Issues and challenges in communication research as applied in agricultural programs

Abstract

The paper presents an overview of issues and analytical approaches in contemporary communication research. Specifically, discussion centers around the following observations: (1) the multivariate nature of communication and the need to use multivariate techniques in communication research, (2) the notion that communication is a process and the need to match this process orientation with a longitudinal approach, (3) the lack of synthesis of results of communication studies and the need to employ meta-analytic tools in integrating research findings toward theory development, (4) the concern with communicative interaction and the need to become familiar with methods of mapping communication networks, and (5) the recognition that communication phenomena are socially constructed requiring qualitative methodologies. Various quantitative and qualitative analytical tools are presented along with existing software programs. The paper concludes with a challenge for communication scholars to apply these techniques to communication research in appropriate, judicious and creative ways. Specifically, it calls for: (1) a serious consideration for the inclusion of longitudinal approaches whenever dynamic changes are studied; (2) a real synthesis of research results that will lead to theory development; and (3) a judicious and tempered blending of qualitative and quantitative methodologies whenever the situation calls for it.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist

ISSN

317454

Page

77-89

Document Type

Article

Subject

Communication research, Meta-analysis, Meta-research, Network analysis, Qualitative research

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