Deck 18: Symbolic Convergence Theory

Question 1

The basic unit of analysis of symbolic convergence theory is a:

A) fantasy.
B) fantasy theme.
C) symbolic cue.
D) rhetorical vision.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

A(n) ________ is an agreed-upon trigger that sets off group members to respond as they did when they first shared a fantasy.

A) rhetorical vision
B) information model
C) dramatizing message
D) symbolic cue

Answer 2

D

Question 3

In the context of the features that are present in all rhetorical visions, the ________ legitimates the rhetorical vision.

A) central character
B) plotline
C) scene
D) sanctioning agent

Answer 3

D

Question 4

According to Bormann, a wide-ranging body of people who share a common symbolic reality is called a ________.

A) symbolic community
B) rhetorical community
C) chained community
D) cohesive community

Question 5

Within a group that has successfully sparked a fantasy chain, ________.

A) there is no need to rely on symbolic cues to trigger the fantasy
B) emotions and motives seem to dissipate
C) the group begins to have a more objective viewpoint than it had before
D) the same theme often appears across multiple narratives

Question 6

Fantasy themes are expressed in the form of:

A) metaphors.
B) jokes.
C) stories.
D) All of the answers are correct.

Question 7

According to Bormann, what is the relationship between fantasies and the development of a group's shared identity or consciousness?

A) Fantasies tend to derail a group's bonding efforts.
B) Groups that do little fantasizing tend to be highly cohesive and attractive to others.
C) Sharing fantasies contribute to group cohesiveness.
D) When a group is able to push fantasies aside, they can get to a shared identity.

Question 8

Rhetorical visions:

A) are fostered by powerful individuals within small groups.
B) are too abstract to be embraced by communities.
C) catch on with large groups of people.
D) replace fantasy themes.

Question 9

Which of the following components is NOT a feature of a rhetorical vision?

A) characters
B) interpretative schemes
C) plot lines
D) sanctioning agents

Question 10

Which of the following pieces of advice is offered by Bormann, regardless of one's group role?

A) avoid personification as it disrupts the cohesiveness of a group
B) be cautious as fantasies can be unpredictable
C) be sure that dramatic messages are kept to a minimum
D) drama that emphasizes the group's future are most beneficial

Question 11

According to Bormann, comments that lack imagery are considered dramatizing messages.

Question 12

Bormann restricts the term "fantasy" to children's literature, sexual desire, or things "not true."

Question 13

Bormann advised the use of personification to identify one's group and to build cohesiveness.

Question 14

According to symbolic convergence theory, disruptions and counterproductive stories hinder a group's ability to become a cohesive unit.

Question 15

A dramatizing message is one that contains imaginative language such as a pun, figure of speech, or other creative expression of ideas.

Question 16

Dramatizing messages help group members understand a confusing situation.

Question 17

A symbolic cue is an agreed-upon trigger that sets off group members to respond as they did when they first shared a fantasy.

Question 18

Groups must choose between sharing group fantasies and creating symbolic convergence.

Question 19

In order to be classified as an effective fantasy, it needs to be positive and altruistic.

Question 20

Bormann claimed that symbolic convergence holds for all people, in any culture, at any time, in any communication context.

Question 21

The sharing of fantasy themes creates ________.

Question 22

A ________ is a composite drama that catches up large groups of people into a common symbolic reality.

Question 23

Group members who hold a(n) ________ vision place value on practical or everyday answers.

Question 24

How does a group chain onto a fantasy?

Question 25

Outline the principal features of Bormann's symbolic convergence theory. Do you see it as more of an objective or interpretive theory?

Question 26

Think of a small group of which you are/were a part. What fantasies does/did your group share?

Question 27

Define and describe the concept of rhetorical vision.

Question 28

If a group fails to share fantasies or create fantasy themes, what does Bormann predict about the group's cohesiveness?

Question 29

At times, a group's fantasy theme may not be supported by those outside the group. Can you think of a situation or circumstance when sharing fantasies may build up a group's identity but still be problematic?

Question 30

Critics charge that symbolic convergence theory, ignores a group's power dynamics and overstates the benefits of bondedness. Do you agree?

Question 31

Both coordinated management of meaning and symbolic interactionism suggest that social realities are co-created by communicators. How is that process mirrored at a group level in symbolic convergence theory?

Question 32

How does the sharing of fantasies and creation of fantasy themes reduce uncertainty?

Question 33

Where would the chaining of fantasy themes and the development of a shared vision fit into Hirokawa and Gouran's functional perspective? Would they be as enthusiastic as Bormann and see it as positive experience for a group?