USE THE SOCIAL PENETRATION THEORY
The purpose of this assignment is to apply a communication theory to your real-life experience or a current social issue/news/event. Begin by describing in detail a communication problem that you’ve encountered in real life or that is prevalent in our society (e.g., long-distance relationship; working in a culturally diverse group; remote work communication barriers; social media’s influence on students’ wellbeing, etc.). Select a communication theory that can help explain, predict, or understand this communication problem/phenomenon. Apply the communication theory to your lived experiences or the social issue to help address your communication problem. What questions does the theory help answer? What questions are left unanswered? What insights do you gain through this analysis? What critiques do you have regarding the theory after the analysis?
Your paper will be organized into three main parts: the
communication problem/situation (where you briefly describe the communication problem and rationale for the study); the selected theory (where you identify and summarize the theory, including the claims and main terms); and application of the theory (where you apply the theory to your real-life situation and analyze your experience). The longest section should be the third section where you share your analysis and insight. More detailed instructions are included below.
Sections of the Paper:
Introducing Communication Problem/Situation : In one paragraph, describe the communication problem/situation that you’ve encountered in your real life or that you’re keenly interested in. What questions do you raise about this communication problem/situation? (e.g., why is it difficult for me to work with someone who’s culturally different from me? What strategies can I use to reduce the distance and barriers?, etc.) Explain why your communication problem is worth exploring (its significance to our society or the theory development); You must provide enough detail in your descriiption so that it is clear exactly how the theory you select applies appropriately to the problem/situation.
Selected Theory : In one paragraph, clearly state the theory that you will use for the paper. In your own words, explain what the theory is about and the types of situations this theory might address. What phenomena does this theory explain? What does this theory predict (objective theories) or help us understand (interpretive theories)? Be sure to define all key terms.
Application of the Theory : In a few paragraphs, apply your selected theory to the communication problem/situation you’ve described. Make sure to provide detailed descriiption and analysis of your communication situation and behaviors through the lens of the selected theory. What insight(s) do you believe the theory provides that help you understand the communication behavior that you’ve described in your situation? What prediction does the theory make or what advice might it offer for the future or for other situations? Does the theory come up short in any respect? It should be evident in your application that you understand the theory and are able to apply it to the particular situation you choose.
Formatting Guidelines: The paper should be around 3-4 pages; Please use 12 pt, Times New Roman font, double spaced & typed. Please include a references page with all reference material, cited in APA style; Use in-text citations from your sources.