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* (Regarding Chapter 13), which of the research methods listed in Table 13.3 seem the most interesting? Assume you want to study some aspect of deception. Frame a research question. Which method would you choose to answer the question. Why?
I had written this post already when I saw that you changed the questions for this week, Carol. So I decided to post it anyway. I am not expecting any response to this particular posting, though. I know everyone is super busy! :-)
Among all research methods listed in Table 13.3 – page 374 of the textbook, the most interesting to me is Ethnography. I consider this method the most interesting due to the fact that the researcher becomes apart of the group he or she is studying. Also, the fact that the researcher does not impose his or her own assumptions and the conclusions emerge naturally is something fascinating to me.
If, for instance, I was going to study some aspect of deception, let’s say, how some romantic partners deceive each other, my research question would probably be: “what are the communication patterns of romantic partners who deceive each other?” Although it would not be easy to obtain true information from romantic partners who cheat on the other party, I wonder that I would go to places where couples usually go, such as clubs, and I would observe how romantic partners behave when they are accompanied by his or her other half, as well as how they behave when they go to the club without the other half.
I imagine that talking to people in public places would be another interesting way to obtain data for my ethnographic study.
Ibirapuera
* What was it about this class that you liked? What do you think needs improvement?
I simply loved the assignments for this online class! They were challenging, and they made me think of how theory and practice can go together. I usually have a hard time to see theoretical applications in practical life, but the assignments, postings, and comments for the COMM 105P class helped me to see both combined. To me, this was fascinating! :-)
In my opinion, it would not be fair if I did not mention how amazed I am with Carol’s responsiveness in regarding to anything related to the COMM 105P class. She was quick and assertive on responding every single inquiry I had throughout the semester. Honestly, I never had had any experience like that over the course of my almost 18 years in school. Neither professors from in-person classes nor online classes I have ever had were as responsive as Carol. Keep up with the good job, Carol! :-)
I wish Carol had posted at least one posting for each chapter of the textbook. She shared some insights with us, but not for all chapters of the book. I really enjoyed knowing which her favorite topics were, as well as her experiences teaching communication.
I hated the furloughs! I hated the furloughs!! I hated the furloughs!!!!
(:
Ibirapuera
* Pick one other concept from the book that you feel needs further discussion?
I remember that one of us asked, in August 09, “if commenting back on someone who had left a comment on one’s blog counted as credit.” I thought I was interesting how Carol answered this question: “In short, no. You will only get credit for your three posts and three comments on other people's blogs. However, when someone asks you a question face to face, do you ignore them or give them the courtesy of an answer?” Carol’s answer struck with me, because I could not stop thinking that many people do not like online classes because they feel as though not everyone takes online classes seriously.
One of the reasons why some people believe that online classes is a waste of time and money is because they have the perception that some students are not responsive, for instance. Given the importance of getting back to people in a quick and respectful way in a virtual environment, I think this concept deserved further discussion in Trenholm’s book.
Ibirapuera
* What concept/s in this class have you found most interesting? What was it about that concept/s that you found interesting?
The concepts in the COMM 105P class that I found most interesting were interpersonal and intercultural communication. On the one hand, interpersonal communication fascinated me because it made the think about its unique characteristics. Trenholm (2008) explains that “none of us can avoid interpersonal communication; our survival as social beings depends in large part on our interpersonal communication skills” (p. 140). Interpersonal communication is the only type of communication that people perform on a daily basis – either they want or not, voluntarily or involuntarily.
On the other hand, intercultural communication fascinated me because it made me think of how attentive I must be when I refer to people from other nationalities. The examples provided in chapter 12 of the textbook provided examples that went beyond the surface, when it comes to intercultural encounters. The example listed on pages 341 and 342 of the textbook, for instance, was adequate to explain that “in cross-cultural settings, even simple interactions can become complex.” Assuming that norms are the same across cultures is one of the serious mistakes one can make.
Ibirapuera
