Communication Research

Asking Questions, Finding Answers

Joann Keyton, Ph.D.

University of Kansas

Chapter 1
Introduction to Research in Communication

Communication Research

Still curious about the discipline of communication? Do you wonder what communication scholars study? Download out this document from the National Communication Association, and you’ll discover why communication is ubiquitous, complex, and consequential—and worthy of study.

Research Results

Many research results are readily available on the World Wide Web. Some interesting sites are described here, but you’ll be able to find many others.

1. The Web page of the Gallup Organization features a poll, along with background information about the issue that prompted the poll and details about the poll itself. An index of recent polls lets you check to see if there has been a poll of interest to you. The site also includes a search function allowing you to enter any word or phrase to determine if a Gallup Poll about your topic exists.

2. The Web page of The Annenberg Public Policy Center, associated with The Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, reports research conducted by the center on political communication, information and society, media and the developing child, health communication, and adolescent risk. Check under “Reports and Releases” to view or download research reports.

3. Check the Washington Post website to view previous poll results. 

4. USA TODAY publishes a Snapshot poll each day.

5. Use Google Scholar to find results of scholarly research reports.

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