Comm. 140 Study Guide for Exam #1

Chapter #1

1. Be able to explain how images of aging in society are related to the social construction of aging. Be able to explain the difference between biological aging and social aging.

2. Be able to explain the problems associated with the current dominant images of aging in our society.

3. Be able to describe the differences between the image categories: the geriatric body, the physiognomic body, and the mask of old age. Be able to explain the impact of each of these image categories on our society’s perceptions of aging.

Chapter #2

1. Be able to explain why disengagement theory is not an appropriate theory to view older adults in contemporary society. Be able to explain the lifespan perspective and how it might be a better way to view aging.

2. Be able to discuss the implications of reminiscence in old age, the attitudes older people have toward modern society, and differences in attitudes toward death and dying.

3. Be able to discuss the differences in how older people deal with stress, depression, self-esteem, and perceptions of meaning of life and the implications of these differences.

Chapter #3

1. Be able to briefly describe what discourse analysis is and how it differs from the traditional social scientific research perspective.

2. Be able to describe the communication problems that can occur in everyday talk within intergenerational encounters. Be sure to discuss what older and younger people may do to inhibit satisfying communication.

3. Be able to discuss the relationship between discourse (everyday talk), self-identity, and aging.

Chapter #4

1. Be able to discuss reasons why we develop stereotypes of older people and how it is possible to have both negative and positive stereotypes of the elderly.

2. Be able to explain the relationship between stereotypes of older adults, attitudes toward older adults, and communication behaviors toward older adults.

3. Be able to explain how beliefs can be altered or reinforced by stereotypes of older people.

Chapter # 5

1. Be able to explain what Social Identity Theory is and how it relates to perceptions of different age groups in society and communication behaviors toward these groups.

2. Be able to discuss how an older person might use each of the three strategies for obtaining positive in-group distinctiveness.

3. Be able to explain how age groups use communication tactics to achieve psychological distinctiveness. Discuss some of the problems associated with these tactics.