Theory Definition

Identify the Theory

Theorist(s)

Context of Theory

Application Example from your Personal or Professional Life

Theory explains why as relationships develop, communication moves from less intimate levels to more intimate, more personal levels.

Theory explains how people hold expectations about the nonverbal behaviors of others. Violations of these expectations may trigger a change in the perception of exchange either positively or negatively, depending on the relationship.    

Theory explains the process that people use to manage the relationship between concealing and revealing private information.

Theory explains how people experience a limited effect from media. Individuals are thought to be actively seeking specific types of media to generate specific needs. However, some theorists working within this model study how effects, such as attitudes and perceptions of social reality, can and do happen.

Theory explains why parties to communication experience conflicting pulls causing relationships to be in a constant state of flux. The closer individuals become to one another, the more conflict will arise to pull them apart.  

Theory explains meanings for routine organizational events, thereby reducing the amount of cognitive processing and energy members need to expend throughout the day.

Theory explains how different cultures manage conflict and communication. The theory explains that the root of conflict is based on identity management on an individual and cultural level. 

Theory explains how individual act toward things on the basis of the meanings they ascribe to those things.  The meaning comes from the social interaction that one has with others and society.

Theory explains why people tend to remain silent when they feel that their views are in the minority.     

Theory explains why certain groups in society are muted, which means they are either silent or not heard.