Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter you should be able to:
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Define theory and explain its functions.
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Demonstrate how theories are developed.
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Explain what makes a useful theory.
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Understand the idea of Theoretical Paradigms.
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Explain the Empirical Laws Paradigm.
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Explain the Human Rules Paradigm.
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Explain the Systems Theory Paradigm.
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Explain the Rhetorical Theory Paradigm.
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Explain the Critical Theory Paradigm.
Thumbnail: international model of communication. (CC BY-SA-NC; anonymous).