Social Exchange Theory and Relationships

a) choose one of the theories from the course that particularly interests you (e.g. Uncertainty Reduction Theory),

b) find between eight and ten journal articles on this topic (you may use the empirical articles listed in the bibliography section at the end of the text), and

c) write an 8 to 10 page review paper about this theory.

Paper Objectives

* locate relevant research and literature
* understand a major communication theory
* review primary research
* critique primary research
* evaluate strengths and limitations of a communication theory
* apply a communication theory to the real-world

Your job is to write an expanded report on one theory. Once you’ve described the theory, you’ll then need to elaborate on how the theory works, how it has been tested, how it has been applied, and what shortcomings have been identified. This will require that you research several sources, including scholarly journal articles. Primary research will allow you to see how researchers have developed and tested the theory first-hand.

Once you have identified a theory of interest, you will need to narrow your resources to a manageable body of literature. Many of the theories we discuss in COM 316 have generated a lot of research and literature. Therefore, you will need to be selective in deciding which sources to cite in your paper. I recommend using the chapter in your communication theory book to find key works that you can review to see how the theory was originally developed and currently applied.

Outlining the paper
Here’s a sample outline for a theoretical review:

I. Introduction/overview of the theory — Briefly cover the “big picture” of a theory. If you are focusing on a subset of research stemming from a broad theory, describe the area you have chosen. Be sure to review the original works yourself and not just paraphrase someone else’s review.
II. Definitions of concepts — What are the main concepts and how have they been defined? This should include definitions of concepts and examples of how concepts have actually been measured. Again, cite primary research.
III. Overall findings ? This section should include a summary of the researchers? conclusions. Here, it is important that you don?t simply summarize each article individually!
IV. Theory in context ? Which of the communication contexts does the theory fit? Cite your sources to justify your choice. Explain how you might expand the theory into another context.
V. Critique — What are the strengths and limitations of the theory? What are proponents and critics concerned about? This likely will include issues of conceptualization, measurement, and general usefulness of the theory.
VI. Practical implications of the theory — Here you may discuss how the concepts apply to your life and career interests. How does this theory fit in with what you have observed in the real world? How can you apply this theory to your career of interest? For example, if you are interested in human resources, you might consider how the key concepts of your theory fit together within the context of newcomers socializing into an organization. In this section you should suggest several different practical implications of the theory.

The final paper is due on December XX at Xpm , but I will ask you to bring evidence of progress on your paper throughout the semester. This evidence includes a list of references by and an annotated bibliography.

You will be evaluated on: (1) scope and focus of your work, (2) conciseness and clarity, (3) organization, (4) knowledge of the topic, (5) depth of the review, (6) writing style, and (7) use of references, and (8) conformity with APA style guidelines. Consult the Publication Manual for the American Psychological Association for a guide to APA style. Also, it is very important that you summarize the themes in the literature rather than write distinct summaries a series of individual articles.

 
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