Abstract
Framing speech communication through a social scientific lens, this article argues that the field can be understood through its content, theories, research methods, critical standards, and applications. It describes how scientifically oriented scholars expanded communication study beyond formal public address to include intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, organizational, and interorganizational processes. The article emphasizes theory development, varied empirical and descriptive methods, standards for evaluating research and coursework, and applications grounded in research findings rather than solely in rhetorical or artistic principles. It also notes tensions between academic respectability and skill development. The article contributes to field definition by presenting social scientific inquiry as a legitimate and productive approach within speech communication.
Recommended Citation
Goldberg, Alvin
(1983)
"Approaching Speech Communication From a Social Scientific Perspective,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 46, Article 6.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol46/iss1/6
