Communication Theory and Research

Theory and Research in Social Science

• Theory is provisional, can be revised, and aims to explain social phenomena comprehensively.
• Theory progresses through interaction with empirical data.
• Theory-based research assumes:
  • Research problems fit within a larger conceptual framework.
  • Significant facts are variables useful for explanation and prediction.
  • Objectivity is achieved through empirical testing and replication.
  • Research findings are interpreted within the theory and guide further research.

Careers in Communication

• Communication studies prepare individuals for various professions that require communication understanding and skills.
• There are dedicated communication careers besides those that utilize communication skills.

Communication Theory and its Importance

• Communication theories describe and explain human interaction and its effects.
• They enhance our understanding of personal experiences and social patterns.
• They offer tools to comprehend individual lives, relationships, and the influence of communication on societal values.
• Theories are essential for various fields that involve human interaction.
• Theories attempt to make sense of phenomena and must be testable.

Evaluating Theories

• Parsimony:
  • The best theory is the simplest one that effectively explains, predicts and potentially influences events.
  • Simplicity does not equate to oversimplification or omitting crucial elements.
• Utility:
  • Theories are measured by their practical value, based on their intended goals.
  • Predictive and control-oriented theories are assessed by their effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes.
  • Theories that prioritize understanding are evaluated based on their ability to enhance comprehension.
  • Critical theories are assessed by their potential impact on positive societal change.
• Heurism:
  • A theory's heurism is its ability to stimulate new ideas, insights, and research.

Genres of Communication Theory and Traditions

• Genres of Communication Theories:

  • Philosophical assumptions guide the application of the theory.
  • Concepts define the theory's key components and their relationships.
  • Explanations link concepts through causal or practical relationships.
  • Principles offer guidance for interpreting events and deciding actions.

• Traditions in Communication Theory:

  • Semiotic: Symbols have meaning based on how they relate to other symbols and larger patterns.
  • Phenomenological: Individuals interpret their experiences to construct meaning.
  • Cybernetic: Communication is a system of interconnected elements influencing each other.
  • Socio-Psychological: Focuses on individual behavior, psychological variables, and communication effects.
  • Socio-Cultural: Explores how social interactions shape meanings, norms, and cultural values.
  • Rhetorical: Communication as a tool to persuade and influence audiences.
  • Critical: Analyzes communication to uncover power dynamics and social injustices.

Building Blocks of Theory: Ontology, Axiology, and Focus

• Ontology: Explores the nature of being and human existence.
  • Issues:
    • The extent of human agency in making choices.
    • Whether behavior is better understood through states or traits.
    • The extent to which communication is context-dependent.
• Axiology: Examines the role of values in research.
  • Debate:
    • Whether research can be value-free or if values inevitably influence scientific inquiry.
• Focus: The specific content and phenomena that a theory addresses.
  • Behaviorism: Focuses on observable behaviors, assuming internal factors are irrelevant or unmeasurable.

Explore the fundamental theories and research related to social phenomena and communication. This quiz covers the interplay of theory, empirical data, and the significance of communication in various careers. Test your knowledge on the principles guiding effective communication and its implications for social understanding.