NAME OF THEORY - BLANK Communication Context

Individual Interpretations: Developmental models help us visualize the patterns relationships form. By analyzing a relationship through the use of developmental models we are able to understand relationships more clearly.

Metatheoretical Assumptions:

Ontological Assumptions: Developmental models offer a framework for relationships not a hard core blue print plan for relationships to follow. Developmental models are deterministic.

Epistemological Assumptions: Developmental models are not always liner. Relationships develop differently and can move freely. Developmental models offer a framework to understand relationships not to development a hard core plan for a relationship to follow.

Axiological Assumptions: Developmental models are value neutral.

Critique: Explanatory Power: These developmental models help explain the process by which relationships are formed and maintained.
Predictive Power: These models predict the stages which the relationships will pass through, but they are not able to predict the order in which the relationships will pass through the stages.
Parsimony: Yes the models simple and explain the situation thoroughly.
Testability: Relationships can be observed to determine how/when the relationships pass through the stages. Both models have stood the test of time.
Internal Consistency: Yes, each model is consistent with the context and within itself.
Heuristic Provocativness: Questions are raised as to how many times a relationship can pass through a given stage and as to when the deterioration of the relationship between groups members and individuals takes place.
Organization Power:

Ideas and Implications: Developmental models are widely accepted and used throughout the academic world. The problem with these models are people believe they are liner and a blue print for relationships to follow. Models are models, something to help explain the relationship. People need to understand that all relationships are unique and are subject to follow the developmental models differently.

Example: A good way to look at eh development of a small group is through the developmental model developed by Tuchman. This model states that the relationships between group members starts out in the forming phase, then goes through the storming, norming, conforming, and performing phases. The relationship does not stop developing at the performing phase, the relationship is able to move through the passes numerous time and without following a liner pattern.

Relevant Research:

Location in Eight (8) Primary Communication Theory Textbooks:

Anderson, R., & Ross, V. (1998). Questions of communication: A practical introduction to theory (2nd ed.). New York: St. Martin's Press. N/A

Cragan, J. F., & Shields, D.C. (1998). Understanding communication theory: The communicative forces for human action. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. N/A

Griffin, E. (2000). A first look at communication theory (4th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill. N/A

Griffin, E. (1997). A first look at communication theory (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. N/A

Infante, D. A., Rancer, A. S., & Womack, D. F. (1997). Building communication theory (3rd ed.). Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press. N/A

Littlejohn, S. W. (1999). Theories of human communication (6th ed). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. N/A

West, R., & Turner, L. H. (2000). Introducing communication theory: Analysis and application. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield. N/A

Wood, J. T. (1997). Communication theories in action: An introduction. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. N/A