A Gap in Communication Research
This assignment asks you to identify a gap in communication research—a question that needs to be answered—a contradiction or discrepancy—a problem yet to be fully researched and analyzed. The problem must be substantive, important, and represent knowledge that will help people and/or organizations communicate more effectively.
Begin by reading up on a theory or issue that interests you. While reading, look for suggestions for future research offered by the authors you are reading and note any questions your reading brings to mind. Once the problem area has been identified, identify the important questions involving communication that grow out of that area. Please contact me with potential ideas for this assignment. Begin it soon because it is helpful to get feedback on your questions and problem from your colleagues in the course. There will be a threaded discussion for this assignment. Everyone should post a brief explanation of your topic in that area. Please take time to also read others topics and respond to them. If you can explain the problem so it is understandable to those who have not read about the issue as extensively as you have, then you have made a good start. Take note of your colleagues’ suggestions to refine and revise your writing. In the paper include the following information:
1. What is the communication problem that needs to be addressed? How did you know it was a problem? Combine this information into a clear rationale for the topic you have selected.
2. What are the relevant research questions raised by the communication problem? Focus on your questions primarily but note what questions others have suggested if you have discovered them.
3. Why do you believe this is a good area for research? To what extent have publications and other scholars called for research in the area?
Philipsen Discussion
Every year, at the National Communication Association annual convention there is a session titled The Carroll C. Arnold Distinguished Lecture. It is always one of the highlights of the convention. The topic varies from year-to-year and always focuses on current research by the most highly-regarded scholars in the field of Communication Studies. In November, 2008, the NCA convention was in San Diego and the Carroll Arnold address was by Dr. Gerry Philipsen. After reading his address (it can be found in Course Documents), consider the following questions: 1) In this lecture, Philipsen refers to four stories of people who came to terms with cultures: Dr. Katherine Hendrix, Stephanie, Richard Rodriguez, and Achilles. 1) Which of these stories do you find most useful in the development of your own thinking about culture? 2) Was there one particular story that resonated with your personal experiences in life or that connected to some aspect of your interactions with others? 3) Do any of the stories offer recommendations that you can apply to improve your personal or professional relationships?
Discussion Questions
Standpoint theory
Many students react negatively to standpoint theory. Why? How did you respond? What is your standpoint? Do standpoints on the margins give a less false view?
Merge theories
Combine expectancy-value theory and elaboration likelihood theory into a single theory that combines the best features of both.
Meanings
Defend the premise that “meanings are in people” or “meanings are in words.” Defend your position using the theories presented in chapters four and five.
Experiences
Devise a list of terms for experiences that are unique to women. Do the same thing for experiences unique to men. Then compile a list of words or terms that normalize the male experience and place women in the aberrant category.
Two pages on gap in communication, one page on Philipsen discussion, and one page on Discussion Questions.
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