The Berger Interview reminded me of survival of the fittest, but socially speaking. In order to adapt to change we have to “track those changes,” in our environment, which is continually changing socially and physically. Using things like experiments and textual analysis communication scholars aim to help us track these changes in our environment, giving us empirical evidence in a social construct. I like how Berger talks about the co-construction of relationships and how we are programmed with software (language and memory), and societal scripts that essentially guide us in our interactions, new and old. Griffin defines axioms as, “self-evident truths.” I think by using axioms the predictability and testability are more evident and these factors strengthen Berger's theory.
This interview is so interesting to me because it shows how we can quantify even the most seemingly unpredictable of human behaviors. When Griffin says, “go test it,” he relays that there are many things out there that we try predicting, so why not test them to see if our hypothesis or something as informal as an inference can hold up to theory. I find myself using uncertainty reduction in interactions all the time, and not even knowing or realizing what it is I am doing. It is easier to seek out common-ground and understanding of the person you are interacting with. I have created my own mental realm where I infer and make assumptions based on knowledge and experience about past interactions and relationships. We have to feel people out before just rashly responding to them, if we want positive feedback or a well-met response.
I think it's interesting that you thought of survival of the fittest in a social sense. It is true that we follow scripts provided by society expectations (i.e. only girls are supposed to play with dolls, and boys are supposed to be tough), and I feel some are antiquated and some are just accepted as the norm. As for your comment on making assumptions and and inferences based on past experiences and knowledge, I do that too... but I think it's a fine line you must tread because you never want to make the wrong assumption. You are right about feeling the person out, because we can't always predict how the interactions will play out.
ReplyDeleteWow! So I had a very hard time understanding the Berger interview; partially because my computer and the volume on my computer are crap. But you just put it all into perspective for me. Now that I've read your view I can see how you would refer to this Interview with Berger as survival of the fittest, socially. Now I know when I don't understand something I will come check out other classmates interpretations of the material I find confusing. Thank you for your point of view it was very well written and cleared up some of my uncertainties. :) No pun intended.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting when survival of the fittest was mentioned in the interview. It makes me think the more cognitive you are the better chance you have of survival, socially speaking as you put it. I got a kick out of Berger saying, “go test it”. He gives the view that it is all right to be wrong when researching social science and that is the way it should be. I have to mention that when I viewed the interview it gave me a better understanding of how this theory can be put to use in real world situations. But it got me thinking and I posed the question, what about cultural differences? When it comes to the axioms do they relate to western views only? When we look at the axiom (Information Seeking) this is something that may not be acceptable in other cultures. It is something I thought I would mention and was wondering what you think.
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