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Conceptualizati
ons in
Communication
Research
(Reinard)
Theories
Play a central role in scholarship
and give us ways to organize
bodies of knowledge.
A purpose of research is to develop
theoretic explanations for things.
Using concepts requires defining
them so that they can be studied.
Developing Theoretic
Conceptualizations in
Communication
Research attempts
to find relationships
and explain them.
Theories are used to
help us understand
these relationships.
Formal and Informal
theories are sources
of research
hypotheses.
A major goal of
research is to
develop theory and
explanations.
Is Communication a
Science?
Science as a way of testing statements by
systematic application of the scientific methods.
Science also is defined as the use of the scientific
method to gather information.
If communication scholar relies on nonresearch
methods of knowing about communication
tenacity, authority, a priori belief, or trial and
error then the scholar is not doing science.
If communication scholars rely on the method of
aesthetics or art to explore communication, then
the inquiries would not be defined as science.
On the other hand, if the scholar uses the
research methods to know things about
communication, then communication is a science.
All communication
research states
problems, sets criteria
for permissible
interpretation, and
makes careful
observations of
communication
transaction.
Thus, using research
methods in
communication makes
communication a
scientific study area.
The study of
communication is a
science if one chooses
to use the scientific
Definition of a Theory
A theory is a body of
interrelated principles
that explain or
predict. It is a logical
system that organizes
and explains the facts.
Theories help answer
research questions.
Components of Theory
An abstract calculus
-
Theoretic constructs
-
Rules of correspondence
-
Requirement of Theory
The requirement of
falsification holds that any
theory must deal with
statements that could be
falsified by data and
information if the theories
were untrue.
-
The requirement of
tentativeness demands
that scholars recognize
that a theorys answers are
provisional.
-
Functions of Theory
Description
Explanation
Prediction
Control
Applications of Theory
Inductive approach
- The first method involves
gathering information and
then developing theoretic
explanations.
- Researchers doing
exploratory work often
employ this approach
(grounded theory)
Deductive approach
- Develop theoretic thinking
and then gather data to
test it.
- Most researcher use this
approach.
Definitions
Using Conceptual
Definitions
-
Using Operational
Definitions
-
It describes what is to be
observed by specifying
what researchers must do
to make observations.
They tell you the steps that
must be followed to make
an observation.
Eg: One might define
communication competence
as the ability to interact well
with others. Operational
definition in contrast,
identify observations by
describing the method to
make an observation such
as through competence
scale.
- The End -
Activity in Class
003