Question 1

Symbolic Interaction Theory

Accepted Answer

Symbolic Interaction Theory indeed encompasses all the mentioned aspects: it focuses on the significance of symbols in social interactions, is rooted in the work of George Herbert Mead, and describes the mind in terms of the capacity to use socially meaningful symbols.

Question 2

The "I"

Accepted Answer

A

Question 3

The school of Symbolic Interaction Theory that emphasizes the importance of life and social encounters is

Accepted Answer

The Chicago School is known for its emphasis on Symbolic Interaction Theory, focusing on the importance of everyday life and social interactions.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of symbolic interaction?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interaction does not ignore the influence of generalized others.

Question 5

When Angela asks herself the question "Who am I?" the answer relates to her

Accepted Answer

The question "Who am I?" relates to one's self-concept, which is the collection of beliefs about oneself, including attributes, roles, goals, and values.

Question 6

All of the following are themes of Symbolic Interaction Theory EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Symbolic Interaction Theory focuses on the importance of meanings for human behavior, the self-concept, and the relationship between the individual and society. It does not directly address the relationship between self-expectations and mind, which is more related to psychological theories of self and identity.

Question 7

Which two communication traditions are associated with SIT?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which two communication traditions are associated with...

Question 8

While preparing for her driver's exam, Athena reflects on all the experiences that brought her to that time and place. She considers her successful practice sessions and her teacher's positive encouragement, and tells herself that she will be successful. Mead called this intrapersonal communication, also known as:

Accepted Answer

Intrapersonal communication refers to the communication process that occurs within an individual, which includes thoughts and internal dialogues. George Herbert Mead's concept emphasizes how individuals talk to themselves, reflecting on their experiences and attitudes, which aligns with the description of Athena's self-reflection and internal encouragement.

Question 9

Which two communication contexts are associated with SIT?

Accepted Answer

Social Identity Theory (SIT) primarily focuses on how individuals perceive and categorize themselves in relation to others, which significantly impacts interpersonal (how we communicate with others) and intrapersonal (how we communicate with ourselves) contexts. It explores how group memberships and social categories affect self-perception and behavior in social interactions.

Question 10

Which of the following correctly identifies one of the criticisms of Symbolic Interaction Theory?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic Interaction Theory is often criticized for its broad scope, which can make its concepts vague and difficult to empirically test.

Question 11

_________ are those symbols that evoke basically the same meaning for many people.

Accepted Answer

Significant symbols are those that evoke a similar meaning among many people, facilitating communication and understanding within a society or group.

Question 12

Language, according to symbolic interaction, is a _________ system of verbal and nonverbal symbols organized into patterns to express thoughts and feelings.

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism emphasizes that language is a shared system of symbols that people use to communicate and create meaning through social interactions.

Question 13

The people who are most important to us and contribute to our sense of self and awareness of what is culturally acceptable are our

Accepted Answer

Particular others refer to the specific individuals or groups that have a significant impact on an individual's self-concept and understanding of cultural norms and values. These can include family members, friends, teachers, and mentors who directly influence our sense of self and awareness of what is culturally acceptable.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT an assumption of Symbolic Interaction Theory?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic Interaction Theory assumes that language is acquired through interaction with significant others, not generalized others.

Question 15

The web of social relationships that humans create is known as

Accepted Answer

Society refers to the structured community of people bound together by similar traditions, institutions, or nationality, which encompasses the complex web of social relationships humans create and engage in.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a critical strength of Symbolic Interaction Theory?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic Interaction Theory is known for its broad and flexible scope rather than a narrow, clearly defined one. This theory focuses on the subjective meanings that people impose on objects, events, and behaviors. Its strengths lie in its adaptability and applicability to various contexts, its endurance over time, and its logical consistency, making it a versatile framework for understanding human social interaction.

Question 17

The self-concept

Accepted Answer

The self-concept is a stable set of perceptions about oneself, is central to Symbolic Interaction Theory, and develops through social interactions.

Question 18

Living up to or down to another's expectation of us is known as

Accepted Answer

The answer of Living up to or down to another's...

Question 19

All of the following are assumptions of Symbolic Interaction Theory EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Symbolic Interaction Theory focuses on how individuals and groups create meanings through their interactions and the role of these meanings in social life. It does not inherently assume that meaning is assigned through culture and social processes, but rather that meaning is created and modified through interaction. Choices B, C, and D are core assumptions of the theory, emphasizing the importance of interaction in developing self-concepts and the motivational role of these self-concepts in behavior.

Question 20

Symbolic Interaction Theory argues that humans develop minds through interaction with others.

Accepted Answer

Symbolic Interaction Theory posits that individuals develop their minds, selves, and societies through the process of social interaction, particularly by interpreting and giving meaning to symbols.

Quiz 4: Symbolic Interaction Theory