Metatheory- comparing and contrasting the scientific and interpretive standards for evaluating theories.

First, what does it mean to be a scientific theorist verses an interpretive scholar?

As explained in the 8th edition, “First Look At Communication Theory,” by Em Griffin, it is explained that a theorist that uses a scientific approach is “a scholar who applies the scientific method to describe, predict, and explain reoccurring forms of human behavior.” An interpretive approach is described as “the linguistic work of assigning meanings or value to communicative texts; assumes that multiple meanings or truths are possible.”

Second, how are they different?

To better understand how they are different, scientific standards must be proven through the scientific method (purpose, research, hypothesis, experiment, analysis, conclusion). Furthermore, through the scientific standard, one does not have free will–“puppets on a string.” The interpretive standard does not have to be proven through the scientific method. This standard is simply based off of multiple meanings that change with different perspectives. A large part of the interpretive standard is the belief in free will–we make our own choices (reference comic below).The interpretive standard also seeks truth, but many interpretive scholars believe that truth is greatly subjective.

Third, what do they have in common?

Both standards believe that the study of communication theories, regardless of if it is scientific or interpretive, feel that simply knowing these theories will improve relationships and society as a whole. Thus, whatever you believe, it is important to educate oneself about the theories of communication.

Fourth, how is this information helpful when learning communication theories?

When you are aware of the two different standards of communication theory, you can easily categorize new theories that you come upon. By doing so, you can keep your mind better organized, and easily find theories that are relevant to any given situation.