Communication Research

Research

Research is a systematic process of asking questions and seeking answers.

Communication Research

focuses on

examining how meanings are created and managed

through messages, symbols, and contexts like

interpersonal interactions, groups, organizations, and

media.

Why Conduct Communication Research?

Expands knowledge in communication and media

studies.

Develops critical and analytical thinking skills.

Builds expertise in a specific communication field.

Contributes new insights about the social world and

human interaction.

Goals of Communication Research

• To describe communication phenomena and explain the relationships among them

Goals of Communication Research

• examine how meanings are created and managed,

Goals of Communication research

generate new insights and understanding about the social world.

Goals of Communication research

systematically document and evaluate assumptions or

beliefs about the phenomenon.

Goals of Communication research

To formulate informed conclusions based on the systematic analysis of research findings.

Communication and Technology

• Deals with communication occurring via media technologies

• Studies the ways people use technologies to meet their information and entertainment needs

Topics on Communication and

Technology

broadband/mobile/wireless/ cellular

computer-mediated communication

emerging technologies

internet use and the World Wide Web

Telecommunications and satellite

visual communication design

digital information

new media

systems

Group Communication

Focuses communication among groups consisting of

three or more individuals

Studies the processes through which groups develop,

accomplish goals, resolve problems, and exercise

leadership

Topics in Group Communication

small group effectiveness

cohesion

conflict

group roles

team building

leadership

consensus

productivity

group culture

social groups

family communication

decision making

problem solving

intergeneration communication

Health Communication

Encompasses all dimensions of wellness and illness

Combines interests in organizational, mass, and

interpersonal communication

Topics on Health Communication

communication with the disabled

and ill

effectiveness of health

promotion and information

campaigns

communication between health care

providers and patients

social support groups either face-to-face

or online

health promotion and information

campaigns

physician-patient communication

Instructional Communication

Concentrates on pedagogy, media effects, and

communication in the classroom

Communication Pedagogy in Instructional

Communication

the study of distance learning or televised instruction

the use of technology in the classroom

methods for teaching specific communication courses

Mass Media Effects in Instructional Communication

Examines the impact of television, advertising, or film on

children of various ages

Communication in the Classroom

Examines various student communication variables

(e.g., communication apprehension, motivation to learn etc..)

Studies teacher communication behaviors

(e.g., immediacy, credibility, and style)

Examines classroom management issues

(e.g., teacher power and student resistance)

Intercultural and International Communication

Assesses how communication occurs in interpersonal and

mediated settings

Focuses how people from different cultures communicate

and form intercultural relationships

Compares people’s interpersonal traits, skills, or

behaviors across cultures

Topics on Intercultural/

International Communication

cultural adaptation and

socialization

comparative media systems

cross-cultural communication

self-presentation and social identity

individualism-collectivism

national development communication

Interpersonal Communication

Involves the study of people and their interactions or

relationships

Investigates the role of verbal and nonverbal messages in

developing and maintaining human relationships

Topics on Interpersonal

Communication

interpersonal competence

impression formation

spousal conflict

interpersonal attraction

relationship development

frienship

relational communication

Language and Symbolic Codes

Analyzes how people from the same or different cultures

convey and derive meaning from verbal and nonverbal

symbols.

Topics on Language and Symbolic

Codes

text or discourse

language intensity

language development in children

conversational flow

listening

proxemics

nonverbal engagement

body language

Mass Communication

Highlights on communication from a source or

organization to many people via mediated channels such

as television, radio, or newspapers under conditions of

limited feedback

Topics on Mass Communication

media dominance and power

media content and portrayals

media effects

media history

media ethics

formation of public opinion

critical or textual analysis of messages

policy and regulation

international media

Organizational Communication

Concerned with the processing and use of messages

between and within organizations.

Focuses on the complexities of communication in formal

structures where many interpersonal and group

relationships already exist

Topics on Organizational

Communication

superior-subordinate relationships

organization networks

organizational structures

systems

conflict

training and development

negotiation

organizational life

workplace culture

role clarity

Public Communication

Covers communication in non-mediated public settings

Focuses mainly on one-to-many communication

Topics on Public Communication

rhetoric

public address

criticism

freedom of speech

persuasion

argumentation and debate

speaker credibility

ethics

interpreting literature

propaganda

political campaigns