Robert Craig would later suggest seven traditions of communication theory in 1999, consisting of: Rhetorical Semiotic Phenomenological Cybernetic Sociopsychological Sociocultural
INFORMATION THEORY
Claude Shannon’s model, in conjunction with Weiner’s Cybernetics, shaped this theory, a branch of electrical engineering and applied mathematics. Unlike other theories, this source‐encoder‐channel‐decoder‐destination pattern included a noise source directed to the channel. It goes on to say that the more noise that exists in a channel, the greater the need for redundancy, which reduces the entropy of the message. Ideally, you wouldn’t want noise or redundancy. But since noise almost always exists, redundancy increases the chances of the message being received accurately and efficiently.
ACTIVITY THEORY (AT)
This theory began as a way to assess developmental processes that shape people and by which people shape their own experiences in life through their actions and choices. In other words, it examines how we become what we become and what we do to reach the highest goals and achievements that we can. When using AT, we need to take into consideration personal motivations and community role.
SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM
Human beings act towards things based on preconceived meanings that they have
The meaning of these things is the result of social interaction with society and others
Meanings are modified through interpretation by the person
SOCIAL NETWORK THEORY
I was surprised to learn that the “social network” phrase has been around for 100+ years! When we think of social networking, we think Facebook and MySpace and Twitter and blogging. None of which existed 15 years ago, let alone 100. Prior to it’s receiving it’s newer association with online networks, “social networks” were relationships between members of social systems.
14