborating, or making explicit, human conditions and events holistically as they occur in the world," ( Dues 61). Therefore, I would use in-depth interviews, as well as,  conversation analysis to be able to judge people's reactions to the question properly. After following this process I should be able to tell if it is a universal truth that people become instantly aggravated when someone angrily shouts, "Did you hear me!?" or something similar. 

Works Cited

Dues, Michael, and Mary Brown. Boxing Plato's Shadow : An Introduction to the Study of Human Communication. New York: McGraw-Hill Humanities, Social Sciences & World Languages, 2003.

Necessity of Communication Studies (Def Blog)

The modern studies of communication has continued to evolve since 1910. Boxing Plato's Shadow recognizes the process communication studies had to undergo in order to establish itself as an academic discipline; there were several prerequisites that were essential for the discipline. "First, the content [of the the course] must represent a substantial and discrete subject area that is not covered by any other discipline," (Dues 34). This requirement displays that the topic of study should be unique with an established foundation. "Second, the discipline must have a methodology of its own - that is, an accepted set of systematic methods for developing new knowledge about its subject.," (Dues 34). However, this criteria established difficulties because scholars used several different methods to study communication depending on the form of communication they were studying. 

On the other hand, two relevant advantages existed in which scholars employed to help gain awareness of the necessity of communications as part of the liberal arts discipline. For example, the subject of communication "had an enormous practical value" because communication is present in everyone's daily life whether one chooses to recognize it or not (Dues 35). Communication is present in people's lives in more forms than one can imagine; therefore, it is essential for people to study it, so humans can properly understand the way individuals in society think. Nowadays, the National Communication Association is able to recognize that, "The range of communication research and its implications for improving the world are breathtaking," (Communication). Although an another advantage to the establishment of communication as a study was the fact that it "had deep roots," (Dues 35). The basis for the study of communication began with the well known scholars that we previously learned about: Plato, the sophists, and Aristotle. 

After much work, "In December 1915, a group of 17 scholars met to address these defining issues and to find common ground for a twentieth-century discipline to address spoken communication." Finally, from this meeting created the "Department of Speech," or the "Department of Speech and Education," (Dues 36-37). 

Works Cited

"Communication Research." NCA. National Communication Association. 12 Feb. 2009 .

Dues, Michael, and Mary Brown. Boxing Plato's Shadow : An Introduction to the Study of Human Communication. New York: McGraw-Hill Humanities, Social Sciences & World Languages, 2003.

Communicating (Week 2, Applied)

This illustration displays my interpretation of communication. I decided to draw a man who is delivering a speech to be my main "sender" of the information. Their are many different receivers in the audience who are communicating differently to the speaker. One of the members of the audience is verballing communicating with the speaker by saying, "YES!" in agreement with the speaker. However, there is another member of the audience who is nonverbally communicating with the speaker. This member of the audience is simply laying down which portrays that he is uninterested in the speaker's speech. This is a good example of intentional nonverbal communication because this character wants the speaker to know that he is boring him to sleep. Additionally, sometimes people can unintentionally employ nonverbal communication to portray that they are uninterested by wandering eyes. However, these messages can also be interpreted the wrong way because a person who is interested may be nonverbally looking like they are uninterested because of the interference around them. In this picture i have two different examples of interference; there is one person talking to the person standing next to them which a distraction for all the member of the audience. Also, the speaker is right next to the street which is another form of interference because the background noise is making it difficult for people to hear the speaker. This drawing that i have created contains all of the crucial parts of communication, along with some of the variables that one can encounter while communicating. 

Experiments (Week 2, Personal Reflection)

All theories, no matter whether they are a communications theory or a theory from another science have to be supported by research and experiments. In chemistry lab I have to conduct experiments once a week; these experiments help me understand the theories of chemistry. When I physically conduct experiments on a theory that we are studying in class, it can be very helpful when attempting to understand the theory. For example, I had a difficult time understanding the Lewis Dot Structures in chemistry; however, after the lab I gained new confidence in understanding the Lewis Dot Structures.Therefore, theories are essential in to help people make sense of subjects.

 Additionally, in the seventh and eighth grade I had to conduct several experiments to prove or disprove a theory. One of the experiments my partner and I conducted tried to prove our hypothesis that burning trash before putting it in a landfill was worse for the environment than simply burying the trash. Hypothesis are essential when trying to prove or disprove a theory, so you can have a foundation for researching the topic. When we conducted this experiment, just like any other experiment, we had to consider many different variables to help us determine our experiment. In conclusion, when people are trying to prove or disprove a theory an experiment offers the best support; we successfully proved our hypothesis when we conducted the landfill experiment. 

Theories (Week 2 Definition)

Theories are not static; they continue to develop and transform with time. Chapter two defines theory as "A set of inter-related propositions that suggest why events occur in the manner that they do" ( Points 44). When theories are founded, empirical research takes place to test the theories. Empirical research studies are based on experiments or observations. The Manor College identifies four main objectives with empirical research: "capture contextual data and complexity; learn from the collective experience of the field; identify, explore, confirm, and advance theoretical concepts; and enhance educational design" ("What").  Empirical research methods are important to use for three reasons. One reason is that tradition and assumed knowledge have been relied up for too long. Also, it "integrates research and practice." ("What"). A final reason why it is essential to use empirical research is because science needs to continue to progress since our world is always evolving.  

Moreover, it is necessary to test theories for reliability and validity. Reliability or, repeatability, is an important factor when creating a theory because one must known how strong their evidence is. In order to have true evidence an experiment must be supported by more than one actual experiment, but with many trials of an experiment. Additionally, validity ("the ability to measure what the theory purports to measure") is an important factor for developing theories because theories need to "prove" what they are identifying. Theories are made up of many factors that help establish a strong point of view. 

Works Cited

"Points of View About Theory."  Ch. 2. 43-65. 

"What is Empirical Research?" Manor College. Sept. 2006. Basileiad Library. 1 Feb. 2009 .