Communication theory and research overview
Review of Communication Theory and Research
Communication Theory and Research Overview
What is a theory?
"Theory is more accurately defined as a set of interrelated concepts that present a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations for the purpose of explaining and predicting the phenomena.” -- Tucker, Weaver, and Berryman-Fink, in Research in Speech Communication, 1981, citing Kerlinger, Foundations of Behavioral Research, 1973.
“Theories are maps of reality. The truth they depict may be objective facts ‘out there’ or subjective meanings inside our heads. Either way we need to have theory to guide us through unfamiliar territory.” -- Griffin, A First Look At Communication Theory, 3rd ed., 1997.
A theory is a set of concepts and relationship statements that enable one to understand, describe, explain, evaluate, predict, and control things (phenomena). Theory-makers are puzzle-solvers. Humans naturally invent theories. We cannot resist solving puzzles…Theories are why explanations of puzzling phenomena... -- Cragan and Shields, Understanding Communication Theory, 1998.
What do theories do?
Five functions of theories:
1. Comprehension - theories promote understanding
1. Explanation - theories explain
2. Prediction - theories predict
3. Control - theories provide certainty
4. Criticism - theories provide a basis for evaluation and judgment
(Adapted from Miller and Nicholson, Communication Inquiry, 1976; and Anderson, Communication Theory, 1996)
Communication Theory Propositions
1. A communication theory provides a set of logically related general propositions (statements, ideas, and beliefs) which permit the deduction of some outcome or characteristic of communication interactions and transactions.
2. A communication theory provides a unifying explanatory mechanism; a means for explaining communication behavior.
3. A communication theory has predictive power.
4. A communication theory must be tested, requiring:
Communication Theory and Research Overview
What is a theory?
"Theory is more accurately defined as a set of interrelated concepts that present a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations for the purpose of explaining and predicting the phenomena.” -- Tucker, Weaver, and Berryman-Fink, in Research in Speech Communication, 1981, citing Kerlinger, Foundations of Behavioral Research, 1973.
“Theories are maps of reality. The truth they depict may be objective facts ‘out there’ or subjective meanings inside our heads. Either way we need to have theory to guide us through unfamiliar territory.” -- Griffin, A First Look At Communication Theory, 3rd ed., 1997.
A theory is a set of concepts and relationship statements that enable one to understand, describe, explain, evaluate, predict, and control things (phenomena). Theory-makers are puzzle-solvers. Humans naturally invent theories. We cannot resist solving puzzles…Theories are why explanations of puzzling phenomena... -- Cragan and Shields, Understanding Communication Theory, 1998.
What do theories do?
Five functions of theories:
1. Comprehension - theories promote understanding
1. Explanation - theories explain
2. Prediction - theories predict
3. Control - theories provide certainty
4. Criticism - theories provide a basis for evaluation and judgment
(Adapted from Miller and Nicholson, Communication Inquiry, 1976; and Anderson, Communication Theory, 1996)
Communication Theory Propositions
1. A communication theory provides a set of logically related general propositions (statements, ideas, and beliefs) which permit the deduction of some outcome or characteristic of communication interactions and transactions.
2. A communication theory provides a unifying explanatory mechanism; a means for explaining communication behavior.
3. A communication theory has predictive power.
4. A communication theory must be tested, requiring:
References: Mercado, Cesar M. 1977. How To Conduct Social Science Research: A Guide in Preparing Research Proposals and Thesis Manuscripts. Quezon City: Development Consultants for Asia Africa Pacific (DCAAP), University of the Philippines. Mercado, Cesar M Pernia, Elena E. 2004. Communication Research in the Philippines. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press. Hunan, David Henson, Ronald M.; Soriano, Robert F., Communicating Research, 1999 Kumar, Ranjit Dr. S.N. Sridhara. Research Methodology: Motivation for Research, 2004 Calderon, Jose F., Methods of Research and Thesis Writing, 2007