Final Week: Question 1

Reading Chapter 13, methods of discovery, I found many of the research methods interesting. The method I found most interesting in the table 13.3 would be the ethnography form of research. I think research using this method would have a successful outcome seeing that observations in a natural setting would seem to gather the least biased results. For example, many documentary film makers want to keep an environment of their subjects as natural as possible. This keeps the story or idea of the film in it's purist form. The filmmakers may not go "under cover" as the text suggests for this method of research. But it is very important for most directors to avoid using their own input or opinion within their films. As a result, the conclusions that arise from each person or observation are most rewarding. I would probably use this method personally with my own research and experiments. As opposed to surveys or experimental research methods, which tend to have staged or forced aspects to them, the ethnography method would probably be most successful in answering many research questions.

Final Week Discussion Question 2

I would have to say that the concepts I've found most interesting over the course of this semester would have to be interpersonal communication concepts. The Interpersonal chapter of our textbook overall had some very insightful topics that really expanded my perspectives with communication and relationships. Many of the ideas and theories such as Ducks theory gave me a better understanding of how people form and maintain relationships. The different types of relationship patterns of rigid complimentary pattern, competitive symmetry, and submissive symmetry gave me a better understanding of people in my life and how they function using these various patterns in their relationships. Using honest and effective communication in relationships is something that I've always tried to maintain in my life, and reading this chapter was reassuring and motivating for me to keep expanding and progressing with my communication skills. I also enjoyed the intercultural communication chapter of the text as I am fascinated with other ways of life. I have a great aspiration to do a lot of traveling and I thought the concepts from this chapter provided me with a good outlook on communication with other cultures. There's always plenty of room for improvement when it comes to communication, but I feel that overall the textbook provided me with a good preview and understanding of whats to come for completing my communications major. This was my first communication class along with a public speaking course this semester, and with the completion of both these courses I'm really excited to keep moving forward.

Question 3:Ch 11 Topic

I enjoyed reading the end of chapter 11, which is the section concerning the ethical issues with media and how to become a more responsible communicator. Personally I've had an interest in the film industry for a while, especially with documentary film making. I believe that in taking such a direction as a career would definitely be successful if my foundation was in communication. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the ethical issues of truth, accuracy, and fairness when it comes to dealing with the media. This last section of the chapter reminds everyone to be mindful of gender and race equality, avoid stereotyping, and check facts. The book also talks about the importance of expanding on media intake. Looking into new sources and being open to challenging ourselves with complexity in media is essential for evolving. And the last point that I found most interesting was American's tendencies to consume products even when they find them offensive. The magazine, National Inquirer, for example, is still being published because people buy it. So it's silly to blame media for everything, when we continue to "egg them on" so to speak. Overall this chapter brought a lot of great points to my awareness.

Q 2: Marshall McLuhan

I do agree with Marshall McLuhan's concept that "the medium is the message." In other words I believe he is basically saying without the "sender" nothing can be received. I look at each form of media as a sender, and each and every viewer as the receiver. The information is what the individual is receiving, and that is the message within each form of medium. What McLuhan is referring to about "cool medium" makes me think of that "image" of television that many people in America strive so desperately to be like. The next "American Idol" television show for example, goes through millions of people each year. It's the search for that perfect, effortless look, presence, and sound. In the midst of it, we watch sooo many different types of people try to fulfill this criteria, or at least try to get their 15 minutes of fame, when really, someone should have done them a favor and tell them that they might want to head in a different direction. Television is really such a distanced medium from the viewer, especially today. And yet so many people form some sort of relationship with either the practice of watching it or even a vicarious and somehow life fulfilling relationship with people they will never meet i.e. celebrities. I think it is important to stay connected with the media in order to stay updated on current events and gain information from reliable sources. Unfortunately, as media tends to become more and more skewed, it is very important to look to the most credible sources, and still be discerning of what messages are most truthful and logical. In regards to television as a cool medium, it's important to look at who keeps their credibility, and gives fact, instead of just "looks nice on tv." This way we avoid the superficiality of "cool television."

Question 1:Cyberspace Peeps

I can't say that I have ever made friends with anyone over the internet. I've never participated in chat groups or anything like that before, because I usually equate chat groups with scary stories of girls getting abducted by creeps they met online. Or I think of Kip from the movie Napolean Dynamite, who "chats online with babes all day," which was hilarious in the movie but is not something that has ever been on my to do list. The closest thing I've experienced to a relationship that wasn't formed around face to face interactions would be a long distance phone relationship with a man I met and hung out with for a few hours the day before he went back to his home in Hawaii. But frankly, I find it odd and a little sad if people choose to make friends on the internet. I mean I guess if some people find it fulfilling then that's great for them. Instant messaging, skype, facebook, and other networking sites can be useful, but with people that I've actually met in person. Plus I also try to spend the least amount of time possible on the computer if I can. I just really enjoy meeting people and making friends organically and letting relationships happen on their own instead of seeking them out. Especially not electronically. It's almost like having an imaginary friend. Because who knows what that real person is even like, he or she might as well be made up.

Technology Etiquette

Talking about technology etiquette is like opening a can of worms for me. Just sitting here in front of this screen for extended periods of time drives me crazy. More importantly, addressing the over usage of technology, especially with children drives me up the wall. Not only the lack of usage but the lack of manners used in addition is something I see almost every day. Of course I'm guilty of letting that technology zombie state get a hold of me many times. But watching my little sister obsess over facebook, or seeing my 6 and 7 year old cousins fight over a ipad almost every day of vacation in Hawaii makes me nutty! When I was a kid, less than a decade ago, I was outside all the time and it was such a rare occasion that I'd ever sit in front of the computer or TV. Now this is only addressing the over usage of technology by children, not to mention the manners or lack of that comes with handling such "commodities." I've noticed numerous times theres a certain attitude and edge that arises is many children when it comes time to put down the nintendo or ipod etc. I don't think technology is bad, I just think the way it is being introduced to these younger generations is creating some unhealthy habits and and attitudes of instant gratification all the time. As a result, theres a lack of social skills and common sense manners because so many parents are filling in parenting with technology. So when I think of technology bothering me, I think mostly what repercussions will arise with these next generations growing up. Other things that bother me would mostly have to do with texting. Instances of texting that are the most rude to me is when I'm hanging out with someone who can't seem to put their damn phone down. Even if it's in a group setting and not just one on one. Unless theres an important reason or need to communicate with someone not present, I just find it silly that people can't feel satisfied engaging with who's around them in the moment. So thats enough ranting from me today haha.

Question 1: College Organization

Organizations can have a great influence on their surrounding communities. The actions each organization takes has the ability to either help or harm it's surrounding environment. This gives a great responsibility to operate in a safe, efficient and productive manner. As a result, there are many positive outcomes for each and every individual tied to the organization. A school, for example, that has a great faculty effects the motivation of each and every student whether they are aware of it or not. I've taken classes that I didn't think I would find too interesting but because my professor was enthusiastic about what they were teaching, it changed my perspective and I'd end up learning a lot. On the other hand, I've taken courses that I thought would be great, but became frustrated with how the professor taught (or didn't teach) the class. The faculty is only one element within the complex structure of a college organization. But I believe it is one of the most important elements. Every professor has the power to instruct and enlighten hundreds of students who continue on to influence their communities and environments for the rest of their lives. Therefore colleges and universities have the responsibility and obligation to hire on individuals with qualities of respectability, accountability, and inspiration.