metatheory in communication theory metatheory

metatheory in communication theory

1. Metatheory
A theory concerned with the investigation,
analysis, or description of theory itself.
The set of assumptions presupposed by
any more or less formalized body of
assertions.
It consists of a range of variation of
meanings fixed by the definition of the
concept.
It supports the analysis and understanding
of the meaning of a concept in a domain.

2. MetatheoritalConsiderations
Ontological considerations
Epistemological considerations
Axiological considerations
Based on our world views:
Objective
Interpretive
Critical
(Miller, 2005: 26-31)

3. More about Metatheory
To better understand a domain, it has two
dimensions:
Internal-external
Intellectual-social.
The combination of the internal-external and
intellectual-social dimensions generate a few
approaches/traditions.
(To be explored by students.)

4. Metatheory (Communication)
Ontology:
The nature of existence
What is communication?
Epistemology:
The nature of knowledge acquisition
How to seek to know about communication?
Axiology:
The nature of value judgement
Why such “truth” of communication is
claimed?

5. Let’s focus on two World Views
Two views of a phenomenon:
Objective approach
Interpretive approach
Discovering truth or Creating multiple
realities?
…relating to methods
(A difference that makes a different!)

6. Ontology
What is the “reality”?
A set of universal laws [single reality]:
Out there to discover (observe and
measure)
Realism
Depend of different set of experiences
[multiple realities]: Product of
construction (perception and
contextual)
Relativism

7. Realism
One truth exists
It does not change
Objective measurements
Generalisable

8. Relativism
Multiple realities exist
Shaped by context
Truth evolves and changes
May use/apply in similar contexts

9. More about Ontology
What is real? What is being real?
Objective vs Interpretive

10. Epistemology
How do we get the knowledge?
Discovered through objective
measures / Look from the outside to
see/examine “truth” (Etic: Objective)
Interaction is needed to justify the
meaning of “truth” / Participate inside
to experience (Emic: Subjective)

11. Etic
Matches with:
Realism
Truth can be measured
Be objective
Stay back

12. Emic
Matches with:
Relativism
Truth is created
You need to dig deep
Talk to people
Understand context

13. More about Epistemology
Truth + Belief
Truth Knowledge Belief