Question 1

A ________ is a composite drama that catches up large groups of people into a common symbolic reality.

Accepted Answer

rhetorical vision

Question 2

A dramatizing message is one that contains imaginative language such as a pun, figure of speech, or other creative expression of ideas.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 3

Rhetorical visions:

Accepted Answer

A)  are fostered by powerful individuals within small groups. 
B)  are too abstract to be embraced by communities. 
C)  catch on with large groups of people. 
D)  replace fantasy themes. 
A)  are fostered by powerful individuals within small groups. 
B)  are too abstract to be embraced by communities. 
C)  catch on with large groups of people. 
D)  replace fantasy themes. C

Question 4

In order to be classified as an effective fantasy, it needs to be positive and altruistic.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

Bormann advised the use of personification to identify one's group and to build cohesiveness.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

According to symbolic convergence theory, disruptions and counterproductive stories hinder a group's ability to become a cohesive unit.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

Where would the chaining of fantasy themes and the development of a shared vision fit into Hirokawa and Gouran's functional perspective? Would they be as enthusiastic as Bormann and see it as positive experience for a group?

Accepted Answer

In Hirokawa and Gouran's functional pers

Question 8

In the context of the features that are present in all rhetorical visions, the ________ legitimates the rhetorical vision.

Accepted Answer

A)  central character 
B)  plotline 
C)  scene 
D)  sanctioning agent 
A)  central character 
B)  plotline 
C)  scene 
D)  sanctioning agent

Question 9

Bormann claimed that symbolic convergence holds for all people, in any culture, at any time, in any communication context.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

Within a group that has successfully sparked a fantasy chain, ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  there is no need to rely on symbolic cues to trigger the fantasy 
B)  emotions and motives seem to dissipate 
C)  the group begins to have a more objective viewpoint than it had before 
D)  the same theme often appears across multiple narratives 
A)  there is no need to rely on symbolic cues to trigger the fantasy 
B)  emotions and motives seem to dissipate 
C)  the group begins to have a more objective viewpoint than it had before 
D)  the same theme often appears across multiple narratives

Question 11

Think of a small group of which you are/were a part. What fantasies does/did your group share?

Accepted Answer

As a member of a small group, we shared

Question 12

Groups must choose between sharing group fantasies and creating symbolic convergence.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

Both coordinated management of meaning and symbolic interactionism suggest that social realities are co-created by communicators. How is that process mirrored at a group level in symbolic convergence theory?

Accepted Answer

Both coordinated management of meaning a

Question 14

Bormann restricts the term "fantasy" to children's literature, sexual desire, or things "not true."

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

A symbolic cue is an agreed-upon trigger that sets off group members to respond as they did when they first shared a fantasy.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

According to Bormann, comments that lack imagery are considered dramatizing messages.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

According to Bormann, what is the relationship between fantasies and the development of a group's shared identity or consciousness?

Accepted Answer

A)  Fantasies tend to derail a group's bonding efforts. 
B)  Groups that do little fantasizing tend to be highly cohesive and attractive to others. 
C)  Sharing fantasies contribute to group cohesiveness. 
D)  When a group is able to push fantasies aside, they can get to a shared identity. 
A)  Fantasies tend to derail a group's bonding efforts. 
B)  Groups that do little fantasizing tend to be highly cohesive and attractive to others. 
C)  Sharing fantasies contribute to group cohesiveness. 
D)  When a group is able to push fantasies aside, they can get to a shared identity.

Question 18

At times, a group's fantasy theme may not be supported by those outside the group. Can you think of a situation or circumstance when sharing fantasies may build up a group's identity but still be problematic?

Accepted Answer

One situation where sharing fantasies ma

Question 19

How does the sharing of fantasies and creation of fantasy themes reduce uncertainty?

Accepted Answer

The sharing of fantasies and the creatio

Question 20

Which of the following pieces of advice is offered by Bormann, regardless of one's group role?

Accepted Answer

A)  avoid personification as it disrupts the cohesiveness of a group 
B)  be cautious as fantasies can be unpredictable 
C)  be sure that dramatic messages are kept to a minimum 
D)  drama that emphasizes the group's future are most beneficial 
A)  avoid personification as it disrupts the cohesiveness of a group 
B)  be cautious as fantasies can be unpredictable 
C)  be sure that dramatic messages are kept to a minimum 
D)  drama that emphasizes the group's future are most beneficial

Exam 18: Symbolic Convergence Theory

A ________ is a composite drama that catches up large groups of people into a common symbolic reality.

A dramatizing message is one that contains imaginative language such as a pun, figure of speech, or other creative expression of ideas.

Rhetorical visions:

In order to be classified as an effective fantasy, it needs to be positive and altruistic.

Bormann advised the use of personification to identify one's group and to build cohesiveness.

According to symbolic convergence theory, disruptions and counterproductive stories hinder a group's ability to become a cohesive unit.

Where would the chaining of fantasy themes and the development of a shared vision fit into Hirokawa and Gouran's functional perspective? Would they be as enthusiastic as Bormann and see it as positive experience for a group?

In the context of the features that are present in all rhetorical visions, the ________ legitimates the rhetorical vision.

Bormann claimed that symbolic convergence holds for all people, in any culture, at any time, in any communication context.

Within a group that has successfully sparked a fantasy chain, ________.

Think of a small group of which you are/were a part. What fantasies does/did your group share?

Groups must choose between sharing group fantasies and creating symbolic convergence.

Both coordinated management of meaning and symbolic interactionism suggest that social realities are co-created by communicators. How is that process mirrored at a group level in symbolic convergence theory?

Bormann restricts the term "fantasy" to children's literature, sexual desire, or things "not true."

A symbolic cue is an agreed-upon trigger that sets off group members to respond as they did when they first shared a fantasy.

According to Bormann, comments that lack imagery are considered dramatizing messages.

According to Bormann, what is the relationship between fantasies and the development of a group's shared identity or consciousness?

At times, a group's fantasy theme may not be supported by those outside the group. Can you think of a situation or circumstance when sharing fantasies may build up a group's identity but still be problematic?

How does the sharing of fantasies and creation of fantasy themes reduce uncertainty?

Which of the following pieces of advice is offered by Bormann, regardless of one's group role?

Launching Your Study of Communication Theory

Talk About Theory

Weighing the Words

Mapping the Territory Seven Traditions in the Field of Communication Theory

Symbolic Interactionism

Coordinated Management of Meaning Cmm

Expectancy Violations Theory

Social Penetration Theory

Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Social Information Processing Theory

Relational Dialectics Theory

Communication Privacy Management Theory

Media Multiplexity Theory

Social Judgment Theory

Elaboration Likelihood Model

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Functional Perspective on Group Decision Making

Cultural Approach to Organizations

Communicative Constitution of Organizations

Critical Theory of Communication in Organizations

The Rhetoric

Dramatism

Narrative Paradigm

Media Ecology

Semiotics

Cultural Studies

Uses and Gratifications

Cultivation Theory

Agenda-Setting Theory

Genderlect Styles

Standpoint Theory

Muted Group Theory

Communication Accommodation Theory

Face-Negotiation Theory

CC-Cultural Theory

Common Threads in Comm Theories

Filters