Building Communication Theory

The authors have organized this book to help students learn the process of theory building. In clear, engaging, and comprehensible language, they offer a solid foundation for understanding four perspectives on communication. Rather than presenting theories in isolation, they discuss major theories within the structure of a particular approach and provide examples of the contributions each theory has made to explaining and predicting behavior. If a student develops criteria by which to judge a theory, that critical framework can be applied to assess the strengths and weaknesses of any new theory. Confidence in evaluating contributions helps students appreciate and participate in the process. The connections between theorizing and practical applications stimulate interest and further exploration. The text does not attempt to be encyclopedic; rather, it offers a synthesized, coherent view of theory from the social scientific perspective, emphasizing contributions from communication theorists. Learning about theory should be an enjoyable experience; Building Communication Theory creates a context for involving students in an exciting and valuable pursuit.

Revision of the textbook first published in 1990. Available from Waveland Press, Inc., PO Box 400, Prospect Heights, IL 60070. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.