Exam 2 Study Guide—COM 331

Harwood 2007—Chapters 4-7, 11

Chapter 4: Attitudes about Aging

  • CommAccom Theory (Essay): main structure of theory; 3 main moves/non-moves, overaccommodation. Howdoes this relate to IG communication (e.g., stereotypes, etc.)? Specific channels of 2y baby talk (Table 4.1)? What type of underaccommodation often occurs?
  • Compare and contrast (Essay or MC): Communication Predicament Model of Aging/Age Stereotypes in Interaction model. Know each stage of CPM (cues, effects, etc.)
  • Effects (both positive and negative) of patronizing speech
  • Dependency behavior: What are some behaviors that encourage dependency/independence? What are some contexts in which “dependency” communication is appropriate, if any? Causes? Consequences?
  • Age disclosure: What are some possible reasons for disclosing age?

Chapter 5: Intragenerational communication

  • 3 types of social support
  • Comparative closeness (overall) of 3 types of same-age relationships
  • What changes and what stays the same about relationships through age?
  • What are some things close relationships provide for older persons?
  • Know what makes each of three types of same-age relationships unique
  • Essay: How does spousal relational satisfaction change over time? Possible explanations?
  • General questions:
  • Ways couple’s communication changes over time; M/F differences (e.g., role of spouse in longevity of men versus women)? specific challenges?
  • Class notes: changes in sex and sex life through age
  • Special challenges for those divorced or widowed
  • Importance of friendships; changes? Challenges?
  • Siblings: changes in relationship? What is unique about sibling relationships? Factors in closeness?

Chapter 6: Intergenerational communication

  • Benefits of grandparent-grandchild to both parties
  • Factors that lead to closer G-G relationships
  • What are “off-time” grandparents, and what specific struggles do they face?
  • What channels and content of comm are associated with more positive G-G relationships?
  • Why are stories important (2 roles) and differences in males/females in storytelling
  • 4 “themes’ in G-G relationships (Table 6.1)
  • Issues for grandparents raising grandchildren?
  • What does research find about child-parent relationships through age? Misconceptions? What is the “sandwich generation”? ambivalence? Autonomy-connectedness dialectic? Turning points? (note—no more of “dialectical theory on exam than this!)
  • 5 perspectives on maintaining closeness throughout the life span
  • Characteristics of intergenerational friendships

Chapter 7: Intergenerational communication

  • Essay: Compare the CommPred Model with the Comm Enhancement model
  • Contact theory (class notes): Main point; individuation, goals of contact, conditions that lead to effective contact between people of different groupsl How it works (main ideas only! Slide 9)
  • What makes effective IG comm?
  • Four possible responses to patronizing talk; how (generally speaking) does co-cultural theory extend our understanding of responses to patronizing talk?
  • What is “person-centered” talk, and why is it important?

Chapter 11: Health & Health Care

  • What are some diseases that increase with old age…and some that do not? What are some other factors that complicate health among older people (e.g., multiple diagnoses, ethnic identity)? How is number of certain health problems changing over the years?
  • See slide 16 as guide to rest of chapter:
  • Characteristics of physician communication with older patients?
  • Factors of physician and patient that might influence comm?
  • Role of companions (+/-)? Frequency? 3 possible roles (Metts add)
  • Role of social structures?
  • List: Hints for doctors and patients to improve health-care communication
  • Patient satisfaction: why important? What factors contribute to it?
  • Support groups: Who are they for? Ways they help? Don’t help?
  • Elder abuse: Types (slide 41)? Causes?
  • List: Signs of possible elder abuse