Communication 248 Midterm Exam Study Guide
Weights of Readings, Essay, Short-Answer / Definition Options
CMUN 248, EXAM 1 STUDY GUIDE
(SPRING 1999)
JIM L. QUERY, JR., PH.D.
This document is designed to provide you with some key test-taking strategies as well as a reminder of the course content with which you should be very familiar. As always, self-review questions are not the same as test questions and depth of coverage is not totally addressed. ("Geez Jim, that statement sounds like the Mission Impossible disclaimer." **BG**)
If you have been working through the lecture handouts, this guide will contain only a small amount of new information. As promised, my handouts have pay-offs.
I. General Information and Test-Taking Strategies
(A) The exam will consist of 40 Multiple Choice (MC) items worth 1.5 pts. each and a written section worth 40 points. The structure of the written section will be determined by the class.
(B) The material covered includes IRM CH1-CH3, FLINT CH 5-1 TO 5-5, the CS CH1, and related current event articles. (Mammogram, Army, JAMA, Ideas Ahead of Their Time, Science is Dead!?) Addressing the expected question per reading ratio, you should anticipate the following breakdown: IRM CH1= 7 MCQs; IRM CH2= 7 MCQs; IRM CH3 = 17 MCQs; Flint CH= 5 MCQs; CS CH1 = 4 MCQs. The objective part of the exam is thus worth 60 points. The written section is worth 40 points. The total points possible are 100.
(C) Having discussed the structure of the exam, let's look at some preparation tips [go to examprep.html].
II. Key Topics
(A). IRM CH1 (7 MCQs)
Please review lecture handout 1/21/99 and 1/28/99.
(B). IRM CH2 and Sci-Method, also covered in IRM CH3 (7 MCQS)
Please review lecture handout 2/4/99 and [statsoneB.html] for the scientific method.
(C). IRM CH3 and Sci.-Method (17 MCQs)
Please review lecture handout 2/16/99 and [statsoneB.html] for the scientific method, as well as [statse.html] for the types of data and key terminology.
(D). Flint 5-1 to 5-12 (5 MCQs)
Please review lecture handout, 2/2/99.
(E). CS CH 1 (4 MCQs)
Please review lecture handout 2/16/99.
*****************POSSIBLE ESSAY EXAM**************************
III. ESSAY QUESTION STRUCTURE
Assuming Option A is selected by the class, the essay question structure will be broad and the writer justifies his/her analysis throughout. A sample follows. For any essay option, you must "pull-in" two of the current event articles.
Sample
Frey et al. argue that the integrated approach to theorizing and research is better than the behaviorist or phenomenological approaches. Support or reject this argument. You must justify your analysis. That is, the "burden of proof" rests on your shoulders, and a rationale should be advanced to support the subtopic areas you address.
Assuming Option B is selected by the class, the essay question structure will be specific and detailed. Justification of analysis remains important; however, subtopic area support ceases to become a criterion. A sample follows.
Sample
Create a communication-based example that demonstrates the utility of the scientific method. This example must illustrate and explain each step of the sci-method. Specifically, be sure to explain what happens at each step, the rationale or purpose of the activity (ies), and describe possible outcomes.
IV. ESSAY PART---OPTION C
Assuming Option C is selected by the class, the essay question will not be announced prior to the exam and the writing standards guide will not be applicable. It will be drawn from the covered readings.
V. ESSAY PART---OPTION D
Assuming Option D is selected by the class, all essay responses will be evaluated according to a "loose" interpretation of the writing standards guide. That is, grammatical and mechanical rules will be less emphasized. However, violations which reduce clarity will be penalized.
Conceptual development, that is, your ability to identify, explain, and support your position will remain a high priority. Regarding length, you should be able to write your response so that it fills at least two sides of the furnished paper. Note that an outline IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE. FINALLY, YOU SHOULD USE A LEGIBLE SCRIPT. IF I AM UNABLE TO READ YOUR RESPONSE, NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN. Having addressed the grading criteria, the pool of essay questions follow. Only one will appear on the exam, and it will not be announced prior to the exam.
(EQ1) Frey et al. argue that the integrated approach to theorizing and research is better than the behaviorist or phenomenological approaches. Support or reject this argument. You must justify your analysis. That is, the "burden of proof" rests on your shoulders, and a rationale should be advanced to support the subtopic areas you address.
(EQ2) It has been argued that by using the scientific method, investigators discover knowledge. Support or reject this argument. A successful response will define the scientific method and its steps, position the technique within appropriate worldviews (paradigms), and illustrate its application in a communication-based example. Be sure to explain what happens at each step, the rationale or purpose of the activity (ies), and describe possible outcomes.
(EQ3) It has been suggested that theories are distinct from "truth." Support or reject this argument. A successful response will provide definitions of each concept, explicate key chars/components, detail evaluative criteria/functions, and "drive home" the argument by comparing and contrasting the Army and Mammogram studies with truth.
(EQ4) The research process has been characterized as cyclical, relative, and multimethodological. Support or reject this argument. You must justify your analysis. That is, the "burden of proof" rests on your shoulders, and a rationale should be advanced to support the subtopic areas you address.
VI. ESSAY PART---OPTION E
Assuming Option E is selected by the class, all essay responses will be evaluated according to the following dimensions: (1) clarity; (2) conceptual development, that is, your ability to identify, explain, and support your position; and (3) length and mechanics. Regarding length, you should be able to write your response so that it fills at least 2.0 sides of the furnished paper. Addressing mechanics, you are encouraged to provide an intro, body, and conclusion with effective transitions, as well as satisfactory punctuation. Please refer to the writing standards guide. Note that an outline is NOT AN ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE. FINALLY, YOU SHOULD USE A LEGIBLE SCRIPT. IF I AM UNABLE TO READ YOUR RESPONSE, NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN. Having addressed the grading criteria, the essay question follows.
(EQ) Depending on the class vote, either EQ3 or EQ4 will be employed.
VII. OPTION F SHORT ANSWER
If this option is selected, the written section will consist of two short-answer questions (each requiring at least two well-developed paragraphs in response) and three definitions.
Sample
SA---Describe and evaluate the utility of the scientific method.
Defn---internal validity is...
VIII. Closing Comment
(A). Remember that this is a higher order exam. Strive for recognition, understanding, and application of the key concepts. Good luck.
(SPRING 1999)
JIM L. QUERY, JR., PH.D.
This document is designed to provide you with some key test-taking strategies as well as a reminder of the course content with which you should be very familiar. As always, self-review questions are not the same as test questions and depth of coverage is not totally addressed. ("Geez Jim, that statement sounds like the Mission Impossible disclaimer." **BG**)
If you have been working through the lecture handouts, this guide will contain only a small amount of new information. As promised, my handouts have pay-offs.
I. General Information and Test-Taking Strategies
(A) The exam will consist of 40 Multiple Choice (MC) items worth 1.5 pts. each and a written section worth 40 points. The structure of the written section will be determined by the class.
(B) The material covered includes IRM CH1-CH3, FLINT CH 5-1 TO 5-5, the CS CH1, and related current event articles. (Mammogram, Army, JAMA, Ideas Ahead of Their Time, Science is Dead!?) Addressing the expected question per reading ratio, you should anticipate the following breakdown: IRM CH1= 7 MCQs; IRM CH2= 7 MCQs; IRM CH3 = 17 MCQs; Flint CH= 5 MCQs; CS CH1 = 4 MCQs. The objective part of the exam is thus worth 60 points. The written section is worth 40 points. The total points possible are 100.
(C) Having discussed the structure of the exam, let's look at some preparation tips [go to examprep.html].
II. Key Topics
(A). IRM CH1 (7 MCQs)
Please review lecture handout 1/21/99 and 1/28/99.
(B). IRM CH2 and Sci-Method, also covered in IRM CH3 (7 MCQS)
Please review lecture handout 2/4/99 and [statsoneB.html] for the scientific method.
(C). IRM CH3 and Sci.-Method (17 MCQs)
Please review lecture handout 2/16/99 and [statsoneB.html] for the scientific method, as well as [statse.html] for the types of data and key terminology.
(D). Flint 5-1 to 5-12 (5 MCQs)
Please review lecture handout, 2/2/99.
(E). CS CH 1 (4 MCQs)
Please review lecture handout 2/16/99.
*****************POSSIBLE ESSAY EXAM**************************
III. ESSAY QUESTION STRUCTURE
Assuming Option A is selected by the class, the essay question structure will be broad and the writer justifies his/her analysis throughout. A sample follows. For any essay option, you must "pull-in" two of the current event articles.
Sample
Frey et al. argue that the integrated approach to theorizing and research is better than the behaviorist or phenomenological approaches. Support or reject this argument. You must justify your analysis. That is, the "burden of proof" rests on your shoulders, and a rationale should be advanced to support the subtopic areas you address.
Assuming Option B is selected by the class, the essay question structure will be specific and detailed. Justification of analysis remains important; however, subtopic area support ceases to become a criterion. A sample follows.
Sample
Create a communication-based example that demonstrates the utility of the scientific method. This example must illustrate and explain each step of the sci-method. Specifically, be sure to explain what happens at each step, the rationale or purpose of the activity (ies), and describe possible outcomes.
IV. ESSAY PART---OPTION C
Assuming Option C is selected by the class, the essay question will not be announced prior to the exam and the writing standards guide will not be applicable. It will be drawn from the covered readings.
V. ESSAY PART---OPTION D
Assuming Option D is selected by the class, all essay responses will be evaluated according to a "loose" interpretation of the writing standards guide. That is, grammatical and mechanical rules will be less emphasized. However, violations which reduce clarity will be penalized.
Conceptual development, that is, your ability to identify, explain, and support your position will remain a high priority. Regarding length, you should be able to write your response so that it fills at least two sides of the furnished paper. Note that an outline IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE. FINALLY, YOU SHOULD USE A LEGIBLE SCRIPT. IF I AM UNABLE TO READ YOUR RESPONSE, NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN. Having addressed the grading criteria, the pool of essay questions follow. Only one will appear on the exam, and it will not be announced prior to the exam.
(EQ1) Frey et al. argue that the integrated approach to theorizing and research is better than the behaviorist or phenomenological approaches. Support or reject this argument. You must justify your analysis. That is, the "burden of proof" rests on your shoulders, and a rationale should be advanced to support the subtopic areas you address.
(EQ2) It has been argued that by using the scientific method, investigators discover knowledge. Support or reject this argument. A successful response will define the scientific method and its steps, position the technique within appropriate worldviews (paradigms), and illustrate its application in a communication-based example. Be sure to explain what happens at each step, the rationale or purpose of the activity (ies), and describe possible outcomes.
(EQ3) It has been suggested that theories are distinct from "truth." Support or reject this argument. A successful response will provide definitions of each concept, explicate key chars/components, detail evaluative criteria/functions, and "drive home" the argument by comparing and contrasting the Army and Mammogram studies with truth.
(EQ4) The research process has been characterized as cyclical, relative, and multimethodological. Support or reject this argument. You must justify your analysis. That is, the "burden of proof" rests on your shoulders, and a rationale should be advanced to support the subtopic areas you address.
VI. ESSAY PART---OPTION E
Assuming Option E is selected by the class, all essay responses will be evaluated according to the following dimensions: (1) clarity; (2) conceptual development, that is, your ability to identify, explain, and support your position; and (3) length and mechanics. Regarding length, you should be able to write your response so that it fills at least 2.0 sides of the furnished paper. Addressing mechanics, you are encouraged to provide an intro, body, and conclusion with effective transitions, as well as satisfactory punctuation. Please refer to the writing standards guide. Note that an outline is NOT AN ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE. FINALLY, YOU SHOULD USE A LEGIBLE SCRIPT. IF I AM UNABLE TO READ YOUR RESPONSE, NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN. Having addressed the grading criteria, the essay question follows.
(EQ) Depending on the class vote, either EQ3 or EQ4 will be employed.
VII. OPTION F SHORT ANSWER
If this option is selected, the written section will consist of two short-answer questions (each requiring at least two well-developed paragraphs in response) and three definitions.
Sample
SA---Describe and evaluate the utility of the scientific method.
Defn---internal validity is...
VIII. Closing Comment
(A). Remember that this is a higher order exam. Strive for recognition, understanding, and application of the key concepts. Good luck.
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