Communication Theory: Epistemological Foundations

Rating:
Summary: Cute guy, great data
Review: Jim Anderson is one of the better thinkers writing about the study of communication. Like his books on media and the epistemological foundations of communication theory, this work is a classic in the field as much because of its fugue-like writing style as its thorough overview of quantitative and qualitative research methods. His vision of both is washed with a strong moral vision. His discussion of member participation and marginality will give you a sense of his concerns. "Observational distancing can turn people into subjects -- objects of study. Membership requires passion. A stake in the outcomes that affect people. If the researcher is to achieve membership, what happens has to make a difference. the analyst cannot remain objective, detached from the scene" (p. 320). This book is highly recommended for graduate students in communication study.