Midterm Comm Theory Quiz

Which of the following is a core assumption of Media Dependency Theory?

• Media always reinforce pre-existing beliefs

• Individuals become dependent on media when it fulfills key informational needs

• All media content is ideologically neutral

• People passively absorb all media content

According to Media Dependency Theory, the level of media dependency increases when:

• Media options are limited and uncertainty is high

• People are exposed to entertainment content only

• Interpersonal communication is preferred

• Audiences are educated

In a natural disaster, people's reliance on media increases primarily due to:

• Desire for entertainment

• Lack of faith in institutions

• Need for information and guidance

• Media's emotional appeal

Which statement best reflects an application of Media Dependency Theory?

• People watch TV for relaxation

• Media has uniform effects on all audience types

• During political crises, audiences rely more on news media to form opinions

• People distrust media during social instability

Social Exchange Theory assumes that human relationships are:

• Based on universal moral principles

• Structured by power and ideology

• Driven by cost-benefit analysis

• Rooted in emotional attachment only

What does "comparison level" refer to in Social Exchange Theory?

• The average number of social interactions in a group

• Expectations about the outcomes in a relationship

• A measure of self-esteem

• A structural constraint on behavior

Which scenario best reflects the application of Social Exchange Theory?

• A person continues a friendship because it brings emotional support and mutual respect

• A leader addresses an audience using persuasive language

• A media user selects richer media for complex messages

• A group shares a common worldview

According to Social Exchange Theory, a relationship is likely to end when:

• There is no communication

• External pressure increases

• The perceived costs outweigh the benefits

• Group size increases

Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT) is primarily concerned with:

• Media exposure patterns

• How people react when social norms are followed

• Reactions to unexpected verbal and nonverbal behavior

• Strategic interpersonal manipulation

EVT assumes that people have:

• No expectations in communication

• Fixed responses to violations

• Culturally-based expectations for communication behavior

• Equal power in all interactions