Theory, Method, and Practice in Computer Content Analysis


Book Description

In recent years, computer content analysis has undergone something of a renaissance. Inexpensive and powerful desktop computers mean that computer analysis of texts is available to most researchers. The availability of software to do analyses, however, is not always linked to clear theoretical and methodological understandings. This volume seeks to deal with this concern by providing, from scholars in a variety of disciplines, perspectives upon the theoretical and methodological issues which arise when conducting content analysis via computer. Although it is not always obvious, computer content analysis is a method which inevitably calls for theoretical assumptions. Those theoretical assumptions in turn drive methodological considerations, and method in turn determines the form of the practice of computer content analysis. This volume includes ten articles by well-known scholars utilizing computer content analysis. A variety of methodological, theoretical, and practical issues are here addressed, presenting unique methods and perspectives for the consideration of computer content analysis. Intended for an audience of graduate students, scholars, and in-field practitioners, Theory, Method and Practice of Computer Content Analysis will serve as an invaluable resource of ideas and practices for those interested in using computers to analyze textual material.










Interpersonal Communication Research


Book Description

This exceptional collection--a compilation of meta-analyses related to issues in interpersonal communication--provides an expansive review of existing interpersonal communication research. Incorporating a wide variety of topics related to interpersonal communication, including couples and safe sex, parent-child communication, argumentativeness, and self-disclosure, the contributions in this volume also examine such basic issues as reciprocity, constructivism, social support in interpersonal communication, as well as gender, conflict, and marital and organizational issues. With contributions organized into five sections, this volume: *sets the stage for independent meta-analyses; *provides an overview of individual characteristics in interpersonal communication and the meta-analyses reflecting this theme; *explores the dyadic and interactional approaches to interpersonal communication; and *examines the impact of the meta-analyses on the understanding of interpersonal communication. As a resource for interpersonal communication researchers at all levels, this volume establishes a solid foundation from which to launch the next generation of study and research.




Theories of Human Communication


Book Description

For over forty years, Theories of Human Communication has facilitated the understanding of the theories that define the discipline of communication. The authors present a comprehensive summary of major communication theories, current research, extensions, and applications in a thoughtfully organized and engaging style. Part I of the extensively updated twelfth edition sets the stage for how to think about and study communication. The first chapter establishes the foundations of communication theory. The next chapter reviews four frameworks for organizing the theories and their contributions to the nature of inquiry. Part II covers theories centered around the communicator, message, medium, and communication with the nonhuman. Part III addresses theories related to communication contexts—relationship, group, organization, health, culture, and society. “From the Source” contributions from theorists provide insight into the inspirations, motivations, and goals behind the theories. Online instructor’s resource materials include sample syllabi, key terms, exam questions, and text graphics. The theories include those important for their continuing influence in the field as well as emerging theories that encourage thinking about issues in new ways. For a reasonable price, readers are able to explore the patterns, trends, trajectories, and intricacies of the landscape of communication theory and will have an invaluable resource for future reference.




Applied Communication Theory and Research


Book Description

This volume provides a comprehensive examination of the applications of communication inquiry to the solution of relevant social issues. Nationally recognized experts from a wide range of subject areas discuss ways in which communication research has been used to address social problems and identify direction for future applied communication inquiry.




Communication Yearbooks Vols 6-33 Set


Book Description

The Communication Yearbook annuals originally published between 1977 and 2009 publish diverse, state-of-the-discipline literature reviews that advance knowledge and understanding of communication systems, processes, and impacts across the discipline. Topics dealt with include Communication as Process, Research Methodology in Communication, Communication Effects, Taxonomy of Communication and European Communication Theory, Information Systems Division, Mass Communication Research, Mapping the Domain of Intercultural Communication, Public Relations, Feminist Scholarship, Communication Law and Policy, Visual Communication, Communication and Cross-Sex Friendships Across the Life Cycle, Television Programming and Sex Stereotyping, InterCultural Communication Training, Leadership and Relationships, Media Performance Assessment, Cognitive Approaches to Communication.




Business and Professional Communication


Book Description

Professional success requires excellent communication skills. Organized around the transition from student to professional life, Business and Professional Communication, Fifth Edition gives readers the tools they need to move from interview candidate to team member to leader. Coverage of new communication technology and social media, and an emphasis on building skills for business writing and business presentations, including the effective use of visual aids, will help students to understand the role of communication in successfully handling situations like job interviewing, providing feedback to supervisors, and working in teams.




Aids


Book Description

Prevention through appropriate behavior is the best weapon available to fight further spread of HIV infection. However, individuals take necessary actions to prevent diseases such as AIDS only when they are properly informed and they feel motivated to respond to the information they possess. In order to achieve a clearer understanding of these two facets of the prevention process, this book examines the interplay of the messages individuals receive about AIDS at the public level and the messages exchanged between individuals at the interpersonal level. The specific purpose of the book is to provide a theoretical and conceptual foundation for understanding the pragmatic concerns related to the AIDS crisis in the United States and other parts of the world. The book represents the first systematic examination of how theory informs our understanding of AIDS and communication processes. Contributors explore the issues from a variety of theoretical and conceptual viewpoints. Their goal is to stimulate thought which will lead to the pragmatic application of the ideas presented. The chapters focus on four general communication concerns: * interpersonal interaction as it relates to choices individuals make about safer sex practices, * theory and practice of public campaigns about AIDS, * intercultural issues, and * critical and descriptive approaches for understanding news coverage of AIDS.




Applications of Computer Content Analysis


Book Description

The researcher in computer content analysis is often faced with a paucity of guidance in conducting a study. Published exemplars of best practice in computer content analysis are rare, and computer content analysis seems to have developed independently in a number of disciplines, with researchers in one field often unaware of new and innovative techniques developed by researchers in other areas. This volume contains numerous articles illustrating the current state of the art of computer content analysis. Research is presented by scholars in political science, natural resource management, mass communication, marketing, education, and other fields, with the aim of providing exemplars for further research on the computer analysis and understanding of textual materials. The studies presented in Applications of Computer Content Analysis offer a varied spectrum of exemplary studies, Researchers can, due to the breadth of the studies presented here, find methodological, theoretical, and practical suggestions which will significantly ease the process of creating new research--and will significantly reduce the duplication of effort which has, until now, plagued computer content analytic research. Intended for an audience of graduate students, scholars, and in-field practitioners, this will serve as an invaluable resource, full of useful examples, for those interesting in using computers to analyze newspapers articles, emails, mediated communication, or any other sort of digital communication.