INVITATIONS TO EMPIRICAL RESEARCH IN COMMUNICATION

 

EMPIRICAL

•   “observable”

•   applies to nearly all communication research that tests statements against data.

 

EMPIRICAL DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH 

 

• involves gathering fresh data to test statements

• most invited when problem questions ask about current descriptions of things and explore explanations that characterize things as they are now

 

            J. Jeffrey Auer that such questions have 3 emphases:

                                               

1. Ascertaining norms: Where are we? What is?

2. Establishing goals: Where should we be? What is best?

3. Developing methods: How do we advance from norm to goal? What is best to do?

 

Surveys, content analyses, and observational studies can help researchers understand what is occurring. Surveying attitudes and opinions can show sentiments about directions to move. Scholars who attempt to develop new research methods and measurement tools can promote other studies to help solve practical problems.  

 

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