Question 1

The basic unit of analysis of symbolic convergence theory is a:
A) fantasy.
B) fantasy theme.
C) symbolic cue.
D) rhetorical vision.

Accepted Answer

The basic unit of analysis in symbolic convergence theory is the "fantasy theme," which refers to the shared narratives or stories that create a sense of community and shared understanding among group members.

Question 2

A(n) ________ is an agreed-upon trigger that sets off group members to respond as they did when they first shared a fantasy.
A) rhetorical vision
B) information model
C) dramatizing message
D) symbolic cue

Accepted Answer

A symbolic cue is a trigger that prompts group members to recall and respond to a shared fantasy or narrative they have previously engaged with.

Question 3

In the context of the features that are present in all rhetorical visions, the ________ legitimates the rhetorical vision.
A) central character
B) plotline
C) scene
D) sanctioning agent

Accepted Answer

The sanctioning agent is the feature that legitimates the rhetorical vision by providing authority or justification for the vision.

Question 4

According to Bormann, a wide-ranging body of people who share a common symbolic reality is called a ________.
A) symbolic community
B) rhetorical community
C) chained community
D) cohesive community

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Bormann, a wide-ranging body of...

Question 5

Within a group that has successfully sparked a fantasy chain, ________.
A) there is no need to rely on symbolic cues to trigger the fantasy
B) emotions and motives seem to dissipate
C) the group begins to have a more objective viewpoint than it had before
D) the same theme often appears across multiple narratives

Accepted Answer

When a fantasy chain is sparked within a group, the same theme often appears across multiple narratives as members build on each other's ideas, creating a shared symbolic reality.

Question 6

Fantasy themes are expressed in the form of:
A) metaphors.
B) jokes.
C) stories.
D) All of the answers are correct.

Accepted Answer

Fantasy themes can be expressed through metaphors, jokes, and stories, as they all serve to convey shared meanings and values within a group.

Question 7

According to Bormann, what is the relationship between fantasies and the development of a group's shared identity or consciousness?
A) Fantasies tend to derail a group's bonding efforts.
B) Groups that do little fantasizing tend to be highly cohesive and attractive to others.
C) Sharing fantasies contribute to group cohesiveness.
D) When a group is able to push fantasies aside, they can get to a shared identity.

Accepted Answer

Sharing fantasies helps create a shared symbolic reality, which contributes to group cohesiveness and a shared identity.

Question 8

Rhetorical visions:
A) are fostered by powerful individuals within small groups.
B) are too abstract to be embraced by communities.
C) catch on with large groups of people.
D) replace fantasy themes.

Accepted Answer

Rhetorical visions are shared narratives or worldviews that resonate with and are adopted by large groups of people, often influencing collective behavior and beliefs.

Question 9

Which of the following components is NOT a feature of a rhetorical vision?
A) characters
B) interpretative schemes
C) plot lines
D) sanctioning agents

Accepted Answer

Interpretative schemes are not typically considered a feature of a rhetorical vision, which usually includes characters, plot lines, and sanctioning agents.

Question 10

Which of the following pieces of advice is offered by Bormann, regardless of one's group role?
A) avoid personification as it disrupts the cohesiveness of a group
B) be cautious as fantasies can be unpredictable
C) be sure that dramatic messages are kept to a minimum
D) drama that emphasizes the group's future are most beneficial

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following pieces of advice...

Question 11

According to Bormann, comments that lack imagery are considered dramatizing messages.

Accepted Answer

Bormann's theory of symbolic convergence considers dramatizing messages as those that contain imaginative language and imagery, not those that lack it.

Question 12

Bormann restricts the term "fantasy" to children's literature, sexual desire, or things "not true."

Accepted Answer

Bormann's use of "fantasy" is broader, referring to imaginative constructs in communication, not limited to children's literature, sexual desire, or falsehoods.

Question 13

Bormann advised the use of personification to identify one's group and to build cohesiveness.

Accepted Answer

Martin Bormann, a prominent Nazi official, emphasized the use of personification and other propaganda techniques to strengthen group identity and unity within the Nazi party.

Question 14

According to symbolic convergence theory, disruptions and counterproductive stories hinder a group's ability to become a cohesive unit.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to symbolic convergence theory, disruptions and...

Question 15

A dramatizing message is one that contains imaginative language such as a pun, figure of speech, or other creative expression of ideas.

Accepted Answer

A dramatizing message uses imaginative language to creatively express ideas, often through puns or figures of speech.

Question 16

Dramatizing messages help group members understand a confusing situation.

Accepted Answer

Dramatizing messages can provide clarity by using vivid imagery or narratives, making complex situations more relatable and understandable for group members.

Question 17

A symbolic cue is an agreed-upon trigger that sets off group members to respond as they did when they first shared a fantasy.

Accepted Answer

A symbolic cue is a term from Symbolic Convergence Theory, where it refers to a word, phrase, or gesture that triggers a shared group response based on past interactions or shared fantasies.

Question 18

Groups must choose between sharing group fantasies and creating symbolic convergence.

Accepted Answer

Groups do not have to choose between sharing group fantasies and creating symbolic convergence; rather, sharing group fantasies is a process that can lead to symbolic convergence, where group members develop a shared understanding and identity.

Question 19

In order to be classified as an effective fantasy, it needs to be positive and altruistic.

Accepted Answer

Fantasy as a genre does not require positivity or altruism; it can include dark, complex, and morally ambiguous themes.

Question 20

Bormann claimed that symbolic convergence holds for all people, in any culture, at any time, in any communication context.

Accepted Answer

Symbolic convergence holds that people create and share symbols to represent their experiences and communicate with others, regardless of their culture, time, or communication context.

Quiz 18: Symbolic Convergence Theory

The basic unit of analysis of symbolic convergence theory is a:

A(n) ________ is an agreed-upon trigger that sets off group members to respond as they did when they first shared a fantasy.

In the context of the features that are present in all rhetorical visions, the ________ legitimates the rhetorical vision.

According to Bormann, a wide-ranging body of people who share a common symbolic reality is called a ________.

Within a group that has successfully sparked a fantasy chain, ________.

Fantasy themes are expressed in the form of:

According to Bormann, what is the relationship between fantasies and the development of a group's shared identity or consciousness?

Rhetorical visions:

Which of the following components is NOT a feature of a rhetorical vision?

Which of the following pieces of advice is offered by Bormann, regardless of one's group role?