Question 1

Burke argued that some of what people do is motivated by their animal nature (such as thirst and hunger) and some of what they do is motivated by

Accepted Answer

Burke argued that human actions are motivated not only by primal needs (like thirst and hunger) but also by symbols. This reflects his belief in the power of language and symbols in shaping human behavior and society.

Question 2

Burke asserted that words, thoughts, and actions have

Accepted Answer

Burke believed in the profound interconnectedness of language, thought, and behavior, arguing that they influence and shape each other in significant ways.

Question 3

_________ occurs when two people overlap in terms of their substance.

Accepted Answer

Identification occurs when two individuals find common ground in their beliefs, values, or experiences, leading to a sense of unity or shared identity. This concept is often discussed in the context of communication and rhetorical theory, where it highlights how shared substance between people can foster a connection or identification between them.

Question 4

According to Burke, _________ is the primary motive for human communication and action.

Accepted Answer

Burke posits that guilt (and the need to purge guilt) is the primary motive behind human communication and action, as outlined in his dramatism theory.

Question 5

Louie is late for his date with Rachel. When she asks him why, he says, "My roommate had been borrowing my car and was late getting back with it. He's so irresponsible; I'm definitely not rooming with him again next year." Louie is engaging in

Accepted Answer

Louie is blaming his roommate for being late, which is an example of scapegoating, where one person is blamed for the mistakes or faults of another.

Question 6

Following publicity of the scandal that ended his political career, New York governor Eliot Spitzer said, "I have begun to atone for my private failings. ... The remorse I feel will always be with me." In another speech, he said, "I have acted in a way that violates my or any sense of right and wrong. ... I apologize to the public, who I promise better." These are examples of

Accepted Answer

Eliot Spitzer's statements are examples of mortification, where an individual publicly confesses to wrongdoing and seeks forgiveness or understanding, often as a way to restore their image or reputation after a scandal.

Question 7

Message strategies, storytelling, apologies, and speech making are associated with which element of the pentad?

Accepted Answer

Agency refers to the means or methods used to perform an act, which includes strategies like messaging, storytelling, apologies, and speech making.

Question 8

The _________ hypothesis argues that when people use language, they are used by it as well.

Accepted Answer

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, also known as linguistic relativity, suggests that the structure of a language affects its speakers' world view or cognition, and thus, people's thoughts and actions are influenced by the language they use.

Question 9

The third assumption underscores Burke's notion of

Accepted Answer

The third assumption in Burke's dramatistic pentad refers to "agency," which is the means or instruments used by the agent to perform the act.

Question 10

When using the pentad to analyze a symbolic interaction, the analyst first labels the elements of the pentad and then examines the

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is B) dramatistic ratios. After labeling the elements of the pentad (act, scene, agent, agency, purpose) in Kenneth Burke's dramatism theory, the analyst examines the relationships or ratios between these elements to understand the dynamics of the symbolic interaction.

Question 11

Burke struggled with negotiating a space between complete free will and complete

Accepted Answer

Burke's struggle to negotiate a space between complete free will and complete determinism reflects a philosophical inquiry into the extent to which human actions are determined by external factors versus being freely chosen. Determinism is the belief that all events, including moral choices, are completely determined by previously existing causes.

Question 12

Rosa Lopez is a candidate for the state senate in Ohio. During one of her campaign speeches, she blames the media and gun manufacturers for the problem of violence in America. In this instance, she is attempting to set herself up as __________ for the voters of her state.

Accepted Answer

Rosa Lopez is positioning herself as a "redeemer" by identifying external sources (the media and gun manufacturers) as the cause of violence, suggesting she aims to address or solve these issues for her constituents.

Question 13

Which of the following is considered a rejection of one's place in the existing social order?

Accepted Answer

The concept of "the negative" in philosophical and sociological contexts often refers to the rejection or negation of existing structures, norms, or values, including one's place in the social order. This can be seen in critical theory and dialectical philosophy, where negation is a key mechanism of critique and change.

Question 14

Which approach to knowing characterizes the research undertaken with Dramatism?

Accepted Answer

Dramatism, a method of analysis and a critical approach developed by Kenneth Burke, is interpretive in nature. It focuses on understanding human behavior and motivation through the symbolic interaction and use of language, rather than through empirical observation or phenomenological experience.

Question 15

Condit (1992) suggests that Burke's Dramatism Theory needs extension and modification in the areas of

Accepted Answer

Condit (1992) argues that Burke's Dramatism Theory should be extended and modified to include considerations of gender and culture, which were not adequately addressed in the original formulation of the theory.

Question 16

All of the following are assumptions of Dramatism EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Dramatism, a theory developed by Kenneth Burke, does not assume humans are primarily rational beings. Instead, it focuses on how humans use symbols to create social realities, emphasizing the role of language and symbols in human interactions and decision-making processes. Rationality is more associated with theories that emphasize logical and analytical decision-making, whereas Dramatism looks at how humans communicate and create meaning through symbolic interaction.

Question 17

What phrase represents the notion that people cannot see beyond what their words lead them to believe?

Accepted Answer

"Trained incapacities" is a phrase that describes a situation where people are so conditioned by their knowledge or expertise in a particular area that they become unable to see beyond it, essentially blinded by their own skills or the limitations of their language and concepts.

Question 18

_________ was a later addition to the pentad and refers to the manner in which the agent positions her- or himself relative to others.

Accepted Answer

Attitude was added later to the pentad by Kenneth Burke, and it refers to the way the agent positions themselves in relation to others, indicating their perspective or approach.

Question 19

The theory of dramatism assumes that human behavior is deterministic in nature.

Accepted Answer

The theory of dramatism, proposed by Kenneth Burke, suggests that life is more like a drama, and it emphasizes communication and language as a means to understand human behavior and motivation. It does not assume behavior is deterministic but rather views actions as symbolic and interpretive, focusing on how humans use language and symbols to attribute meaning to their actions and the world around them.

Question 20

Noting that Olivia is a 24-year-old female, Latina civil engineer, who likes crossword puzzles, horseback riding, and bowling, is to assert her substance as defined by Burke.

Accepted Answer

Burke's definition of substance is based on the idea that people are more than just their physical attributes. He argues that people's substance is made up of their thoughts, feelings, and actions. In the given question, Olivia is described as a 24-year-old female, Latina civil engineer, who likes crossword puzzles, horseback riding, and bowling. This description provides us with information about Olivia's physical attributes, her interests, and her occupation. However, it does not provide us with any information about her thoughts, feelings, or actions. Therefore, we cannot assert her substance as defined by Burke based on the given information.

Quiz 19: Dramatism