Critique of the Fantasy Theme Theory




Ernest Bormann, professor at the University of Minnesota, went out on a limb when he developed this theory, the Symbolic Convergence Theory...otherwise known as the Fantasy Theme Theory. It is very uncommon and unusual for a theory to be both scientific and humanistic and scientific. It's almost like saying one is a liberal republican, or a conservative democrat...that I know is possible. So the question stands, does this theory favor the scientific aspect, or the humanistic?? My answer is both.

There are five requirements to a good scientific theory:

Even though there is no set standards for humanistic theories, humanists strongly encourage that theories should accomplish at least one, if not all, of the following:
  • New Understanding of People
  • Clarification of Values
  • Aesthetic Appeal
  • A Community of Agreement
  • Reform of Society


What does all of this mean?!?!? I kept asking myself that as I read through the theory over and over again. It all seemed to make sense, and I didn't fully understand why there was question whether it was scientific or humanistic. Then suddenly, everything all came together. Humanists are subjective, people oriented, and full of meaning, feelings and emotions. I can identify quite well with this. That's why I'm an INCO major. Scientists believe in set right or wrong answers. Seldom is there any overlap. Both are striving for different goals, but go about it the same way and study the same things.

To better understand this, I'll pose these two questions taken from a group activity on the first day of class:
  • What kinds of questions would a science oriented theorist ask in order to develop a theory about the messages and communication processes in a college classroom on the first day of class?

  • What kinds of questions would a humanist ask? How would their procedures for conducting their research differ?



The scientist would be interested in:

...the procedure one goes about to get into a class - how the students are placed in the classes?
...how the professors are assigned to classes?
...where the class will be held?
...will there be other classes going on around this one that will disrupt it?

Whereas the humanist would ask questions such as:

...why did this student choose this particular class?
...upon entering, why did this student choose that seat instead of another one?
...demographically, how are the students sitting?
...is there anything happening to this student personally that will affect them advancing in this class?

Humanists are more concerned with the student and who they are, whereas the scientist is focusing on the student as a number.


I hope I have been able to provide you with a better understanding of the Fantasy Theme Theory through my critique.


For more information you can...

Go to Kimberly's exciting and enriching application

Chuck's detailed and fulfilling research


The Cognitive Dissonance Theory helps to explain why people make the choices that they do.
...or you can start all over again at the good ol' title page

Thanks for stoping by! :)