media communication research topics

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• A Research Guide
• Research Paper Topics

40 Media and Communications Research Paper Topics

• What is communication? The birth of the media as we know it
• Media, Censorship and Propaganda
• The freedom of speech and its impact on the media
• The main aspects of communication
• The triggering topics. What do you need to start an instant “holywar” in media?
• The phenomenon of hype and its usage of the media
• Single bloggers versus media companies
• Communication and media psychology
• The history of advertising and its important in the modern business
• The popular culture in the media
• Video games. Can they be considered a media now?
• Violence and controversial topics. Shall the media censor it out?
• The peculiarities of children media
• Are the videoblogs the new diaries?
• Mainstream media versus arthouse
• What is the age of post-truth in the media?
• Social networks as the main way of communication in the modern world
• Why exclusive material is so important in the media?
• Fandom and fanfiction in the media
• Mass Communication Laws in different countries
• Media and disasters: enhancing panic or preventing it?
• Terrorism in the media
• Changes in the media during the wartime
• Journalism ethics: what is it?
• International journalism
• Journalists on the battlefield
• Media policy and regulation in different countries
• How did the Internet influence media development?
• Media: reacting to the events or creating them?
• Virtual reality: may it be the future of the media?
• Media downshifting: why do people revert to newspapers again?
• Social media marketing campaigns
• Media, politics and public relations
• The styles and types of media. How they differ depending on the audience they are aiming for?
• The phenomenon of Disney. Media or the new mythology?
• Scientific journalism: shall science be popular?
• Media for educational purpose
• Radio media: why radio is still popular?
• Hidden messages in the media made for entertainment
• Media images of the representatives of different countries

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Research Topics & Ideas: Communication

50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research

If you’re just starting out exploring communication-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research by providing a hearty list of research topics and ideas related to communication and comms strategy, including examples from recent studies.

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . These topic ideas provided here are intentionally broad and generic , so keep in mind that you will need to develop them further. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

To develop a suitable research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan to fill that gap. If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Communication-Related Research Topics

• Analyzing the effectiveness of crisis communication strategies in the airline industry post-accidents.
• The role of social media in shaping corporate brand identity in the fashion industry.
• Investigating the impact of internal communication on employee engagement in remote work environments.
• The effectiveness of influencer marketing in health and wellness brands.
• Analyzing the impact of virtual reality in enhancing audience engagement in museums and galleries.
• The role of communication in change management within large healthcare organizations.
• Investigating the use of digital storytelling in non-profit fundraising campaigns.
• The impact of corporate social responsibility communication on consumer perceptions in the fast-food industry.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of environmental communication strategies in promoting sustainable practices among businesses.
• The role of intercultural communication in the success of international mergers and acquisitions.
• Investigating the impact of communication style on leadership effectiveness in tech startups.
• The effectiveness of targeted advertising in political campaigns.
• Analyzing the role of public relations in managing celebrity image crises.
• The impact of mobile communication technologies on marketing strategies in retail.
• Investigating the use of employee advocacy on social media as a branding tool.
• The role of communication in enhancing customer service experiences in the hospitality industry.
• Analyzing the impact of user-generated content on brand loyalty in the automotive industry.
• The effectiveness of communication strategies in addressing gender diversity in the workplace.
• Investigating the role of strategic communication in corporate restructuring processes.
• The impact of language barriers on global marketing and advertising strategies.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of communication platforms in remote team collaboration.
• The role of multimedia content in enhancing online engagement for educational institutions.
• Investigating the impact of communication strategies on patient adherence in healthcare.
• The effectiveness of internal crisis communication in financial institutions during economic downturns.
• Analyzing the role of corporate storytelling in enhancing brand identity.

Communication Research Ideas (Continued)

• The impact of social media algorithms on news dissemination and public opinion.
• Investigating the role of communication in customer retention strategies in the telecom industry.
• The effectiveness of green marketing communication in promoting eco-friendly products.
• Analyzing the impact of augmented reality in interactive marketing campaigns.
• The role of communication in managing stakeholder relationships in construction projects.
• Investigating the impact of cultural differences on international public relations practices.
• The effectiveness of video marketing in consumer engagement on social media platforms.
• Analyzing the role of communication in employee wellness programs.
• The impact of digital communication tools on enhancing B2B sales strategies.
• Investigating the effectiveness of podcasting as a marketing tool for small businesses.
• The role of communication in facilitating organizational change in public sector organizations.
• Analyzing the impact of artificial intelligence on personalized customer communication.
• The effectiveness of integrated marketing communications in luxury brand management.
• Investigating the use of virtual events for community building in online gaming.
• The role of strategic communication in environmental advocacy.
• Analyzing the impact of communication technologies on remote learning and education.
• The effectiveness of grassroots communication campaigns in social movements.
• Investigating the role of communication in project management success in the IT industry.
• The impact of communication style on negotiation outcomes in international trade.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of brand messaging in sustainable fashion.
• The role of visual communication in enhancing brand presence on social media.
• Investigating the impact of public speaking skills on leadership effectiveness.
• The effectiveness of communication strategies in health promotion and disease prevention.
• Analyzing the role of communication in the adoption of new technologies in traditional industries.
• The impact of cross-cultural communication on global marketing and branding strategies.

Recent Communication-Related Studies

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a  research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual studies in the communication space to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of recent studies to help refine your thinking. These are actual studies,  so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Studying Linguistic Means of Expression of PR Campaigns Aimed at Combating the Pandemic in the Digital Age: A Multimodal Approach (Minyar-Belorucheva & Sergienko, 2022)
• Educating communication sciences and disorders students to use evidence-based practice literature: A collaboration between a library liaison and a CSD professor (Day & Flynn, 2022)
• The Teaching and Learning of Communication Skills in Social Work Education (Reith-Hall & Montgomery, 2022)
• Communication skills training for improving the communicative abilities of student social workers (Reith-Hall & Montgomery, 2023)
• The Case for Addressing Emotional Resilience in Graduate Student Training (Malandraki, 2022)
• Role of Communication Skills: A Review (Saxena et al., 2022)
• Future Challenges of Post-third Wave Communication Studies Covid-19 Pandemic: Media Practitioner Perspective (Santoso, 2022)
• Effective communication management in a public health crisis: lessons learned about COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of health communication executives (Voges et al., 2023)
• Transdisciplinary engaged learning (Griffith, 2023) The mediating effect of mindfulness and self-compassion on leaders’ communication competence and job satisfaction (Salazar, 2022)
• Communication Skills across Engineering Curriculum: A Case Study (Kakepoto et al., 2022)
• Communication Skills among University Students (Ansari et al., 2022).
• The Management of Communication Skills Development in Literature High Secondary Education from the Student’s Point of View (Hung et al., 2022).
• A study about recognition of middle school and high school students on teacher’s communication skills (Chang et al., 2022)
• Communication pedagogy in public affairs programs: Insights from a study of MPA and MPP curricula (Manoharan & Rangarajan, 2022)
• Health communication needs for COVID-19 prevention and control among college students (Zhang et al., 2023)
• The strategic value of “chaos” in the South African context for the training of communication students (De Wet, 2022)
• Underrepresentation of Students From Diverse Backgrounds Entering Communication Sciences and Disorders Programs: An Investigation Into the University Student Perspective (Richburg, 2022)
• Communicating Science, Technology, and Environmental Issues: A Case Study of an Intercultural Learning Experience (van Kempen et al., 2022)

As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, for you to develop a high-quality research topic, you’ll need to get specific and laser-focused on a specific context with specific variables of interest.  In the video below, we explore some other important things you’ll need to consider when crafting your research topic.

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If you’re still unsure about how to find a quality research topic, check out our Research Topic Kickstarter service, which is the perfect starting point for developing a unique, well-justified research topic.

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100 Communication Research Topics

Table of contents

• 1 What Is Communication Research?
• 2.1 Top Research Topic Ideas
• 2.2 Research Topics for College Students
• 2.3 Business-Focused Research Topics
• 2.4 Social Media Research Topics
• 2.5 Mass Communication Research Topics
• 2.6 Interpersonal Communication Research Topics
• 2.7 Intercultural Communication Research Topics
• 2.8 Virtual Communication Research Topics
• 2.9 Health-Related Research Topics
• 2.10 Interesting Communication Research Topics
• 3 Coming up with a Thesis Statement
• 4.1 How to Create Strong Questions for Your Paper?
• 4.2 How to Find the Right Research Topics?
• 4.3 What Makes a Research Paper Topic Strong?
• 4.4 Tips for Structuring and Writing Your Paper
• 5 Conclusion

All fields of study have fresh and intriguing new research paper topics to explore. Within the subject of communication, there are loads of possibilities for research papers . This is thanks to the development of mass media and the growing popularity of various modern communication methods.

This article covers a broad range of effective research paper topics that are both interesting and relevant for this field. Any of them would make a suitable focal point for any research paper to do with how we interact with one another.

What Is Communication Research?

This is the study of how we interact with one another. It includes how the way we interact is affected by technology, culture, and individual differences. Researchers in this field use a variety of methods to study the way we converse and interact with each other, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and experiments.

Research in this area can be used to improve communication skills in personal relationships, in the workplace, and in other settings.

Lists of Key Communication Research Topics

The range of research paper topics in this field is extensive, to say the least. Below are 100 relevant topics that are arranged in groups of 10.

They cover a broad selection of modern communication issues and debates, from corporate and computer mediated communication to effective interpersonal communication, communication strategies, and more.

Top Research Topic Ideas

The topics in this first group mostly focus on how different factors impact the way we interact with one another. These are some of the key issues in the communication discipline today.

• The role communication plays in organizations.
• How technology influences it.
• The way globalization affects it.
• How it’s influenced by broadcast media.
• Ways in which advertising impacts it.
• The influence propaganda has on it.
• How it’s impacted by public relations.
• The effects of international journalism and journalism ethics on it.
• How the use of social media influences it.
• How it’s affected by language.

Research Topics for College Students

These topics are ideal for college students. They focus on how communication processes can influence someone’s mental health and personality traits. Both of these are important since they can influence a student’s academic progress.

• How does communication shape our identities?
• How do we use it to build relationships?
• What role does it play in influencing our emotions?
• How is our thinking influenced by it?
• In what ways do we use it to manage conflict?
• How is our behavior influenced by it?
• What factors influence the effectiveness of communication?
• In what way is it impacted by technology?
• What influences do cultural differences have on it?
• How does it shape our physical and mental health?

Business-Focused Research Topics

Having effective business communication is necessary for any sort of commercial activity to improve its marketing value. Both business to business communication and interactions with the public have to get the right message across. Below are some potential areas to do with organizational communication and public relations.

• The impact of new communication technologies.
• The use of social media and external communication.
• What effects does globalization have?
• How organizational communication is used in virtual teams.
• The impact that intercultural communication has.
• The way humor is used.
• What are the effects of gender?
• How we use non-verbal communication.
• The effect that technology has on corporate communication etiquette.
• The way we use business communication in crisis situations.

Social Media Research Topics

The focus of these topics is on social media, and it affects the way we communicate with one another. Using social media and being exposed to social media marketing can both have significant effects on practical communication skills. These topics focus on the way modern digital platforms influence our interactions.

• The effect of social media on communication practices and patterns.
• How social media changes relationship development.
• What influence does social media have on how people interact with each other?
• The effect of social media on the way people share information.
• How social media impacts the way people interact with businesses.
• The effect of social media on the way people interact with governments through proper communication channels.
• What consequences does social media have on online interactions?
• The effect that social media has on the way people interact with each other offline.
• Social media’s influence on the way people interact with each other in different cultures.
• What effects does social media have on the way people interact with each other in different age groups?

Mass Communication Research Topics

Mass communication is when you share information with a large number of people at the same time. Topics to do with mass communication are very relevant, thanks to the internet, social media platforms, and other kinds of mass media. The purpose of mass media is simply to inform loads of people about something as quickly and conveniently as possible.

• What effect do social media platforms have on mass communication?
• How does new technology affect it?
• The impact that advertising has on it.
• How news media influences it.
• Ways in which propaganda impacts it.
• The influence that public relations have on it.
• How it’s impacted by digital media and print media.
• Globalization’s impact on it.
• How new forms of media affect it.
• The ways it’s influenced by social networking.

Interpersonal Communication Research Topics

This is a broad term that refers to the exchanging of information between people. It’s when you use effective communication skills to share thoughts, ideas, and facts with at least one other person. The topics in this section look at some of the latest interpersonal communication trends.

• The effect of technology on interpersonal communication.
• The effect of culture on it.
• How gender influences it.
• The effect of age on it.
• How someone’s interaction style may impact it.
• The way context may influence it.
• How relationships can influence it.
• How it can be influenced by social apprehension.
• The effect of social competence on it.
• How it’s impacted by satisfaction.

Intercultural Communication Research Topics

This is when people from different cultures exchange information. Things like different languages, traditions, and even artifacts affect intercultural communication. The topics below look at intercultural communication and how culture shapes the many ways we interact with one another.

• How culture influences the ways we interact with one another.
• The impact of intercultural communication styles on relationships.
• How culture impacts our perceptions of interaction.
• The effect that interaction has on business relationships.
• How culture influences the way we interpret nonverbal communication.
• The impact of culture on our way of interpreting speech.
• How culture influences our information processing.
• The way culture impacts our process of making decision.
• The impact of culture on how we solve problems.
• How culture influences our interactions with others.

Virtual Communication Research Topics

Are virtual communication skills essential? You have to be just as proficient at virtual dialogue as you are at spoken words. Mastering interactive online communication is key for anyone who wants to succeed, and the topics below delve into this further.

• The impact on the development of personal relationships.
• The use of virtual dialogue in the business world.
• How it influences the way we think and learn.
• The benefits of virtual communication for people with social anxiety.
• The way it’s used in education.
• How it impacts our mental health.
• Ways in which it influences family relationships.
• How it’s used in the workplace.
• The effect it has on relationships.
• The advantages and disadvantages of virtual communication.

Health-Related Research Topics

It’s essential to have effective communication strategies in any sort of healthcare setting. Having interpersonal communication competence is vital so that practitioners can speak with patients clearly and effectively. The topics below look at how internal and external communication in the healthcare industry affects and is affected by different factors.

• The effectiveness of health communication campaigns in changing health behaviors.
• The impact of social media on interactions in the health industry.
• How humor is used in it.
• How storytelling is used in it.
• What effects it has on reducing health disparities.
• What effects it has on increasing health literacy.
• How new media technologies are used in it.
• How it influences public health outcomes.
• The role it plays in health education.
• The impact it has on patient satisfaction.

Interesting Communication Research Topics

This last batch of topics looks at how both spoken words and non-verbal communication affect different things. Some of the topics are about how we interact with one another in different areas of life.

• The impact of new communication technology on social interactions.
• The way it is used in the workplace.
• How we use it in education.
• Ways in which it is used in marketing.
• How people use it in healthcare.
• The way it affects personal relationships.
• The effects it has on organizational cultures.
• How it impacts individual productivity.
• Its effects on consumer behavior.
• The influences it has on the environment.
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Coming up with a Thesis Statement

Once you have come up with a potential research topic, you should start writing. Your first step is to write an effective thesis statement .

Your thesis statement is the argument or main point you want to make about your topic. It’s a summary of what your paper is going to be about. The purpose of it is to show the reader what you will be discussing and invite them to read your work.

Once you have your thesis statement, start writing your paper. Make sure to include evidence from scholarly sources to support your work.

Topic Selection and Writing Tips

How to create strong questions for your paper.

This question doesn’t have a single answer, as the best way to create strong questions for your paper will vary depending on the specific research project and its goals.

However, some tips on how to create strong questions include:

• Start by thinking about the specific goals of your research project. What are you trying to learn or understand?
• Draft a few potential research questions that can help you answer your goals. Be sure to make them as specific as possible.
• Test your research questions by asking them to others to see if they are clear and understandable. Are they interesting to people outside of your field of study?
• Revise and refine your research questions as needed. Be sure to keep them concise and easy to understand.

How to Find the Right Research Topics?

When writing a communication research paper, first, you should decide what topic you want to learn more about.

• Do the effects of social media and mass media on communication interest you?
• What about the role of communication in a competitive global business environment?
• What is the impact of new technology on the ways we exchange information?
• Whether effective communication is necessary to ensure credible reporting?
• How do improved relations make broadcasting media laws effective?

Once you have a general topic in mind, you can begin to narrow it down by focusing on a specific aspect of this field that interests you.

For example, if you are interested in the communication importance in a business market, you might want to focus on the impact of effective business interactions on employee productivity or customer satisfaction.

Alternatively, you could look at how private media ownership is affecting mass media, bringing journalism ethics into the discussion, and how journalists are ensuring credible reporting.

What Makes a Research Paper Topic Strong?

There is no one answer to this question, as it depends on the individual and the specific research goals. However, some factors that could make a research topic strong include its relevance to current events or real-world issues, its potential to generate new and innovative ideas, and its ability to generate interesting and valuable research findings.

Additionally, a strong topic should be interesting and engaging to read and write about, and it should be something that the researcher can be passionate about.

Tips for Structuring and Writing Your Paper

When writing communication research papers, it is important to structure your argument in a manner that’s clear and concise. Your paper should have a clear research paper introduction , body, and conclusion. Within the body of your paper, there should be a strong thesis statement, evidence that supports your argument, and a conclusion summarizing your argument.

Additionally, throughout the research paper writing process, it is significant to use clear and concise language. Use communication tips to help you put your own points across more effectively.

Deciding what to focus your research paper doesn’t have to be daunting. There are a huge number of research topics available. Finding the right one is easy.

First, think about the ideas that interest you the most. Which part of communication studies are you most passionate about? Is it media ethics, mass media, or something else?

When you’ve settled on one of the research topic ideas , start the research paper writing process. Find key sources such as books and academic articles. Think about what needs addressing in your research paper.

Now, it’s time for you to produce an excellent communication research paper.

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The Top 10 Most Interesting Communication Research Topics

Communication students usually face two problems when it comes to research. The first is identifying compelling communication research topics. The second is crafting appropriate communication research questions that are specific and relevant.

Fortunately, choosing communication research paper topics doesn’t have to be challenging. This article outlines all you need to know about selecting the right topics for your research. It also lists 10 interesting examples of communication research topics you can consider for your essay or thesis.

Find your bootcamp match

What makes a strong communication research topic.

Simplicity is what makes a strong communication research topic. Your research topic should contain relevant content that gives readers a general insight into what you intend to study. However, it must be concise and free from unnecessary jargon or wordy sentences.

As a communication researcher, you must also tackle relevant subjects. Your research should contribute to existing knowledge in your field by corroborating previously known facts or drawing attention to new insights.

Tips for Choosing a Communication Research Topic

• Find out your school’s requirements. Some schools have curriculum requirements that may streamline your communication research topic ideas. For example, your department may have a specified word count for research papers. Such a condition would prevent you from selecting a topic that would require a lengthy write-up.
• Read industry-related surveys. If you want your research to address a specific industry pain point, industry-related surveys can help you choose a suitable topic. Some communication and media firms release their survey findings to the public. You can explore these surveys to identify the direction your research should take.
• Visit an academic journal. Journals like The International Journal of Communication and Journal of Health Communication can provide you with inspiration for choosing your communication topic. These reliable sources cover many subjects and contain ideas that can steer you on the right path.
• Attend conferences. Conferences are a credible source to learn about the future of communication research. This knowledge can be beneficial for choosing a topic that would attract much interest. You can visit online sources like conferenceindex.org to find a list of upcoming communication conferences.
• Avoid over-researched topics. There is already a wealth of research available on many communication topics. As much as you can, it’s best to avoid over-researched topics. Choose topics that allow you to provide unique information rather than rehashing previously published ideas.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

A research topic highlights the researcher’s area of focus during research. Research questions are usually narrow enough to allow the researcher to focus on a particular sub-topic within their field. However, they are also extensive enough to allow for exploration of the chosen subject from various angles.

Research questions, on the other hand, are more succinct. They are usually derived from the chosen research topic and leave no room for ambiguity. Research questions show the purpose of the study. They clearly define the parameters being studied. They may also provide insight into the research methods employed.

How to Create Strong Communication Research Questions

Strong communication research questions must focus on addressing a particular issue. Also, they must be presented objectively. Your research question should not reflect bias or attempt to tilt the reader’s mind toward a particular direction.

Top 10 Communication Research Paper Topics

1. personality differences and their effect on negotiation techniques.

Different factors affect how individuals approach a negotiation. One of the most influential factors is personality type. A compelling research idea would be to provide insight into the most common negotiation styles applied by individuals based on their personality type.

2. The Influence of Public Relations in Building Thriving Businesses

Most highly ranked companies place a premium on maintaining their brand image through external communication. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for public relations specialists are expected to increase by 11 percent between 2020 and 2030. An examination into the impact of public relations in building a reputable business would make a great research topic.

3. Critical Approaches for Dealing With Fake News

Due to the prominent role of bloggers in contemporary society, there is a shortage of legitimate sources for information. This challenge has brought about a need to provide credible reporting and establish proper communication channels. Your research could provide a critical approach for examining the spread of fake news and suggest effective methods for building reliable communication networks.

4. Practical Communication Skills for the Development of Intimate Relationships

Interpersonal dialogue is one of the most intriguing aspects of communication. Several studies have been carried out on effective dialogue as a tool for building strong personal relationships. However, there is still a wide knowledge gap on the subject. You could carry out communication studies on practical communication skills that can facilitate the growth of relationships.

5. Email as an Effective Business Communication Tool

All emerging tech businesses use email as a corporate communication tool, according to Statista. Despite this, some still have concerns about the adverse effects of email on business-to-business communication. You could carry out research to determine the positive or negative influences of email and instant messaging on the overall work culture of organizations.

6. The Evolution of Horizontal and Downward Communication in the Business Environment

Workplace culture has changed massively in the 21st century with the advent of Zoom meetings and other non-traditional discussion channels. Your research could examine the history of communication in organizations. It could also highlight the changes in downward and horizontal communication practices in leading global businesses.

7. Regular Social Media Communication and Its Impact on Human Behavior

Social media has become a vital part of our personal life. Unfortunately, regular social media use has been linked to vices like substance abuse and several mental health challenges. A study of the effect of social networks on the attitude of viewers would make a very relevant topic for a communication research paper.

8. Techniques for Improving Virtual Communication

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a sharp increase in the use of virtual dialogue globally. Various companies have experimented with different techniques to improve the experience of virtual communication technology. Your research could compare these strategies and, if possible, offer some communication tips for virtual environments.

9. The Relationship Between Organizational Communication and Workplace Culture

Communication is one of the vital factors that affect employee performance and workplace culture. Different companies have devised effective communication strategies to eliminate organizational uncertainty. You can study these various communication processes and show how they influence employee behavior in the workplace.

10. The Growth of Instant Messaging and Its Effect on Modern Society

No one can deny that instant messaging apps have become a ubiquitous phenomenon. Presently, Whatsapp has a total of 2 billion active monthly users , according to Statista. For your research paper, you could explore the impact of this mass adoption of instant messaging apps on our overall quality of everyday life.

Other Examples of Communication Research Topics & Questions

Communication research topics.

• Building successful mass media campaigns
• Non-verbal communication and its impact on relationships
• Teenage texting and its impact on relational development
• Religious affiliation and its impact on communication
• An in-depth analysis of communication theory

Communication Research Questions

• What are the most effective public health communication methods for patient-centered communication?
• What is the importance of non-verbal interpersonal communication in developing professional relationships?
• What is the role of mass media in improving international relations?
• What are the most effective communication styles for social marketing?
• What is the role of social media platforms in promoting intercultural dialogue?

Choosing the Right Communication Research Topic

Although it is essential to learn different research methods , your research won’t have much impact without choosing a strong topic. So, selecting an excellent research topic is the first step in writing a noteworthy research paper on communication.

Also, selecting the right communication research paper topic can help you identify which communication discipline is right for you. If you are wondering what you can do with your communications degree , a research paper is a perfect way to get a feel of various areas of interest before you graduate.

Communication Research Topics FAQ

Qualitative questions are open-ended and aim to explore a thought or subject matter through qualitative methods. For example, with qualitative research, rather than comparing data sets, the goal is to gather and interpret data to generate a hypothesis.

Quantitative research questions usually seek to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between two or more data sets. Unlike qualitative research, quantitative research aims to confirm or test the accuracy of a hypothesis.

A thesis statement is a brief overview of the main point of a research paper. Your thesis statement should be short, straightforward, and inform the reader of what your paper is all about.

Yes, online communication master’s degree programs also involve research work. So, if you are considering getting an online master’s in communication , you must be ready to write a research paper as one of the major requirements for graduating.

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Media Research Paper Topics

Three main concepts of media inform communication research. The first is Harold D. Lasswell’s paradigm – “who says what, in which channel, to whom, with what effect” – which approaches media as neutral conduits of information. The second conception is the mathematical theory of communication by Claude Shannon that emphasizes technical aspects of communication systems. The third concept represents humanistic perspectives on media as cultural carriers of meaning. In this last respect, Roman Jakobson has made an important distinction between channels or contacts (concrete entities such as books, newspapers, or the internet) and codes (forms of expression such as speech, writing, music, or images).

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Much media and communication research is characterized by efforts at integrating these concepts theoretically as well as analytically. Studies commonly identify three aspects of any medium: Media are physical materials in a particular social shape that enable communication. Such materials are the vehicles of modalities – language, music, moving images, etc. Finally, media are institutions through which individuals and collectives can reflect upon themselves and the rest of society.

Digital media have stimulated renewed interest in the relationship between technologically mediated communication and face-to-face communication, and in the reshaping – remediation (Bolter & Grusin 1999) – of older media. One may distinguish between media of three degrees (Jensen 2010). Media of the first degree are humans – biologically based and culturally shaped resources of communication. Media of the second degree are mass media – from the printing press to television. Media of the third degree are digital media that recombine all previous media on single platforms.

Media Economics Research Paper Topics

Media economics is the study of economic theories and concepts applied to the media industries. Media economics is diverse and includes such topics as policy and ownership, market concentration, performance of firms, and political economy of the media. Media research paper topics related to media economics include:

• Antitrust Regulation
• Audience Commodity
• Circulation
• Commercialization of the Media
• Commodification of the Media
• Competition in Media Systems
• Concentration in Media Systems
• Consolidation of Media Markets
• Consumers in Media Markets
• Cost and Revenue Structures in the Media
• Cross-Media Marketing
• Distribution
• Diversification of Media Markets
• Economics of Advertising
• Economies of Scale in Media Markets
• Globalization of the Media
• Labor in the Media
• Labor Unions in the Media
• Markets of the Media
• Media Conglomerates
• Media Corporations, Forms of
• Media Management
• Media Marketing
• Ownership in the Media
• Political Economy of the Media
• Privatization of the Media
• Public Goods

The Development of Media Economics

The origins of media economics began with the study of economics. The classical school of economics centered on the interplay of economic forces, operation of markets, and the cost of production. The classical school would later be challenged by ‘marginalist’ economics and Marxism. The marginalists introduced demand and supply, and consumer utility. Marxism identified labor as the source of production. Marxism rejected the capitalist system and the exploitation of the working class.

By the beginning of the twentieth century, neoclassical economics was introduced, differed by its use of analytical tools and mathematics to examine market behavior and price. Later the development of macroeconomics shifted the focus to aggregate economics, encompassing the entire range of market activity. Economic theories are constantly changing and evolving. By the 1970s new approaches included monetarist theories, which re-emphasized growth in the money supply; and rational expectations, which argues that the market’s ability to anticipate government policy actions limits their effectiveness.

As the study of economics evolved, scholars began to investigate different markets and industries. Media economics emerged during the 1950s. The media industries featured all of the elements necessary for studying the economic process. Content providers represented suppliers, with consumers and advertisers forming the demand side of the market. Regulatory agencies (e.g., Federal Communications Commission (FCC)) in the US, the Federal Trade Commission, and other entities) affected macroeconomic market conditions, while the relationship among suppliers in various industries created microeconomic market conditions.

Concentration of ownership emerged as a critical topic as it impacts both regulatory and social policy. Other studies examined media competition, consumer expenditures, barriers to entry for new firms, advertiser/ownership demand, and consumer utility.

Theoretical Dimensions and Methods

Media economics utilizes many theoretical approaches: microeconomic theories, macroeconomic theories, and political economy of the media. Microeconomic studies center on specific industry and market conditions. Macroeconomic studies take a broader focus, examining such topics as labor, capital markets, and gross domestic product. Political economy emerged as a critical response to positivist approaches.

The industrial organization (IO) model offers a systematic means of analyzing a market. The model consists of market structure, conduct, and performance. The model is also called the SCP model. The model posits that if the structure of a market is known, it helps explain the likely conduct and performance among firms. Each area can be further analyzed by considering specific variables within each part of the SCP model. Critics contend that the IO model does not capture the nuances associated with new technologies. However, the model remains a key theory in microeconomics.

The theory of the firm examines the most common types of market structure: monopoly, oligopoly, monopolistic competition, and perfect competition. Defining market structure is complicated due to consolidation across the media industries. Media concentration is examined in one of two ways. Researchers gather data on firm/ industry revenues to measure concentration by applying tools such as concentration ratios. Another method tracks concentration of ownership among the media industries. Research has shown there are a limited number of firms which control media markets. Globalization has contributed to media concentration. Competition studies draw upon niche theory, which originated in the field of biology. These studies consider competition within an industry or across industries. Indices are used to measure the breadth, overlap, and superiority of one competitor over another. Finally, macroeconomic analysis in media economics includes policy and regulatory analysis, labor and employment trends, and advertising revenues and expenditures at the national level.

Media economics embraces different methods. Many include trend studies, financial analysis, econometrics, and case studies. Trend studies are used to compare data over time for topics such as concentration and performance. Financial analysis utilizes different types of financial statements and ratios to measure performance of firms and industries. Econometric analysis uses statistical models to address its research questions. Case studies embrace different methodologies as well as data. Case studies in media economics research tend to be very targeted examinations.

Critics of media economics research contend research is too descriptive in nature, and that methodological approaches are limited. There are also concerns researchers would study only major companies, and not pay sufficient attention to new media enterprises.

Future Directions for the Study of Media Economics

There are a number of steps researchers need to address to further develop media economics. In terms of research, media economics must address how to define a media market given the convergence and consolidation across the media industries. Most media companies are now multimedia enterprises, generating content across a variety of platforms.

In addition to refining key concepts, media economics research must also expand into new arenas. Among the areas where new understanding and investigation are required are social media, and mobile markets. Media economics scholars should consider new inquiries that draw upon multiple methods of investigation. The interplay of regulation, technology, and social policy presents new opportunities for scholars to generate new theories. Scholars need to examine variables that describe evolving market structures. Improvements in methodological tools are needed to complement expansion in research and theory. New measures are needed to assess within-industry concentration and competition.

Media economics helps to understand the activities and functions of media companies as economic institutions. Media economics research continues to evolve as it analyzes and evaluates the complex and changing world in which the media industries operate.

References:

• Albarran, A. B. (2010a). The media economy. London: Routledge.
• Albarran, A. B. (2010b). The transformation of the media and communication industries. Pamplona: EUNSA.
• Albarran, A. B., Chan-Olmsted, S. M., & Wirth, M. O. (2006). Handbook of media management and economics. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
• Croteau, D. & Hoynes, W. (2006). The business of media: Corporate media and the public interest, 2nd edn. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge.
• Dimmick, J. W. (2003). Media competition and coexistence: The theory of the niche. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
• Gershon, R. A. (2013). Telecommunications and business strategy, 2nd edn. London: Routledge.
• Napoli, P. M. (2003). Audience economics. New York: Columbia University Press.
• Noam, E. M. (2009). Media ownership and concentration in America. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Picard, R. G. (2011). The economics and financing of media firms, 2nd edn. New York: Fordham University Press.

Media Effects Research Paper Topics

Mass media can produce a broad spectrum of effects – on knowledge, attitudes, emotions, social behavior, reputation of people covered by the media, etc. Effects may be the consequences of media use, but also a result of interactions with people who have used the media. Explanations are usually based on two types of theories. Learning-theory approaches address the correct reproduction of information. Therefore, divergences between beliefs and information provided by media are considered learning deficits that may also be interpreted as a lack of media effects. Cognitive-theory approaches address the processing of information triggered by media reports. Beliefs and opinions are not regarded as copies of media presentation but indicate the type of information processing. Media research paper topics related to media effects include:

• Agenda-Setting Effects
• Albert Bandura
• Appraisal Theory
• Carl I. Hovland
• Catharsis Theory
• Cognitive Availability
• Credibility Effects
• Cumulative Media Effects
• Desensitization
• Diffusion of Information and Innovation
• Direct and Indirect Media Effects
• Effects of Entertainment
• Effects of Exemplification and Exemplars
• Effects of Nonverbal Signals
• Effects of Sex and Pornography as Media Content
• Effects of Violence as Media Content
• Elaborated Models of Media Effects
• Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann
• Emotional Arousal Theory
• Excitation Transfer Theory
• Fear Induction through Media Content
• Framing Effects
• Frustration Aggression Theory
• George Gerbner
• History of Media Effects
• Intercultural Media Effects
• Knowledge Gap Effects
• Latitude of Acceptance
• Leon Festinger
• Linear and Nonlinear Models of Causal Analysis
• Mainstreaming
• Media Effects Duration
• Media Effects on Attitudes, Values, and Beliefs
• Media Effects on Emotions
• Media Effects on Public Opinion
• Media Effects on Social Behavior
• Media Effects on Social Capital
• Media System Dependency Theory
• Mediating Factors
• Mediatization of Society
• Observational Learning
• Opinion Leader
• Order of Presentation
• Physical Effects of Media Content
• Priming Theory
• Reciprocal Effects
• Schemas and Media Effects
• Secondary Victimization
• Sleeper Effect
• Social Judgment Theory
• Steven H. Chaffee
• Stimulus–Response Model
• Strength of Media Effects
• Structure of Message Effects
• Trap Effect
• Two-Step Flow of Communication

Effects on Reality Perception

Media coverage of current affairs has an influence on the public’s assessment of the significance of social problems and the urgency for solving those problems. Comparison of all issues on the media’s agenda with the population’s agenda over a short period of time, as well as comparison of the development of media coverage on single issues with the development of the population’s beliefs over a longer period of time, may indicate media effects.

The media – and above all TV – are also an important factor in cultural and political socialization. Through both information and entertainment TV conveys ideas of the state of society in which people live. The more frequently and intensely people watch TV, the stronger the influence of its presentation of reality.

Individuals generally have good judgment concerning the relative frequency of causes of death, but they typically overestimate the occurrence of rare fatalities and underestimate the occurrence of frequent causes of death. The concept of availability heuristic explains how this is related to media coverage.

Effects on Social Perception

People tend to overestimate negative media effects (perceptual hypothesis) on other people and take action (behavioral hypothesis) to prevent these negative effects. In addition, a general correlation between presumed media effects and behavior is assumed. The perceptional hypothesis has been often tested and confirmed. The behavioral hypothesis has seldom been tested and if so, subjects have been uninvolved bystanders instead of decision makers who are protagonists of media messages (Sun et al. 2009).

As ‘social beings’ people depend on the society of others. Therefore, they constantly monitor their environment in order to avoid social isolation. They draw on their interactions with other people and personal observation as well as media presentations. Each of these resources can incidentally stimulate correct or incorrect ideas about the distribution of opinions. People who consider themselves in the minority tend to withhold their opinions in public. In the process, the presumed majority opinion is artificially inflated, which in turn increases the pressure on the actual or alleged minority.

Cognitive and Emotional Effects

Citizen assessments about politicians and voting intentions are based in part on beliefs about politicians’ competence. Repeated coverage of issues sensitizes recipients to some issues and makes solutions to the issues seem especially urgent. Thus, the presumed ability of politicians to deal with the issues becomes more significant, contributing to a positive or negative image of them. Accordingly priming effects are based on agenda-setting effects.

Framing theory is based on the assumption that media recipients do not take up individual pieces of information independently of one another and derive meaning from them, but interpret them consistently according to a predetermined frame (or schema). Frame-induced information processing can be controlled by media reports that present events from a certain perspective (Entman 1991).

In the 1940s it was already known that there was a positive correlation between education and the use of information presented by the media. As consequence, in the course of time existing differences in the distribution of information can increase.

Descriptions of events trigger predictable emotional reactions. If the damage is attributed to uncontrollable natural forces, the event evokes sadness; if it is attributed to a person acting in a controlled way, it evokes anger. The extent of reactions is enforced or diminished by the interaction of emotions and cognitions. Appraisal theory combines elements of attribution theory and emotional arousal theory (Nerb & Spada 2001).

Axioms of Media-Effects Research

Most studies in the effects of mass media are based on three, mostly unspoken, axioms. The first is ‘events happen, media cover.’ According to this axiom, current events on which the media report happen independently of the media. This is doubtful because a number of events on which the media report are the result of previous coverage. Some events would happen without media coverage, but their character is modified by media coverage (mediated events). Some events happen only in order to generate media coverage (staged or pseudoevents).

The second assumption is ‘no effect without change.’ The axiom holds true only under two conditions. First, if the media did not support the existing beliefs, opinions, and behaviors of its audience, these characteristics and attributes would still exist. Second, beliefs, opinions, and behaviors have developed independently from previous media use. There is evidence that the mass media have at least partly established the information and opinions which are already held and used to interpret news on current events.

The third axiom is: ‘no effect without contact.’ This axiom is only acceptable if at least one of two conditions is fulfilled: first, existing attitudes largely prevent the reception of dissonant information; second, dissonant information will be reinterpreted according to existing attitudes. As far as conveyors or opinion leaders pass on information and opinion from the mass media unchanged, their effects have to be attributed to the media. Therefore, opinion leaders and other interlocutors do not necessarily restrain the influence of media reports, but rather extend them to those who lack direct contact with media coverage.

• Bennett, W. L. & Iyengar, S. (2008). A new era of minimal effects? The changing foundations of political communication. Journal of Communication, 58, 707–731.
• Bryant, J. & Zillmann, D. (2002). Media effects: Advances in theory and research, 2nd edn. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
• Entman, R. M. (1991). Framing U.S. coverage of international news: Contrasts in narratives of the KAL and Iran air incidents. Journal of Communication, 41(2), 6–27.
• Nerb, J. & Spada, H. (2001). Evaluation of environmental problems: A coherence model of cognition and emotion. Cognition & Emotion, 15(4) 521–551.
• Perloff, R. M. (2003). The dynamics of persuasion: Communication and attitudes in the twenty-first century, 2nd edn. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
• Sun, Y., Pan, Z., & Shen, L. (2009). Understanding the third-person perception: Evidence from a metaanalysis. Journal of Communication, 58, 280–300.

Media History Research Paper Topics

Media history as a concept in its own right possesses a relatively recent lineage. In the early decades of the twentieth century, when references to ‘the media’ – newspapers, magazines, cinema, radio, and the like – were entering popular parlance, university academics tended to be rather skeptical about whether these institutions were important enough to warrant scholarly attention. Traditional historians, in particular, were inclined to be dismissive. Matters would gradually improve over the course of the century, but even today, media history continues to occupy a contested terrain between the principal disciplines informing its development, namely media studies (broadly inclusive of communication, cultural, and journalism studies) and history. Media research paper topics related to media history include:

• Academy Awards
• Antecedents of Newspaper
• Cable Television
• Civil Rights Movement and the Media
• Coffee Houses as Public Sphere
• Collective Memory and the Media
• Electronic Mail
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
• Fleet Street
• Fourth Estate
• Freedom of Communication
• Historic Key Events and the Media
• History of Advertising
• History of Censorship
• History of Cinematography
• History of Citizen Journalism
• History of Digital Media
• History of Documentary Film
• History of Elections and Media
• History of Magazine
• History of News Agencies
• History of News Magazine
• History of Newspaper
• History of Postal Service
• History of Printing
• History of Public Broadcasting
• History of Sports and the Media
• History of Telegraph
• History of Violence and the Media
• Illustrated Newspapers
• Literary Journalism
• Music Videos
• Newscast, 24-Hour
• Nineteenth-Century Journalism
• Paperback Fiction
• Penny Press
• Propaganda in World War II
• Radical Media
• Radio Networks
• Radio Technology
• Satellite Television
• Social History of Radio
• Social History of Television
• Television Networks
• Television Technology
• Underground Press
• Virtual Reality
• Watergate Scandal
• Women’s Movement and the Media

Early conceptions of media history frequently accorded the commercial press a central role in promoting social change, one especially worthy of close scrutiny. These days much of this research tends to be criticized for being celebratory, however, even romanticizing the press as the pre-eminent catalyst for advancing the cause of freedom in the face of fierce government opposition. In order to overcome the limitations of this ‘Whig interpretation,’ as it has been described, media historians have begun to diversify their sources and methods. For some this has entailed looking beyond the views of the powerful and privileged so as to recover and interpret the experiences of those typically marginalized – on the basis of class, gender, ethnicity or sexuality – where the making of media history is concerned.

Serious reservations have been expressed by some historians about the very legitimacy of media history as a proper academic subject when it encompasses ostensibly trivial, ephemeral media items (advertisements, comics, graffiti, soap operas, paperback fiction, music videos, computer games, and the like) within its purview. Others have challenged this perspective, insisting that such value judgments be avoided so as to engage with the whole spectrum of emergent media in all of their complexity.

Defining Media History

Depending on how one chooses to define ‘the media,’ a case can be made that media history properly begins in the earliest days of human social life and communication. For researchers interested in the emergence of media in oral or pre-literate communities thousands of years ago, for example, the insights of archaeologists and anthropologists have proven invaluable. The advent of reading and writing is of particular significance, enabling the dissemination of news or information at a distance, and thereby helping to sustain a shared sense of social order. Studies have examined the emergence and use of various media facilitating communication, ranging from pictographs written on clay tablets, to papyrus, paper, and eventually the movable type of the printing press (Briggs and Burke 2010).

For many media historians, it is the connection between emergent media of communication and the creation of democratic society that is particularly fascinating. In this context, Anderson’s (1983) analysis of the rise of print as commodity in western Europe illuminates the emergence of nationality – “the personal and cultural feeling of belonging to a nation” – toward the end of the eighteenth century. He singles out for attention in this regard the fictional novel and the newspaper, arguing that the corresponding print languages helped to engender national consciousness in important ways.

Complementing this line of inquiry into how print enriched the ability of people to relate to themselves and to others in new ways have been efforts to understand how these media shaped the formation of public opinion. Here researchers have found the notion of a public sphere, as theorized by Jürgen Habermas (1989), to be useful, especially when investigating how spaces for public discussion and debate were initiated and sustained. Habermas identifies a range of institutions facilitating this process, with special attention devoted to coffee houses and the newspaper press (Mulhmann 2008).

Related studies have elucidated the ways in which various media forms and practices helped to give shape to new kinds of public sociability. Such studies include examinations of advertising, art, music, street literature, exhibitions in museums and galleries, as well as reading and language societies, lending libraries, and the postal system, among other concerns. Historiographies continue to rehearse contrary views on the extent to which the normative ideals of a public sphere have been realized in actual terms, a debate that continues to percolate. Nevertheless, there is general agreement that a consideration of the relative freedoms espoused by these ideals throw into sharp relief many of the factors that have acted to constrain public discussion over time.

Researching Media History

For media historians, the rationale for their craft is often expressed as a commitment to interdisciplinarity so as to situate the evolution of media forms, practices, institutions, and audiences within broader processes of societal change. Compounding this challenge, however, is the recognition that media processes can be ephemeral, and thereby elusive in conceptual and methodological terms. Often their very normality, that is, the extent to which they are simply taken for granted as a part of everyday life, means efforts to de-normalize them require considerable effort.

Media historians, it follows, must strive to be sufficiently self-reflexive about their chosen strategies when gathering source material and interpreting evidence, especially where questions related to ‘effects’ or causation are being addressed. Pertinent in this regard is the status of electronic media, for example, which may pose particular problems for the historian seeking to establish relations of significance. Not only are the actual texts under scrutiny – e.g., an early radio play or television broadcast – unlikely to be amenable to more traditional, print-based methods, but issues with regard to such logistical considerations as access, physical artifacts (microphones, receiver sets, and the like), and format-compatibility (changes in formats can make playback difficult) may surface.

The advent of digital technologies is already engendering similar types of issues for media historians. Scholarship increasingly entails finding alternative ways to manage, interpret, and preserve the extensive array of materials available across different storage systems. The sheer volume and range of these materials, coupled with continuing innovation in hardware and software (the obsolescence of technology rendering some types of data difficult to retrieve), can make for challenging decisions about how to maintain libraries, archives, databases, and other repositories of information. New questions are being posed in this regard by electronic records, including items such as electronic mail, voicemail messages, word-processing documents, Internet websites, message boards, blogs, Facebook accounts, Tweets and the like, all of which are highly perishable.

Precisely how media history research will evolve invites thoughtful consideration. Current efforts to build on the foundations set down by the press histories of the nineteenth century are making progress in enriching these traditions, while also pursuing new directions that recast familiar assumptions – sometimes in unexpected ways. The types of criticisms of ‘standard’ media history identified by Carey, namely that its arguments were based on “nothing more than speculation, conjecture, anecdotal evidence, and ideological ax grinding” (and where conclusions were not “theoretically or empirically grounded; none was supported by systematic research”), no longer aptly characterize the field (1996, 15–16). Indeed, it is reasonable to suggest that there is every indication media history will continue to develop in ever more methodologically rigorous – and intellectually exciting – directions.

• Anderson, B. (1983). Imagined communities. London: Verso.
• Briggs, A. & Burke, P. (2010). A social history of the media, 3rd edn, Cambridge: Polity.
• Carey, J. W. (1996). The Chicago School and the history of mass communication research. Repr. in James Carey: A critical reader (eds. E. S. Munson & C. A. Warren). Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, pp. 14–33.
• Habermas, J. (1989). The structural transformation of the public sphere. Cambridge: MIT Press.
• Mulhmann, G. (2008). A political history of journalism. Cambridge: Polity.

Media and Perceptions of Reality Research Paper Topics

Perceptions of reality, or social reality, can be conceptualized as an individual’s conception of the world (Hawkins & Pingree 1982). What intrigues many social scientists is the exploration of the specifics of these perceptions and the ways in which they are developed. Social perception has been considered from both individual- and social-level perspectives.

The individual-level conception of social reality – or, as McLeod and Chaffee (1972) refer to it, social reality – suggests that others exist in one’s mind as imaginations, and it is only in these imaginations that others have an effect on the individual. The perspective of social reality defines the social system as the unit of analysis. These scholars focus on understanding commonly held perceptions shared in society. They often base their exploration on individuals’ perceptions of what others think, or whether an individual believes that an opinion or attitude is shared by others. Because the media, in particular, provide individuals with indirect representations of reality, communication scholars have been particularly interested in how individuals develop cognitions of social reality based upon their use of and attention to the media. Media research paper topics related to perceptions of reality include:

• Behavioral Norms Perception through the Media
• Body Images in the Media Climate of Opinion
• Computer Games and Reality Perception
• Cultivation Effects
• Disowning Projection
• Entertainment Content and Reality Perception
• Extra-Media Data
• False Consensus
• False Uniqueness
• Hostile Media Phenomenon
• Media and Perceptions of Reality
• Media Campaigns and Perceptions of Reality
• Media Content and Social Networks
• Media Content in Interpersonal Communication
• Media Messages and Family Communication
• Perceived Realism as a Decision Process
• Perceived Reality as a Communication Process
• Perceived Reality as a Social Process
• Perceived Reality Meta-Analyses
• Pluralistic Ignorance
• Pluralistic Ignorance and Ideological Biases
• Social Perception
• Social Perception and Impersonal Impact
• Social Perception and Unrealistic Optimism
• Socialization by the Media
• Spiral of Silence
• Stereotyping and the Media
• Third-Person Effects
• Video Malaise

General Perception Effects

Several phenomena describing perceptions (and misperceptions) of social reality have been outlined in the literature. The term pluralistic ignorance is often used as an umbrella to describe all misperceptions of others’ opinions. Research in this area is primarily concerned with the factors that lead to individuals being more or less accurate about reality, focusing on the discrepancy between individual perceptions and actual reality.

Consensus occurs when homogeneous opinions exist across a group of individuals. Some research has suggested that an overestimate of consensus occurs when individuals perceive greater consensus on their own opinion than exists in reality. In this way, overestimation of consensus is ‘absolute’ because it is objectively false. The concept of false consensus describes the tendency to see one’s own behaviors and opinions as normal and those of others as deviant or inappropriate, which results in exaggerating the prominence of one’s own opinions.

Social projection is generally defined as the psychological phenomenon that drives several other inaccurate perceptions, including the silent majority or false idiosyncrasy effect, which occurs when some individuals support a position on an issue vocally and prominently, while those opposed to the issue – even if they are in the majority – remain silent. The disowning projection refers to the tendency toward attributing selfish motives, evil intent, or ignorance to others and denying these characteristics of oneself. The looking-glass perception occurs when people see others as holding the same view as they themselves hold.

Media-Specific Perception Effects

Another group of theories focuses on individuals’ perceptions about media content or its influence on others. The third-person effect predicts that individuals exposed to a persuasive message will perceive greater effects on others than on themselves (Davison 1981). Impersonal influence describes the influence derived from anonymous others’ attitudes, experiences, and beliefs. From this perspective, media do not need to be universally consonant or even personally persuasive in order to impact individuals’ perceptions of media influence (Mutz 1998).

The hostile media phenomenon suggests that partisans see news media coverage of controversial events as portraying a biased slant, even in news coverage that most nonpartisans label as unbiased (Vallone et al. 1985). An underlying assumption of this phenomenon is that media coverage is essentially unbiased. The persuasive press inference hypothesis draws from the hostile media phenomenon and third-person effect and places the effects into one process, i.e., people overestimate the impact of news coverage on public opinion and because of this misperception, estimates of public opinion are inaccurate (Gunther 1998).

Causal Mechanisms for Social-Reality Perceptions and Misperceptions

Some research on perceptions of social reality has emphasized mass media as the primary causal mechanism explaining perceptions of social reality. Because few people have direct personal experience with politics, mediated information has the ability to influence individuals’ perceptions of social reality at the collective level. That is, media enhance the salience of social-level judgments, in addition to influencing perceptions of public opinion.

First, spiral of silence theory suggests that because the climate of opinion is always vacillating, individuals are “scanning” their social environment for cues of what constitutes majority and minority opinion (Noelle-Neumann 1993). The media are one such source, but often present biased viewpoints. As a result of this individuals perceive a majority perspective, and this perception either promotes or prevents them from speaking out (see Schulz and Roessler 2012).

Second, cultivation implies that, over time, people are influenced by the content on television so that their perceptions of reality come to reflect those presented on television. This theory also purports that media content displays distorted estimates of social reality, e.g., the rates of crime and violence which in turn lead to the overestimation of personal risks (Shrum & Bischak 2001).

Effects of social reality perceptions can also be attributed to other causal mechanisms in three broader categories: individual, individual–other, and social explanations.

Individual explanations include cognitions and motivations. One possible mechanism in this category of cognitive explanations is the accessibility bias, or the tendency to derive estimates of others’ views based upon that information that is most accessible in one’s memory. The third-person effect also is explained by cognitive ‘errors.’ The actor– observer attributional error occurs when individuals underestimate the extent to which others account for situational factors, and overestimate their own attention to these factors. Motivational explanations can also be applied to those theories that claim media as the primary causal mechanism. For instance, Noelle-Neumann cites fear of isolation, or a motivation not to be in the minority, as a driving force behind the spiral of silence.

Social harmony and public expression mechanisms belong in the category of individual–other explanations. Because conflict is not palatable to many people, there may exist motivations to see others’ positions on issues as more like their own in order to avoid argument or dissonance (social harmony). Misperceptions of social reality at the individual–other level also can arise from either intentional or unintentional misrepresentation of one’s opinions in public. The differential interpretation hypothesis describes a conscious decision to publicly misrepresent one’s opinion, while the differential encoding hypothesis suggests that some individuals suffer from an “illusion of transparency,” mistakenly believing that their own and others’ opinions are accurately expressed publicly (Prentice and Miller 1993).

The social explanations are based upon what McLeod and Chaffee (1972) referred to as social reality, wherein a context or situation serves as the causal mechanism underlying perceptions of social reality. For instance, if an issue is particularly divisive, individuals are prone to the false consensus effect because they see one side as more similar to themselves and the other side as deviant or uncommon.

• Davison, W. P. (1981). The third-person effect in communication. Public Opinion Quarterly, 47, 1–15.
• Eveland, W. P., Jr. (2002). The impact of news and entertainment media on perceptions of social reality. In J. P. Dillard & M. Pfau (eds.), The persuasion handbook: Developments in theory and practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, pp. 691–727.
• Glynn, C. J., Ostman, R. E., & McDonald, D. G. (1995). Opinions, perception, and social reality. In T. L. Glasser & C. T. Salmon (eds.), Public opinion and the communication of consent. New York: Guilford, pp. 249–277.
• Gunther, A. C. (1998). The persuasive press inference: Effects of mass media on perceived public opinion. Communication Research, 25(5), 486–504.
• Hawkins, R. P. & Pingree, S. (1982). Television’s influence on social reality. In L. B. D. Pearl & J. Lazar (eds.), Television and behavior: Ten years of scientific progress and implications for the eighties. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office, pp. 224–247.
• McLeod, J. M. & Chaffee, S. R. (1972). The construction of social reality. In J. T. Tedeschi (ed.), The social influence processes. Chicago, IL: Aldine-Atherton, pp. 50–99.
• Mutz, D. C. (1998). Impersonal influence: How perceptions of mass collectives affect political attitudes. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Noelle-Neumann, E. (1993). The spiral of silence: Public opinion, our social skin. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
• Prentice, D. A. & Miller, D. T. (1993). Pluralistic ignorance and alcohol use on campus: Some consequences of misperceiving the social norm. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 64(2), 243–256.
• Schulz, A. & Roessler, P. (2012). The spiral of silence and the Internet: Selection of online content and the perception of the public opinion climate in computer- mediated communication environments. International Journal of Public Opinion Research, 24(3), 346–367.
• Shrum, L. J. & Bischak, V. D. (2001). Mainstreaming, resonance, and impersonal impact: Testing moderators of the cultivation effect for estimates of crime risk. Human Communication Research, 27(2), 187–215.
• Vallone, R. P., Ross, L., & Lepper, M. R. (1985). The hostile media phenomenon: Biased perceptions and perceptions of media bias in coverage of the Beirut massacre. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 49(3), 577–585.

Media Production and Content Research Paper Topics

Research in the sub-field of media production and content seeks to describe and explain the symbolic world of the media with reference to a variety of contributing societal, institutional, organizational, and normative factors. It draws boundaries around a large and diverse body of research efforts, predominantly social science, but also including more interpretive cultural analysis. Media research paper topics related to media production and content include:

• Accountability of the Media
• Accountability of the News
• Bias in the News
• Commercialization Impact on Media Content
• Conflict as Media Content
• Consonance of Media Content
• Construction of Reality through the News
• Credibility of Content
• Crime Reporting
• Endorsement
• Ethics of Media Content
• Fairness Doctrine
• Fictional Media Content
• Framing of the News
• Infotainment
• Instrumental Actualization
• Internet News
• Media Performance
• Morality and Taste in Media Content
• Narrative News Story
• News Factors
• News Production and Technology
• News Values
• Objectivity in Reporting
• Quality of the News
• Quality Press
• Reality and Media Reality
• Scandalization in the News
• Sensationalism
• Separation of News and Comments
• Soap Operas
• Sound Bites
• Stereotypes
• Synchronization of the News
• Tabloid Press
• Tabloidization
• Truth and Media Content
• Violence as Media Content

Scope of the Research Area

If much of the communication field has concerned itself with the effects of media, and the process by which they are produced, this more recently emerging area has treated the media map of the world itself as problematic, something to be understood and predicted through an awareness of underlying forces. These forces provide the context of ‘media production,’ which is examined for its systematic ties to ‘content’ – particularly news and information. Given the multitude of factors influencing the media, this conceptual framework has led the field of communication to devote the same sustained research to the creation, control, and shape of the mediated environment as it has to the effects on audiences of that environment. The objects of study in this area, however, have undergone profound changes, particularly with communication technology, making it more problematic to identify ‘the media,’ ‘the profession,’ and the site of ‘production.’

This research area is often broadly referred to as ‘media sociology’ (reviewed in Berkowitz 1997). Certainly, many of the participant observation ethnographies of newsrooms and other media are so labeled, particularly given their use of traditional sociological fieldwork methods (e.g., Tuchman 1978; Gans 1979). The technology of distributed online production makes identifying the ‘sites’ where news is produced more difficult now, but the ethnography approach continues to be used. The area also encompasses studies of individual media workers, and how their personal traits affect their decisions (e.g., Weaver & Wilnat 2012). Many media critics lodge the blame for press bias squarely with individual journalists, or find fault with the entertainment industry because of ‘out-of-touch Hollywood producers, but important explanations for these communication products lie in structural bias, beyond individual prejudice. Although media organizations – including those supported by the state – employ many creative professionals, the work of those individuals is routinized and structured to yield a predictable product. Even the ‘news’ must be controlled, anticipated, and packaged to allow the organization to manage its task effectively: in Tuchman’s (1978) phrase, “routinizing the unexpected.”

Beginning in the 1950s Warren Breed (1955) and David Manning White (1950) were among the first scholars to examine the influences on content directly, with their examinations of social control in the newsroom and the story selections of an editor, described as the news ‘gatekeeper’. Reese and Ballinger (2001) observed that the gatekeepers in these studies were deemed representatives of the larger culture, and news policies were assumed to help identify as news those events of interest to the community – rendering the production and control issues unthreatening to the public interest and, as a result, of less interest to researchers. Eventually, however, these questions returned to the fore.

The hierarchy of influences model describes the multiple levels of influences – individual, routines, organizational, extra-media (social institutional), and ideological (socio system) – that impinge on media simultaneously and suggests how influence at one level may interact with that at another (Shoemaker & Reese 2014). Within the realm of newsmaking, for example, the individual- level bias of particular journalists may affect their reporting, but journalists of a particular leaning often self-select an organization because of its pre-existing policies, history, and organizational culture (routines). The news organization and its employees, in turn, must function within other institutional relationships and ideological boundaries set by the larger society. Thus, the individual functions within a web of constraints.

The compelling point of departure for this subfield is the idea that media content provides a map of the world that differs from the way that world really is, making the research task one of explaining those discrepancies. Media representations can be tied to objects in the real world, but viewed another way media content is fundamentally a ‘construction,’ and, as such, can never find its analog in some external benchmark, a ‘mirror’ of reality. This perspective directs research to understanding the construction process. Journalists, for example, ‘see’ things because their ‘news net’ is set up to allow them to be seen.

Research Findings

Given the wide variation among media round the world, generalizations about production and content must be made with caution. Now that more comparative research has begun to emerge, it is easier to distinguish between those practices common across countries and those peculiar to one or the other. Certainly, changes in technology have had widespread cross-national effects, blurring craft distinctions in the convergence of media forms.

Although broad generalizations can be made, there are also important differences across the various media. These more organizational issues involve the technological imperatives, audience considerations, economic and other dictates, as well as the regulatory environment that they all face. Each medium, whether radio, television, newspapers, or magazines, has its own unique problems to solve in providing a product to a reader, viewer, or listener. The highest level of the hierarchy of influences model, the ideological or social system, considers how the media function within a society by virtue of there being a certain kind of system – which necessarily binds them to the prevailing social order usually associated with nation-states.

Research Methods

These considerations often require a more interpretive analysis, which considers how the media reinforce the definitions of the powerful and linked to media production practices that support them. A macro level of analysis directs attention to cross-national comparisons of media production, where important patterns can be found. Shoemaker and Cohen (2006) find that news has a number of common patterns across nations, even if these are filtered through specific national cultures.

Global changes in media ownership, new ways of carrying out gatekeeping across national boundaries, and emerging shared norms of professionalism all give greater emphasis to this perspective. So, under the continuing processes of globalization, this area of research faces the challenge of identifying the universal aspects of media and social representation, the enduring particularities of individual national contexts, and the increasing interactions between these levels.

• Berkowitz, D. (1997). Social meanings of news. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Breed, W. (1955). Social control in the newsroom: A functional analysis. Social Forces, 33, 326–355.
• Gans, H. (1979). Deciding what’s news. New York: Pantheon.
• Reese, S. & Ballinger, J. (2001). The roots of a sociology of news: Remembering Mr Gates and social control in the newsroom. Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, 78(4), 641–658.
• Shoemaker, P. & Cohen, A. (2006). News around the world. London: Routledge.
• Shoemaker, P. & Reese, S. (2014). Mediating the message in the 21st Century: A media sociology perspective. London: Routledge.
• Tuchman, G. (1978). Making news. New York: Free Press.
• Weaver, D. & Wilnat, L. (2012). The global journalist in the 21st century. London: Routledge.
• White, D. (1950). The “gatekeeper”: A case study in the selection of news. Journalism Quarterly, 27, 383–396.

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300+ Communication Research Topics

Communication is an essential aspect of our everyday lives. It is the backbone of human interaction and the foundation of relationships, both personal and professional. As technology continues to advance, the ways in which we communicate are constantly evolving, and with it, new research topics emerge. Communication research spans a wide range of disciplines, including psychology , sociology , linguistics, and anthropology , among others. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most fascinating and relevant communication research topics that are shaping our understanding of human interaction in the modern age.

Communication Research Topics

Communication Research Topics are as follows:

• The effectiveness of nonverbal communication in virtual interactions
• Cross-cultural communication in multinational corporations
• The role of social media in shaping public opinion
• The impact of technology on interpersonal communication skills
• The influence of language barriers on intercultural communication
• Gender differences in communication styles
• The effect of communication on workplace culture
• The role of communication in conflict resolution
• The impact of communication technology on long-distance relationships
• Communication strategies for virtual teams
• The effects of communication on employee motivation
• The role of communication in leadership
• The impact of communication on consumer behavior
• The role of communication in healthcare
• The effects of communication on public relations
• The impact of communication on customer satisfaction
• The role of communication in organizational change
• The effect of communication on employee turnover
• The impact of communication on job satisfaction
• The role of communication in team building
• The effects of communication on organizational performance
• The impact of communication on decision-making processes
• The role of communication in crisis management
• The effect of communication on organizational culture
• The impact of communication on sales performance
• The role of communication in cross-functional teams
• The effects of communication on knowledge sharing
• The impact of communication on customer loyalty
• The role of communication in innovation
• The effect of communication on supply chain management
• The impact of communication on project management
• The role of communication in talent management
• The effects of communication on employee engagement
• The impact of communication on stakeholder engagement
• The role of communication in organizational learning
• The effect of communication on team performance
• The impact of communication on organizational trust
• The role of communication in change management
• The effects of communication on organizational agility
• The impact of communication on organizational creativity
• The role of communication in knowledge management
• The effect of communication on brand reputation
• The impact of communication on employee well-being
• The role of communication in corporate social responsibility
• The effects of communication on customer experience
• The impact of communication on organizational ethics
• The role of communication in performance management
• The effect of communication on talent retention
• The impact of communication on organizational identity
• The role of communication in customer retention.
• The role of communication in sustainable development
• The effects of communication on political campaigns
• The impact of communication on public policy-making
• The role of communication in disaster management
• The effects of communication on environmental activism
• The impact of communication on public health campaigns
• The role of communication in social movements
• The effects of communication on intergroup relations
• The impact of communication on cultural identity
• The role of communication in multicultural societies
• The effects of communication on media literacy
• The impact of communication on civic engagement
• The role of communication in social capital formation
• The effects of communication on online communities
• The impact of communication on democracy
• The role of communication in public opinion formation
• The effects of communication on conspiracy theories
• The impact of communication on media bias
• The role of communication in international relations
• The effects of communication on peacebuilding
• The impact of communication on diplomacy
• The role of communication in conflict transformation
• The effects of communication on human rights advocacy
• The impact of communication on transitional justice
• The role of communication in gender equality
• The effects of communication on sexual health education
• The impact of communication on youth empowerment
• The role of communication in rural development
• The effects of communication on poverty reduction
• The impact of communication on economic growth
• The role of communication in cultural diplomacy
• The effects of communication on virtual reality
• The impact of communication on artificial intelligence
• The role of communication in e-commerce
• The effects of communication on online privacy
• The impact of communication on cybersecurity
• The role of communication in online education
• The effects of communication on online activism
• The impact of communication on social media addiction
• The role of communication in mental health awareness
• The effects of communication on healthcare disparities
• The impact of communication on health policy
• The role of communication in crisis communication
• The effects of communication on risk perception
• The impact of communication on disaster preparedness
• The role of communication in community development
• The effects of communication on community resilience
• The impact of communication on community participation
• The role of communication in public safety
• The effects of communication on public transportation planning.
• The role of communication in mental health treatment and recovery
• The role of communication in digital transformation
• The role of communication in artificial intelligence ethics
• The role of communication in promoting mental health
• The role of communication in building trust in virtual teams
• The role of communication in corporate crisis management
• The effects of communication on intercultural marriage satisfaction
• The impact of communication on peacekeeping missions
• The role of communication in human resource management
• The effects of communication on emotional labor in the workplace
• The impact of communication on healthcare provider-patient relationships
• The role of communication in social entrepreneurship
• The effects of communication on virtual trust building
• The impact of communication on environmental education
• The role of communication in cultural preservation
• The effects of communication on online learning engagement
• The impact of communication on social media platform regulations
• The role of communication in organizational change management
• The effects of communication on virtual reality gaming experiences
• The impact of communication on urban resilience
• The role of communication in feminist movements
• The effects of communication on disaster response coordination
• The impact of communication on social support networks
• The role of communication in intergenerational caregiving
• The effects of communication on online privacy policies comprehension
• The impact of communication on indigenous language revitalization
• The role of communication in intercultural conflict resolution
• The effects of communication on political polarization in social media
• The impact of communication on digital literacy
• The role of communication in online community management
• The effects of communication on virtual team communication satisfaction
• The impact of communication on sustainable transportation practices
• The role of communication in multicultural counseling
• The effects of communication on e-commerce return policies
• The impact of communication on sustainable agriculture practices
• The role of communication in social media influencer marketing
• The effects of communication on intercultural collaboration in the workplace
• The impact of communication on online safety education
• The role of communication in social enterprise management
• The effects of communication on virtual team conflict management
• The impact of communication on public perception of scientific research
• The role of communication in public-private partnerships
• The effects of communication on ethical decision-making in the workplace
• The impact of communication on online civic engagement
• The role of communication in sustainable tourism development
• The effects of communication on online engagement in political campaigns
• The impact of communication on cross-cultural adaptation
• The role of communication in virtual reality tourism
• The effects of communication on online privacy protection behaviors
• The impact of communication on sustainable waste management practices
• The role of communication in sustainable urban development
• The effects of communication on intercultural sensitivity in healthcare
• The impact of communication on environmental activism mobilization
• The role of communication in conflict-sensitive journalism
• The effects of communication on virtual team decision-making.
• The effects of communication on online consumer behavior
• The impact of communication on community resilience in disaster recovery
• The role of communication in climate change communication campaigns
• The effects of communication on intergenerational communication in the workplace
• The impact of communication on patient satisfaction in virtual healthcare delivery
• The effects of communication on political participation of marginalized groups
• The impact of communication on workplace communication satisfaction
• The role of communication in virtual event marketing
• The effects of communication on online privacy perceptions
• The impact of communication on workplace stress and burnout
• The role of communication in promoting social responsibility in the workplace
• The effects of communication on consumer perceptions of brand personality
• The impact of communication on healthcare provider-patient communication
• The role of communication in promoting ethical behavior in the workplace
• The effects of communication on online self-disclosure
• The impact of communication on intercultural business negotiations
• The role of communication in promoting cultural diversity in the workplace
• The effects of communication on intergenerational family communication
• The impact of communication on online privacy protection behavior
• The role of communication in promoting social justice in the workplace
• The effects of communication on social media influencer marketing
• The impact of communication on intercultural adaptation
• The role of communication in promoting sustainable consumption behavior
• The effects of communication on online information seeking behavior
• The impact of communication on consumer trust in online reviews
• The role of communication in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding
• The effects of communication on intercultural friendship formation
• The impact of communication on workplace conflict resolution
• The role of communication in promoting cross-cultural communication in international business
• The effects of communication on online trust in e-commerce
• The impact of communication on intercultural empathy development
• The role of communication in promoting environmental sustainability behavior
• The effects of communication on intercultural communication competence in healthcare
• The impact of communication on employee engagement in the workplace
• The role of communication in promoting cross-generational communication in families
• The effects of communication on social media addiction among adolescents
• The impact of communication on cross-cultural virtual teamwork
• The role of communication in promoting ethical consumption behavior
• The effects of communication on online privacy concerns
• The impact of communication on intercultural negotiation in international business
• The role of communication in promoting cultural humility in healthcare
• The effects of communication on social media influencer authenticity perception
• The impact of communication on intercultural trust development
• The role of communication in promoting sustainable tourism behavior
• The effects of communication on online privacy awareness and education
• The impact of communication on cross-generational conflict resolution in families
• The role of communication in promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding
• The effects of communication on cross-cultural communication competence in education.
• The effects of communication on workplace productivity
• The role of communication in interfaith dialogue
• The effects of communication on online privacy and security
• The impact of communication on virtual reality gaming
• The role of communication in online sports fandom
• The effects of communication on digital advertising effectiveness
• The impact of communication on virtual reality marketing
• The role of communication in community resilience to natural disasters
• The effects of communication on citizen journalism
• The impact of communication on social media influencer marketing
• The effects of communication on intercultural communication competence
• The impact of communication on virtual reality training
• The role of communication in promoting physical health
• The effects of communication on social media use and addiction
• The impact of communication on social media engagement
• The role of communication in promoting sustainable fashion
• The impact of communication on virtual reality tourism
• The role of communication in promoting intercultural understanding
• The effects of communication on media framing and bias
• The impact of communication on social media analytics and metrics
• The role of communication in promoting gender equality in the workplace
• The effects of communication on online censorship and freedom of speech
• The impact of communication on virtual reality art and design
• The role of communication in promoting intergenerational understanding
• The effects of communication on media ownership and control
• The impact of communication on virtual reality education
• The role of communication in promoting sustainable transportation
• The effects of communication on virtual reality entertainment
• The impact of communication on virtual reality shopping
• The role of communication in promoting sustainable agriculture
• The effects of communication on virtual reality real estate
• The impact of communication on virtual reality healthcare
• The role of communication in promoting sustainable urban development
• The effects of communication on virtual reality architecture and engineering
• The impact of communication on virtual reality sports training
• The role of communication in promoting sustainable food systems
• The effects of communication on online political polarization
• The impact of communication on virtual reality socialization
• The role of communication in promoting sustainable tourism
• The effects of communication on virtual reality fashion and beauty
• The impact of communication on virtual reality mental health therapy
• The role of communication in promoting sustainable energy consumption
• The effects of communication on virtual reality music and entertainment
• The impact of communication on virtual reality healthcare training
• The role of communication in promoting sustainable waste management
• The effects of communication on virtual reality journalism and news reporting.
• The effects of communication on social influence
• The impact of communication on public trust
• The role of communication in virtual reality therapy
• The effects of communication on intercultural empathy
• The impact of communication on workplace diversity and inclusion
• The role of communication in online reputation management
• The effects of communication on e-commerce customer reviews
• The impact of communication on virtual team performance
• The role of communication in international business negotiations
• The effects of communication on social justice movements
• The impact of communication on corporate social responsibility practices
• The role of communication in virtual leadership
• The effects of communication on social media activism
• The impact of communication on online hate speech
• The role of communication in conflict prevention
• The effects of communication on global citizenship
• The impact of communication on gender-based violence prevention
• The role of communication in disaster risk reduction
• The effects of communication on online misinformation
• The impact of communication on mental health stigma reduction
• The role of communication in virtual healthcare delivery
• The effects of communication on brand loyalty
• The impact of communication on consumer trust
• The role of communication in political polarization
• The effects of communication on civic education
• The impact of communication on intercultural competence development
• The role of communication in environmental conservation
• The effects of communication on sustainable tourism practices
• The impact of communication on urban planning
• The role of communication in disaster recovery
• The effects of communication on digital privacy advocacy
• The impact of communication on public health policy-making
• The role of communication in global governance
• The effects of communication on intergenerational communication
• The impact of communication on organizational innovation
• The role of communication in virtual event planning
• The effects of communication on virtual networking
• The impact of communication on language revitalization efforts
• The role of communication in community policing
• The effects of communication on virtual team building
• The impact of communication on online education effectiveness
• The role of communication in food security efforts
• The effects of communication on intercultural education
• The impact of communication on media ownership and control
• The role of communication in entrepreneurship
• The effects of communication on the digital divide
• The impact of communication on sustainable energy practices
• The role of communication in political campaigns for women candidates
• The effects of communication on diversity and inclusion in media representation.
• The effects of communication on innovation adoption
• The impact of communication on remote work
• The role of communication in online customer service
• The effects of communication on online brand communities
• The impact of communication on online brand reputation
• The role of communication in online political campaigning
• The effects of communication on political polarization
• The role of communication in social media marketing
• The impact of communication on online product reviews
• The role of communication in online trust building
• The impact of communication on online data security
• The role of communication in online content moderation
• The effects of communication on online information overload
• The impact of communication on online news consumption
• The effects of communication on online student engagement
• The impact of communication on online learning outcomes
• The role of communication in online teamwork
• The effects of communication on online collaboration
• The impact of communication on online project success
• The role of communication in online conflict resolution
• The effects of communication on online negotiation outcomes
• The impact of communication on online group decision-making
• The role of communication in online leadership
• The effects of communication on online employee performance
• The impact of communication on online team trust
• The role of communication in online customer support
• The effects of communication on online customer satisfaction
• The impact of communication on online sales conversion
• The role of communication in online brand loyalty
• The effects of communication on online reputation management
• The impact of communication on online influencer marketing
• The role of communication in online crisis management
• The effects of communication on online brand recovery
• The impact of communication on online customer loyalty
• The role of communication in online customer retention
• The effects of communication on online service quality
• The impact of communication on online customer experience
• The role of communication in online brand equity
• The effects of communication on online brand identity
• The impact of communication on online brand differentiation
• The role of communication in online brand awareness
• The effects of communication on online customer engagement
• The impact of communication on online word-of-mouth
• The role of communication in online social influence
• The effects of communication on online user-generated content.
• The effects of communication on cultural assimilation and integration
• The impact of communication on digital marketing
• The role of communication in ethical decision-making
• The effects of communication on intergenerational relationships
• The role of communication in global supply chains
• The effects of communication on cultural tourism
• The impact of communication on political polarization
• The role of communication in language acquisition
• The effects of communication on healthcare decision-making
• The impact of communication on public transportation ridership
• The role of communication in crisis management for tourism destinations
• The effects of communication on international trade relations
• The impact of communication on green consumerism
• The role of communication in organizational transparency and accountability
• The effects of communication on public perception of science and technology
• The impact of communication on financial literacy and decision-making
• The effects of communication on intergenerational wealth transfer
• The impact of communication on food culture and consumption
• The role of communication in emergency preparedness and response
• The effects of communication on alternative energy adoption
• The impact of communication on entrepreneurship and innovation
• The role of communication in international development
• The effects of communication on the gig economy
• The impact of communication on consumer behavior in the sharing economy
• The role of communication in sports marketing
• The impact of communication on media convergence
• The role of communication in art and cultural preservation
• The effects of communication on social entrepreneurship
• The impact of communication on global health disparities
• The role of communication in international humanitarian aid
• The effects of communication on refugee integration and resettlement
• The impact of communication on sustainable urban planning
• The role of communication in environmental conservation and activism
• The effects of communication on global security and terrorism
• The impact of communication on climate change policy and action
• The role of communication in animal welfare advocacy
• The effects of communication on the politics of immigration
• The role of communication in international diplomacy and negotiation
• The effects of communication on the psychology of decision-making
• The impact of communication on organizational knowledge management
• The role of communication in disaster recovery and resilience
• The effects of communication on healthcare technology adoption
• The impact of communication on cybersecurity policy and regulation
• The role of communication in sustainable fashion and textiles
• The effects of communication on human trafficking prevention and intervention.
• The role of communication in international disaster relief
• The effects of communication on social media addiction
• The impact of communication on virtual mentoring
• The role of communication in sustainable fashion industry practices
• The effects of communication on intercultural communication apprehension
• The impact of communication on political polarization in traditional media
• The effects of communication on social media mental health awareness campaigns
• The impact of communication on sustainable water management practices
• The role of communication in multicultural education
• The effects of communication on virtual team creativity
• The impact of communication on global health campaigns
• The role of communication in ethical marketing practices
• The effects of communication on virtual collaboration satisfaction
• The impact of communication on sustainable forestry practices
• The role of communication in immigrant integration
• The effects of communication on virtual team feedback and evaluation
• The impact of communication on environmental activism strategies
• The effects of communication on virtual team leadership
• The impact of communication on sustainable seafood industry practices
• The role of communication in conflict resolution in online communities
• The effects of communication on virtual team trust and cohesion
• The impact of communication on urban mobility practices
• The role of communication in cultural heritage preservation
• The effects of communication on virtual team decision-making processes
• The impact of communication on sustainable mining practices
• The role of communication in peacebuilding and reconciliation
• The effects of communication on virtual team conflict resolution
• The impact of communication on sustainable renewable energy practices
• The role of communication in virtual reality education
• The effects of communication on virtual team member satisfaction
• The impact of communication on sustainable packaging practices
• The role of communication in intercultural adaptation
• The effects of communication on virtual team project management
• The impact of communication on environmental consumerism
• The role of communication in cross-cultural negotiation
• The effects of communication on virtual team member motivation
• The impact of communication on sustainable tourism marketing strategies
• The role of communication in social entrepreneurship ecosystems
• The effects of communication on virtual team member commitment
• The impact of communication on sustainable food supply chain practices
• The role of communication in global health diplomacy
• The effects of communication on virtual team member diversity
• The impact of communication on sustainable mining industry practices
• The role of communication in refugee integration
• The effects of communication on virtual team information sharing
• The impact of communication on sustainable transportation infrastructure
• The role of communication in sustainable seafood industry marketing
• The effects of communication on virtual team conflict prevention.
• The role of communication in promoting interfaith dialogue
• The effects of communication on online hate speech countermeasures
• The impact of communication on sustainable fashion practices
• The role of communication in peacebuilding
• The effects of communication on intercultural adaptation in study abroad programs
• The impact of communication on intergenerational relationships
• The role of communication in virtual mentorship
• The effects of communication on ethical consumption behaviors
• The impact of communication on environmental activism communication strategies
• The role of communication in disaster preparedness
• The effects of communication on mental health literacy
• The role of communication in building resilience in marginalized communities
• The impact of communication on online identity formation
• The role of communication in sustainability reporting
• The effects of communication on cross-cultural communication apprehension
• The impact of communication on intercultural marketing effectiveness
• The effects of communication on virtual learning outcomes
• The impact of communication on corporate social responsibility reporting
• The role of communication in building trust in online dating
• The effects of communication on online activism mobilization
• The role of communication in international conflict resolution
• The effects of communication on online consumer reviews
• The impact of communication on multicultural team performance
• The role of communication in sustainable urban mobility
• The effects of communication on intercultural adaptation in international business
• The impact of communication on virtual reality education effectiveness
• The role of communication in social entrepreneurship funding
• The effects of communication on online engagement in civic education
• The impact of communication on sustainable tourism marketing
• The role of communication in building resilience in disaster-affected communities
• The effects of communication on virtual team trust
• The impact of communication on online mental health interventions
• The role of communication in multicultural team conflict resolution
• The effects of communication on virtual team creativity in crisis situations
• The impact of communication on sustainable waste reduction practices
• The role of communication in intercultural negotiation
• The effects of communication on online privacy invasion perceptions
• The impact of communication on sustainable energy consumption behaviors
• The role of communication in building social capital in marginalized communities
• The effects of communication on virtual team communication effectiveness
• The impact of communication on sustainable forest management practices
• The role of communication in promoting diversity in the workplace
• The effects of communication on virtual team psychological safety
• The impact of communication on multicultural team decision-making
• The role of communication in promoting sustainable tourism practices in developing countries
• The effects of communication on online civic participation.
• The role of communication in organizational culture
• The effects of communication on intercultural negotiation outcomes
• The impact of communication on mental health treatment adherence
• The role of communication in sustainable fashion practices
• The effects of communication on online customer service satisfaction
• The impact of communication on interfaith dialogue
• The role of communication in virtual customer experience management
• The effects of communication on gender representation in media
• The impact of communication on human rights advocacy
• The role of communication in urban planning for climate change adaptation
• The effects of communication on virtual team performance in crisis situations
• The role of communication in ethical decision-making in healthcare
• The effects of communication on online brand authenticity perception
• The impact of communication on social support for caregivers
• The role of communication in sustainable tourism marketing
• The impact of communication on virtual reality therapy for phobias
• The role of communication in virtual team trust repair
• The effects of communication on intergenerational workplace conflict resolution
• The role of communication in online reputation repair
• The effects of communication on gender-based violence reporting
• The impact of communication on rural healthcare access
• The role of communication in sustainable supply chain management
• The effects of communication on intercultural learning in study abroad programs
• The impact of communication on virtual reality tourism experiences
• The role of communication in sustainable energy marketing
• The impact of communication on interfaith conflict resolution
• The role of communication in environmental justice movements
• The role of communication in intercultural team leadership
• The effects of communication on online brand trustworthiness
• The impact of communication on social media activism mobilization
• The role of communication in virtual customer relationship management
• The effects of communication on intergenerational mentorship
• The impact of communication on sustainable transportation marketing
• The role of communication in sustainable urban design
• The effects of communication on virtual team knowledge sharing
• The impact of communication on social media user privacy perceptions
• The role of communication in conflict resolution in healthcare
• The effects of communication on intercultural communication competence in business
• The impact of communication on sustainable food practices
• The role of communication in sustainable tourism planning
• The effects of communication on virtual team motivation
• The impact of communication on interfaith dialogue and reconciliation
• The role of communication in online brand advocacy
• The effects of communication on gender representation in leadership.

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250+ Communication Research Topics & Ideas for Students to Consider

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Picture this: you're sitting at your desk, racking your brain for a killer communication research paper topic. You've scrolled through countless websites, but nothing is resonating. Sounds frustrating, right?

Well, good news – your search ends here. Our blog has been carefully designed to combat this exact problem by providing a broad array of unique communication research topics. Aimed at students like you, it offers topics that are not only relevant, but also engaging and thought-provoking.

We invite you to dive into these communication research paper topics, sure to set your communication study on the right track. They're ready to be picked, expanded, or simply serve as a spark to ignite your creativity. Forget the nightmare of topic selection! With our blog, that's a problem of the past. Dive in this collection from our paper writers online and let the inspiration flow!

What Are Communication Research Topics?

Communication studies is an academic field that integrates aspects of sociology, psychology, media and politics to examine human communication. It's an incredibly dynamic field that explores how information is transmitted and understood among people, organizations, cultures, or nations. 

In this regard, communication research topics cover a wildly diverse range of areas. Some subjects might revolve around understanding social media algorithms, while others focus on the power of political speeches. Basically, if your research explores sending, receiving, and understanding of messages – it fits right into communication studies.

Characteristics of Good Communication Research Paper Topics

Finding the right communication topics for a research paper is like looking for the perfect ingredient. It's not just about grabbing the first thing you see. Instead, you need to select a topic that satisfies your professor’s requirements and adds value to the academic conversation. 

So, what makes a communication research paper topic truly stand out? The answer is simple. You should be governed by a few key attributes that elevate a topic from good to great. Below are some of these features:

• Present-time significance Choose a topic that resonates with contemporary issues. These subjects may vary from understanding the impact of social media on public discourse to exploring the ethics in digital advertising.
• Novelty Communication field is vast, but repetitive themes can lose their appeal. Strive for novelty. A fresh viewpoint or a new exploration in a familiar domain can make your paper truly distinctive.
• Practicality Grand ideas are wonderful, but an effective topic is the one that can be comfortably researched given your resources and timeframe. Consider your access to data, available literature, and your expertise while navigating through research topics for communication.
• Personal engagement A study should keep you involved. Your own enthusiasm can make the research process more rewarding.
• Precision A crucial attribute is the scope. An overly broad topic can lead to a surface-level discussion, while a hyper-narrow theme can limit the scope of your research. Make sure your communication research topic keeps that balance.

How to Choose a Communication Research Topic?

Selecting a good research topic in communication can be a time-consuming process since there are many areas to pick from. But with these steps, making a choice can be way easier.

• Discover Stay updated with the latest trends, theories, and debates in communication studies. This can help you identify emerging or important areas that could form the basis of your title.
• Ideate Generate a list of possible topics for communication research based on your readings, interests, and specific requirements. Ensure these themes are intriguing and meet instructions.
• Refine Critically assess your ideas considering the availability of resources for research. Narrow down your list to ideas that can be researched with the resources you have.
• Finalize Select a theme that you are genuinely interested in. Confirm your choice after discussing it with your mentors, peers or online research paper writing service .

Communication Research Topics List

Before you begin searching, remember to align your topic with your instructor's guidelines and course objectives. Our expert term paper writers have curated a list of engaging communication research paper topics. These ideas, both intriguing and diverse, can provide a robust starting point for your exploration.

• Impact of emojis on digital conversation.
• Non-verbal cues in virtual meetings.
• Evolution of political discourse on social media.
• Crisis communication in the age of Twitter.
• Role of memes in shaping public opinion.
• Ethics of persuasion in advertising.
• Are podcasts a new form of storytelling?
• Influence of cultural nuances on business communication.
• Fake news and media literacy.
• Language barriers in international diplomacy.
• Social media influencers as modern change-makers.
• Impact of technology on interpersonal communication.
• Role of humor in effective communication.
• How does workplace diversity affect communication styles?
• Accessibility in digital communication.

Interesting Communication Research Topics

Great communications research topics should also tackle real-world issues and invite further exploration. We've tailored our suggestions to align with these criteria, aiming to pique your curiosity. Here are fascinating topics that you might find interesting:

• Role of communication in climate change awareness.
• Deconstructing political rhetoric in election campaigns.
• Can emojis replace words in digital conversations?
• Impact of influencers on consumer behavior.
• Fake news and public trust in media.
• Miscommunication: Root causes and effects.
• Bridging cultural gaps in international negotiations.
• Understanding gender dynamics in conversation.
• Ethical boundaries in persuasive advertising.
• Memes as a form of political commentary.
• Podcasts: Reviving oral traditions in a digital age?
• Influence of social media on body image.
• Digital detox: A solution for information overload?
• Negotiating language barriers in global diplomacy.
• What impact does social media have on public opinion?

Good Communication Research Topics

If you are still in search of something more specific, the following communication research topics ideas can help. They cover a range of disciplines and avenues for exploration, from healthcare research topics to business topics and ideas.

• Crisis communication in natural disasters.
• Role of body language in job interviews.
• Digital activism: Effective tool or just noise?
• How does social media shape our self-image?
• Impact of AI on interpersonal communication.
• Ethics and transparency in public relations.
• Humor as a communication tool in education.
• Can language shape our perception of reality?
• Exploring intercultural communication in multinational companies.
• Analyzing propaganda techniques in modern media.
• Role of storytelling in organizational leadership.
• Communication strategies in health campaigns.
• Power dynamics in family conversations.
• Navigating digital communication etiquette: Do’s and don'ts.
• Is anonymity empowering or threatening in online communication?

Simple Communication Research Paper Topics

Browsing through tons of research topics in communication can quickly become overwhelming if not managed properly. To simplify the process, these easy yet comprehensive ideas may be of help.

• Role of silence in effective communication.
• Influence of celebrity endorsements on brand image.
• Impact of texting on language skills.
• Social media as a tool for social change.
• Power of non-verbal communication in public speaking.
• Exploring communication styles across cultures.
• Understanding effective communication in sports teams.
• Cyberbullying: A new face of aggression?
• Role of communication in customer service excellence.
• Music as a universal language: Myth or reality?
• Exploring personal space in different cultures.
• Are billboards still effective advertising tools?
• Impact of language proficiency on academic performance.
• Bridging generational gaps through effective communication.
• Role of communication in conflict resolution.

Latest Communication Research Topics

Keeping pace with the latest trends is crucial, as it allows you to tap into contemporary debates. It's about understanding the pulse of the present, exploring the new, and challenging the status quo. To help you get involved in these current discussions, here are some trending communication topics for research:

• Role of TikTok in shaping youth culture.
• Impact of remote work on team communication.
• Is cancel culture affecting freedom of speech?
• Rise of mental health conversations on social media.
• Understanding AI's role in customer service communication.
• Influencer marketing: Revolutionizing traditional advertising?
• Dealing with misinformation in the era of instant news.
• Impact of virtual reality on interpersonal communication.
• Communication strategies in pandemic crisis management.
• Role of livestreaming in shaping consumer behavior.
• Can chatbots replace human customer service?
• NFTs and their impact on digital art communication.
• E-sports communication: New rules of the game.
• Voice technology: Future of human-machine communication?
• Communication patterns in online learning environments.

Communication Research Topic Ideas for Students

Requirements to research differ depending on the academic level. If you are searching for research topics on communication divided into separate groups based on their academic complexity, don’t go any further. Below we selected the best communication research ideas for both college and university students.

Communication Research Paper Topics for College Students

College-level studies require a more sophisticated approach than a high-school one. You should explore beyond the surface and engage critically with various facets of communication. To meet these academic expectations, we offer you a selection of communication research topics for college students.

• Biases in news media coverage.
• Understanding communication breakdown in diplomatic relations.
• Role of data visualization in business communication.
• The psychology of persuasion in advertising.
• Impact of subliminal messaging in advertising.
• Cross-cultural communication in global business.
• Role of LinkedIn in professional networking.
• Impact of language nuances on legal communication.
• Political correctness in public discourse: Necessity or limitation?
• Social media algorithms and user behavior.
• Analyzing crisis communication in the airline industry.
• Impact of cyber communication on teenage self-esteem.
• Exploring echo chambers in digital media.
• Communication strategies for environmental advocacy.
• Role of whistleblowers in corporate communication.

Communication Research Paper Topics for University Students

University-level research is often more intensive and complex. To help you cope with this, we've prepared a selection of communication research topics for university students. These ideas should give you plenty of material to investigate.

• Impact of bilingualism on interpersonal communication.
• Role of visual aids in classroom communication.
• AI's influence on journalism: A revolution?
• Social networking sites: Anxieties and self-presentation.
• How does music communicate cultural identities?
• Body language in job interviews: What does it communicate?
• Gated communities and their communication culture.
• Graffiti: A form of social communication?
• Comics: Communicating societal issues through art.
• Silent films: Mastering communication without words.
• Decoding communication in dance forms across cultures.
• Role of color in marketing communication.
• Dealing with information overload in the digital age.
• Visual communication in the age of Instagram and Snapchat.
• The impact of dark social on marketing.

Research Topics in Communication by Subject

Navigating through different communication research paper topics can be daunting, which is why we've categorized them by subject for your convenience. Whether you're focused on interpersonal communication, media studies, or communication technology, there's something here for everyone. Below, you'll find an array of communication paper topics, thoughtfully organized to cater to your specific academic needs.

Interpersonal Communication Research Topics

Interpersonal communication is the process by which people exchange information, feelings, and meaning through verbal and non-verbal messages. It's not just about what is said or expressed, but also how it's perceived and understood. Below are some interpersonal communication research paper topics you might find interesting:

• Impact of language barriers on interpersonal relationships.
• Perception of sarcasm in online communication.
• Power dynamics in family communication.
• Self-disclosure in romantic relationships: Benefit or bane?
• Face-to-face vs. digital communication.
• Exploring communication styles in leadership roles.
• Interpersonal communication in multi-generational workplaces.
• Art of persuasion in interpersonal communication.
• Examining the role of empathy in effective communication.
• Listening skills: Their impact on interpersonal relationships.
• The role of humor in easing interpersonal tensions.
• Social etiquette: Unspoken rules of interpersonal communication.
• Impact of cultural norms on interpersonal communication.
• Role of interpersonal communication in fostering team spirit.
• The psychology of small talk.

Intercultural Communication Research Topics

Intercultural communication investigates how people from different societies interact and communicate with each other. It encompasses various topics, including language acquisition, cultural identity, political discourse, cross-cultural differences in business communication, and more. Here are some intercultural communication topics for research papers to get you started:

• Body language: Deciphering variations across cultures.
• Cultural adaptations in international business communication.
• Etiquette in digital correspondence between representatives of different cultures.
• Role of cultural intelligence in effective intercultural communication.
• Impact of cultural stereotyping on communication.
• Religious sensitivities in intercultural dialogue.
• Challenges in international diplomacy.
• Interpreting emotions across cultures.
• Exploring cultural nuances in humor.
• Role of intercultural communication in global marketing.
• Cross-cultural adaptation of immigrants: Communication barriers and breakthroughs.
• Cultural perceptions of privacy in communication.
• Role of translation in intercultural understanding.
• Impact of globalization on intercultural communication.
• How cultural backgrounds affect negotiation tactics.

Communication Research Paper Topics on Public Relations

Public relations involve strategic communication and relationships between organizations, their target audiences, customers, suppliers, employees, media stakeholders, and other relevant publics. Below are some topics related to communication and public relations:

• Ethics in PR: Navigating gray areas.
• Social media's influence on modern PR strategies.
• Celebrity endorsements: A PR perspective.
• Public relations and communication in corporate social responsibility.
• PR for start-ups: Building a brand from scratch.
• The influence of PR on consumer decision-making.
• PR in sports: Handling controversies and scandals.
• Environmental PR: Advocating for sustainability.
• Impact of fake news on PR practices.
• Diversity and inclusion in PR campaigns.
• PR and event management: Making a splash.
• Dealing with PR failures: Lessons from high-profile cases.
• PR in the hospitality industry: Ensuring customer satisfaction.
• How does PR shape the public image of celebrities?
• Communication strategies for handling negative PR.

Mass Communication Research Topics

Mass communication is a mechanism for disseminating information and ideas to large audiences. It can be used for educational, marketing, or advertising purposes. Here are some of the best mass communications research topics on offer:

• Influence of political bias in news reporting.
• Analyzing audience behavior in the digital age.
• Impact of sensationalism on news quality.
• How mass communication shapes societal norms.
• Mass communication in health promotion campaigns.
• Effects of product placement in television shows.
• Understanding censorship in mass media.
• Media literacy: The need for critical consumption.
• Role of mass communication in electoral politics.
• Effects of celebrity culture on mass audiences.
• Representation of minority groups in mainstream media.
• Pop culture influence on youth.
• Role of mass communication in environmental awareness.
• Impact of digital platforms on print journalism.
• Mass communication and its effect on consumer behavior.

Communication Research Topics on Social Media

Social media has revolutionized the way people communicate, with far-reaching implications for marketing and public relations. Below are some research topics in communication for your next social media essay or project:

• Balancing privacy and connectivity on social platforms.
• What makes content shareable?
• Brands navigating cancel culture on social platforms.
• Social media and mental health: Exploring connections.
• LinkedIn etiquette: Navigating professional communication online.
• Snapchat's influence on short-term content consumption.
• Crisis management on social media: Case studies.
• The evolution of Facebook's news feed algorithm.
• How does social media affect political discourse?
• Twitch and the rise of livestreaming cultures.
• Ethical considerations in data mining on social platforms.
• Digital activism: Social media's role in social movements.
• Analyzing the growth and influence of TikTok.
• Determining the impact of fake news on voting preferences.
• Pros and cons of using AI for content moderation.

>> View more: Social Media Research Paper Topics

Communication Research Topics on Journalism

Journalism is an integral part of our society as it informs and shapes a public opinion. As this field evolves, especially with digital technology, new research angles constantly arise. We did our best to collect the best journalism communication related topics below:

• Challenges of investigative journalism in the digital age.
• Citizen journalism versus traditional journalism.
• The role of artificial intelligence in news generation.
• Journalism ethics in the era of "clickbait."
• Combating fake news: Strategies for news outlets.
• The impact of podcasts on journalism.
• Role of photojournalism in conflict reporting.
• Impact of social media on newsroom practices.
• 24/7 news cycle: A boon or a bane?
• Exploring objectivity in political journalism.
• The decline of print media: What's next?
• Environmental journalism and its role in climate change awareness.
• Multimedia communication: Integration of text, audio, and video.
• Journalism's role in fostering social change.
• The rise and impact of opinion journalism.

Communication Research Ideas on Negotiations

Negotiations are at the heart of business communication and diplomacy, making them a highly relevant topic of research. Explore these research topics about communication and negotiations:

• Role of cultural understanding in international negotiations.
• How do emotions affect negotiation outcomes?
• Strategies for dealing with deadlock.
• The art of persuasive language in communication.
• Power dynamics in business negotiations.
• The effect of gender stereotypes on negotiation.
• Online negotiations: New rules and dynamics.
• The psychology of 'win-win' scenarios.
• Pre-negotiation stage: Preparation and its importance.
• Building trust in communication processes.
• Negotiation styles across different industries.
• The role of ethics in negotiations.
• The impact of negotiation training on business outcomes.
• Strategies to handle aggressive negotiators.
• Do introverts or extroverts negotiate better?

Virtual Communication Topics for a Research Paper

Virtual communication refers to the process of exchanging information between two or more people within a simulated environment. This could be anything from social media platforms to online gaming forums, virtual reality, and computer-mediated conferencing. Here are some digital communication research paper topics to consider:

• Exploring how virtual teams bridge geographic divides.
• Investigating how emojis and emoticons are changing language norms.
• Defining digital etiquette and rules for the new age.
• Virtual communication and work-life balance.
• What is the role of virtual reality in revolutionizing communication?
• Is social media a friend or foe in professional communication?
• The evolution of language in the age of texting.
• How does 5G influence our communication habits?
• Is e-learning an effective method or just a convenient option?
• How to navigate misinformation in online conversations?
• Telemedicine marks a new era for healthcare communication.
• Are virtual meetings a productivity booster or a time waster?
• Is blockchain a game changer for secure communication?
• The use of virtual reality in public speaking training.
• Digital communication and the paradox of loneliness.

Communication Research Topics on Advertising

Advertising is the process of attracting attention to products and services through various forms of communication — from TV commercials to creative content marketing campaigns. Take a look at these advertising communication research ideas to pick a fitting topic:

• How does emotional appeal work in advertising campaigns?
• How do colors influence purchasing decisions in advertising?
• Can humor in advertising guarantee a positive response?
• The role of nostalgia in marketing campaigns.
• How do different cultures react to the same ad?
• Analyzing the communication techniques in Nike's 'Just Do It' campaign.
• Evaluating the 'Got Milk?' campaign: The role of concise messaging.
• The influence of McDonald's 'I'm Lovin' It' campaign on consumer behavior.
• The impact of Apple's 'Think Different' campaign on brand perception.
• Analysis of 'Share a Coke' ad: Personalization as a communication tool.
• The 'Because You're Worth It' campaign by L'Oreal: A study in self-affirmative messaging.
• 'Don't Be Evil': Understanding Google's corporate identity through its original slogan.
• How are 'Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt' (FUD) used in smear campaigns?
• How do 'Calls to Action' affect the success of digital campaigns?
• The role of user-generated content in advertising.

>> More ideas: Marketing Research Topics

Communication Research Topics on Leadership

Leadership is all about effective communication. Leaders must be able to communicate their vision effectively in order for their followers to understand and buy into it. Below are some communication research topic ideas for your leadership essay or scholarly study.

• Impact of transformational leadership communication on employee morale.
• Persuasive techniques of successful women leaders.
• Leadership and team productivity: The unspoken connection.
• Comparison of narrative styles among autocratic and democratic leaders.
• Communication pitfalls in leadership.
• Effect of non-verbal communication in leadership efficacy.
• Role of effective message conveying in conflict resolution among leaders.
• Analysis of Steve Jobs' leadership communication style.
• Assertive message conveyance and its effect on leadership success.
• How does style of expression influence perception of leadership?
• Importance of cultural intelligence in leadership communication.
• Emotional intelligence and empathy in leadership.
• Role of open dialogue in leadership and trust building.
• Examining the importance of listening skills in effective leadership.
• Communication strategies for leading remote teams.

Extra Communication Research Topic Ideas

As the field of communication is vast and encompasses multiple subjects, not all topics find their exact match in pre-established categories. For those unique, fascinating, and sometimes offbeat communication research paper topics, we have created an extra section. Here, you can explore additional ideas that although didn't neatly fit into a particular category, hold immense research potential.

Communication Research Questions

Are you about to write a research paper or a dissertation in communication but haven't settled on a topic yet? If so, then you can consider one of the following communication research questions:

• In what ways has COVID-19 influenced remote communication techniques?
• Can online video platforms replace face-to-face meetings fully?
• How do different age groups perceive and interpret memes?
• Is digital detox a viable solution for communication overload?
• How does color psychology influence marketing communication?
• What role does silence play in non-verbal dialogue?
• How do political leaders use body language in public speaking?
• How has podcasting influenced knowledge dissemination?
• What are the communication challenges faced by astronauts during space missions?
• Can communication training improve emotional intelligence?
• How does culture impact our perception of visual communication?
• How is AI changing the landscape of communication in healthcare?
• Does text messaging and instant messaging deteriorate writing skills?
• How does bilingualism influence communication styles?
• What role does music play in cross-cultural communication?

Research Topics on Communication for Exam

If you have scrolled down this far, chances are you are about to take an exam on communication topics. To help you make the best of your exam preparation, we've compiled a list of communication research paper topics that you might face on your exam.

• Evolving trends in workplace interactions.
• The impact of social media on personal connections.
• Ethical considerations in journalistic practices.
• Influence of culture on conversation styles.
• Symbolism in advertising messages.
• Effect of virtual reality on social interactions.
• The role of storytelling in organizational dialogue.
• Gender differences in dialogue styles.
• Importance of active listening in effective exchanges.
• How leadership effectiveness is influenced by dialogue techniques.
• Effects of mass media on societal behavior.
• AI's impact on future interaction systems.
• Technological advancements in telecommunication fields.
• How does noise affect the quality of conversation?
• Influence of personal branding on messaging.

Main Approaches to Studying Communication

Scholars have developed multiple frameworks to study this discipline. These techniques provide the backbone to many communication research studies and guide how we understand, analyze, and interpret messages. In the subsequent section, you can see 4 major approaches to studying communication, each offering a unique perspective.

Bottom Line on Research Topics About Communication

We hope that this assortment of communication research paper topics will aid you in finding the right idea. Keep in mind that the research questions are just a starting point. Don’t hesitate to build on them or explore related sub-topics based on the direction your project takes. And remember to always cite properly when using existing studies for your paper. From how to cite a book in APA to how to cite a journal in MLA or create a Chicago website citation , we’ve collected the latest guidelines and examples for any citation format.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or simply need some expert guidance, reach out to our team of academic professionals. They all have solid experience in the field and are eager to assist you. Just say " write my research paper ," and get your project done in no time.

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• A new discussion of Gangsta Rap encourages students to rhetorically analyze American popular culture.
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120 incredible communication research topics to make your life easier.

February 14, 2020

Possible questions for communication research are drawn from what we do, see, or hear every day. Some are related to the courses we do, and so this is going to be a smooth ride above flat boulders underneath.

With the advent of new technologies, the communication arena has made significant strides. Social media has taken over with the broadcast media resorting to this platform. People can communicate thousands of miles away from each other. Indeed, the world has become a global village.

Let’s now delve into why you are here.

Social Media Research Topics

Research topics on social media are because of its vast nature. Here are some social media research topic ideas for your inspiration:

• How safe are you on social media
• Is social media taking over the broadcast media
• Crime and social media: A case study
• The effectiveness of social media marketing
• Why are people less productive nowadays? An impact of social media?
• What measures can curb false information on social media
• Have Facebook and WhatsApp taken over family time
• Impact of social media on academic progress
• How social media has led to a kidnapping
• The growth of fake profiles
• The effectiveness of social media on campaigns
• Human values lost as a result of social media
• Has depression has resulted from social media
• The speed of news on social media
• Who is responsible for ethics on social media?
• A study of policies related to social media
• How social media has contributed to plagiarism and piracy
• Spamming on social media: Is it possible to curb it?
• How social media has connected and disconnected people at the same time
• What is the future of social media?

Interpersonal Communication Research Topics

Interpersonal research topics deal with communication between two or more people. The issues here include:

• What is the barrier to language and verbal communication?
• How effective is nonverbal communication
• Factors affecting interpersonal communication: gender
• A study of perception in interpersonal communication
• What is the importance of listening in conversation?
• Emotion and its impact on communication
• Interpersonal communication: A study of self-discourse
• Relational development in communication
• How is the connection between family and intimate relationships?
• Interpersonal communication deceptions
• Conflicts arising from interpersonal communication
• Competence of interpersonal communication
• Growth of social and personal relationships
• Culture and communication
• Dealing with blindness as a barrier to interpersonal communication

Mass Communication Research Topics

Research topics related to mass communication include the following:

• An analysis of the role of mass media in rebranding
• Challenges facing freedom of the press in various countries
• Mass media and democracy
• What are the constitutional provisions for mass media?
• The attitude of viewers and listeners towards mass media
• Growth of private media ownership
• Are the airwaves truly liberated?
• Impact of digital media
• Mass communication and media
• Effects of the internet on media ethics and standards
• What are the dangers facing journalists?
• Is print media still competitive?
• Mass media with the law of defamation
• State broadcasting versus private broadcasting
• How effective are phone-in Programmes?

Business Communication Research Topics

These are business-related communication topics dealing with customers, investors, and corporates. It also includes corporate communication research topics. They are:

• Vital issues in organizational communication
• Dealing with organizational uncertainty
• Management of communication crisis in organizations
• Corporate communication and public relations
• Practices for effective business communication
• Business to Business communication
• A guide to writing effective organizational communique
• E-mail writing and management in the workplace
• Creating a balance between upward and downward communication
• How to effectively handle external communication
• Intercultural communication in a competitive global business environment
• Effective horizontal communication in a workplace
• What is the effect of grapevine communication on a company’s success?
• A study of proper communication channels
• How to craft a topnotch business letter
• Corporate social responsibility communication
• Change management and culture of organizations
• Communication in organizations
• The relationship between social media and organizations
• How can organizations benefit immensely from the press?
• How to handle crisis communicational
• The media and economic crisis
• How sharing of messages has affected the business market
• Is stereotyping a stumbling block to economic progress?
• Implications of the political class on the country economy
• Responsible and ethical investor relations
• Organizational identification in the corporate world
• Reputation and why it is vital for the success or failure of a company
• How can corporate businesses incorporate the use of creative designs?
• Symbols and critical features of effective business communication
• How are communication skills essential in marketing?
• How can brand awareness be made possible through communication?
• Practical communication skills for the growth of profit
• Development of marketing value using excellent communication skills
• How the cognitive-communication theory is vital in marketing

Development Communication Research Topics

• Achieving millennium development goals using mass media
• Useful media tools in curbing the spread of coronavirus
• How social media malaria campaigns have helped reduce the spread
• Audio drama as a tool in reducing HIV/AIDS among the youths
• Using the press as a tool in fake drugs sensitization
• Role of mass media in preventing early pregnancies
• Family planning radio Programmes and their effectiveness
• Print media as an awareness tool in the community
• Role of radio in curbing violence in the marginal areas
• How broadcasting media is effective in promoting the use of contraceptives
• Role of social media in preventing Ebola virus spread
• Impact of cartoon Programmes on aggressiveness behavior
• The media as a tool for enhancing profitability
• Mass media and the reduction of maternal deaths
• How compelling is drama as an awareness tool?

General Communication Research Topics

• What is the history of communication
• Theories of communication
• Social networks in the modern world
• Role of bloggers in social media
• Media censorship
• Impact of the freedom of speech on media
• The growth of video blogs
• How accurate is news from the media?
• Media as a watchdog
• Media and terrorism
• How the media has evolved
• New communication technologies
• What is journalism ethics?
• Media and politics
• Virtual reality in the media
• How media differs in style and types
• The growth of international journalism
• Why is radio still popular?
• Decrypting media messages
• How are media laws effective in ensuring credible reporting?

Communication Research Topics Just For You

Communication is an exciting and fascinating field to venture into for students. The beauty is that media is evolving every day. Therefore, there is a wide range of topics to choose from quickly.

Don’t know how to start your paper? Worry no more!

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100 Best Media Topics For Research Writing

We know you need the best media topics for your next papers. Otherwise, why would you be reading this blog post? The good news is that you have picked the best place to look for topics. Our experienced writers have put together a list of the best media topics for high school and college students. Furthermore, we work hard to keep the list fresh. This means that these ideas will be most likely original. They will work great in 2023 because the list of media essay topics is updated periodically.

The Importance of Great Media Topics

You are probably wondering why we are putting so much emphasis on getting you the best media topics to write about. There are several reasons for it, but we will only tell you about 3 of them:

• Your professor will greatly appreciate your willingness to dedicate the time and effort to finding excellent topics . Trust us, professors know how to make the difference between students based solely on the topics they choose for their papers.
• It is much easier to write essays if you choose good media essays topics . A topic you know something about is the best choice. Also, a good topic enables you to quickly find plenty of information on the Internet. Following this advice you’ll easily write your literature review and the following components of your paper.
• By choosing a great topic, your essay will immediately stand out from all the rest . Your professor is surely bored of reading papers written about the same things over and over again. An interesting idea will entice him to award you at least some bonus points.

Mass Media Topics

Mass media is something of great importance in modern times, so why not write your papers on some mass media topics? Here are some great examples:

• The effect of mass media on psychological health
• Mass media and emotional health
• Mass media addiction in the US
• The role of mass media in politics
• The First Amendment in mass media
• Promoting sexuality in mass media

Media Research Topics

Did your professor ask of you to write a research paper? No problem, we have some excellent media research topics in our list. Check them out below:

• Discuss children media
• Violence in mass media in the US
• Video games in the media
• Controversial topics in the media in Europe
• Discuss post-truth in the media
• Media regulations in China

Media Analysis Essay Topics for Presentation

Would you like to write a media analysis paper for a presentation? It’s not difficult to do, if you pick the right media analysis essay topics for presentation. Here are some excellent ideas:

• Is the media creating events or reacting to them?
• Media and public relations links
• Discuss 3 major types of media
• The use of media in education (one of the most interesting mass media research paper topics)
• Influence of virtual reality on the media (one of the best media analysis essay topics)
• Discuss journalism ethics

Media Research Paper Topics for High School

Are you a high school student looking for some awesome topic for his next research paper on media? Here are some excellent examples of media research paper topics for high school:

• Major innovations in 21st century media
• Compare mainstream media in India and China
• What makes an outlet a reliable source?
• Advertisements in media
• Benefits of mass media for society
• Compare traditional media with mass media

Mass Media Research Topics

If you need to write a research paper and want to talk about something in mass media, we have some very nice ideas right here. Check out our mass media research topics:

• The right of expression in mass media
• Journalism in mass media
• Compare TV, film and radio
• Mass media in democracy
• The war against terror in mass media
• Discuss the rise of mobile media

Media Research Topics for College Students

College students who are looking to research topics about media should choose something that can bring them a top grade. Here are our best media research topics for college students:

• Influences of technology on media
• Latest innovations in media
• Discuss media censorship in China (a recommended media related topic)
• What is media propaganda?
• Mass media and its preemptive effects

Complex Media Related Research Topics

Do you want to try your hand at some difficult topics? If you want to impress your professor, we advise you to select one of these complex media related research topics:

• Mass media violating civil rights
• Does media benefit the economy of the US?
• Define media addition and discuss its effects
• Perform a qualitative analysis of 3 media outlets
• Media’s scare strategies: a case study
• Media influencing a rise in violence in the UK

Controversial Media Topics

Why should you be frightened by controversial topics? You are free to write about them, of course. Here are our best and most controversial media topics:

• Exercising the First Amendment in media in the US
• Promoting gun violence in mass media
• Mass media effects on terrorism
• Digital media is destroying traditional media
• Artificial intelligence in mass media
• Media effects on the death penalty in China

Digital Media Topics

Discussing digital media is a very good way to impress your professor. Let’s face it; the digital realm is extremely popular these days. Here are some brand new digital media topics:

• Define and discuss digital media
• Climate change in digital media
• What is mobile media?
• The fate of journalism in the 21st century (one of the best digital media research topics)
• Effects of digital media on politics

Media Analysis Topics

Writing a media analysis essay can be a very difficult task, especially if you don’t have much academic writing experience. Here are some media analysis topics that should make things easier:

• How Trump lost the media war
• Biden’s coverage in mass media in the United States
• Advertising revenue in media outlets
• Analyze screen time
• What are deepfakes and how to spot one?
• The crisis of journalism in the 21st century

Easy Media Related Topics

The perfect choice for times when you simply cannot afford to spend too much time writing your essay, our list easy media related topics is right here:

• Define mass media in the United Kingdom
• Should children watch the news?
• Promoting violence in mass media
• Spreading awareness via media
• Are newspapers still relevant today?
• The very first occurrence of mass media

Research Topics in Media and Communication

Would you like to talk about media and communication? It is not an easy subject to write about, but we can make things easier. Here are the easiest research topics in media and communication:

• Discuss body image in media
• Analyze children’s advertising tactics
• Freedom of speech in the media
• Copyright law in the media
• Define symmetrical dialogue in the media

Media Debate Topics

Are you interested in a media debate? Getting the best topics for 2023 should be your primary concern in this case. We have some very interesting media debate topics right here:

• The impact of public relations on communities
• Location-based advertising in modern media
• Analyze the concept of yellow journalism
• Good news vs bad news in the media
• Discuss the concept of proportionality in media

Brand New Media Topics

Just like you, our writers are interested in writing about the latest topics. Why don’t you pick one of our brand new media topics?

• Is radio still an important part of media?
• Newspapers going bankrupt in 2023
• Sexual content on TV shows
• Politicians’ love for the media
• Is the backing of the media important for a president?

Media Ethics Topics

Discussing ethics in relation to media is a very interesting choice. It can also get you an A+ on your next paper. Here are some exceptional media ethics topics:

• Including graphic images in media
• Depicting terrorism on TV
• Regulating newspapers in Europe
• Celebrity gossip in the media
• The influence of large media corporations

Media Law Topics

Yes, there is such a thing as media law. Would you like to write an essay about it? Here are some great ideas for media law topics:

• Discuss the First Amendment and media
• The responsibilities of journalists
• Journalists in war zones
• Fake news in the media
• Showing unsuitable content to children

Research Topics in Communication and Media Studies

Writing about communication and media studies has the potential to help you get a top grade. Here are our best research topics in communication and media studies:

• Analyze media bias in the United States
• Is digital media addictive?
• Influence of media on religion

Interesting Media Topics

We know, you want the most interesting media topics to write about. Pick one of these and write a paper that will impress your professor:

• State-controlled media in China
• Effects of media coverage on criminal trials
• The power of mass media in 2023

Trending Media Topics

You may not know which topics are trending when it comes to media, but our writers do. Here are the latest trending media topics:

• The war in Afghanistan
• Joe Biden’s rise to power
• The fall of Donald Trump
• Climate change problems
• Global warming in the media

But what if you need more topics or professional help with thesis ? What if you didn’t find the media research topic you were looking for in the list above? While this is highly unlikely, we are prepared to help you. Would you like to talk about media literacy? In case you do, our ENL writers can create a list of the most interesting (and new) media literacy topics you can find. For anything you need, just get in touch with us.

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Communication and Glocalization: Media, Culture, and Society in the 21st Century

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The advent of the 21st century ICT revolution has been felt in numerous arenas of social life. One of the main issues in the social sciences concerns the relationship between media-driven globalization and culture or cultures across the world. In cross-cultural communication, sociology, anthropology, and ...

Keywords : culture, glocalization, globalization, digital, media

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Media and Communication

Overview of this guide, search the nyu libraries catalog, media analysis: latest from the pressthink blog by jay rosen, media analysis: latest from npr's "on the media", tech news from the atlantic.

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This guide is an introduction to Media Studies research for NYU students. Different sections of this guide can help with research in: 

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Media and communications research also touches on a number of disciplines. See these other subject guides for more specific resources on business and transcultural communication:

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By Isobel Fisher 17/04/2024

Lize Swartz’ recent blog discusses the findings of a recent workshop for EADI members held in Bonn, Germany. The workshop used data from the last meeting as EADI Research Communications Working Group, more than five years ago, to help reflect on how EADI members are currently communicating and whether it’s sufficient and effective, from a social justice perspective.

The article provides insights to algorithms, social media platforms, accessibility and more. It examines how these tools influence the dissemination and perception of research within the development community. By evaluating the effectiveness of current communication strategies, the blog suggests new methodologies that might better engage diverse audiences and ensure that critical research reaches not only academics, but also policymakers and the broader public.

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Comparison of Citation Categories in Chinese, Japanese, and English News Discourses Based on Corpus

Cuicui Li *

Abstract | References | PDF | HTML | Pub. Date: Apr 3, 2024

DOI: 10.23977/mediacr.2024.050202 | Downloads: 0 | Views: 32

Evolution of Chinese Idol Survival Shows: Localization and Innovation in the Wake of South Korean Influence

Yuchenxi Gong *

Abstract | References | PDF | HTML | Pub. Date: Mar 27, 2024

DOI: 10.23977/mediacr.2024.050201 | Downloads: 0 | Views: 47

Research on the Enhancement and Dissemination Path of the Cultural Tourism Brand Influence of "Mount Tai, China—Peace and Prosperity for the Country and the People"

Ding Zhaoyong *

Abstract | References | PDF | HTML | Pub. Date: Mar 26, 2024

DOI: 10.23977/mediacr.2024.050130 | Downloads: 1 | Views: 41

Stance and Construction of Persona in Live-streaming

Liu Bingyu *

Abstract | References | PDF | HTML | Pub. Date: Mar 25, 2024

DOI: 10.23977/mediacr.2024.050129 | Downloads: 1 | Views: 36

Rethinking Digital Humanitarianism in Data-driven Reports—Disaster Coverages of Typhoon Incidents as an Example

Yaqi Xing *

Abstract | References | PDF | HTML | Pub. Date: Mar 22, 2024

DOI: 10.23977/mediacr.2024.050128 | Downloads: 1 | Views: 65

Developing and Validating Scales for City Brand Image from the Perspective of International Communication

Gong Yueqing * , Liu Ying

Abstract | References | PDF | HTML | Pub. Date: Mar 21, 2024

DOI: 10.23977/mediacr.2024.050127 | Downloads: 1 | Views: 53

Study on Cultural Soft Power Promoting the Construction of International Communication Power in Shandong Province

Liu Yanjie *

Abstract | References | PDF | HTML | Pub. Date: Mar 20, 2024

DOI: 10.23977/mediacr.2024.050126 | Downloads: 3 | Views: 76

Analysis of Tiktok Live Broadcast Marketing Strategy under the Background of New Media

Abstract | References | PDF | HTML | Pub. Date: Mar 19, 2024

DOI: 10.23977/mediacr.2024.050125 | Downloads: 2 | Views: 68

Media Convergence Strategies for the Interaction between Social Media and Television Programs

Abstract | References | PDF | HTML | Pub. Date: Mar 18, 2024

DOI: 10.23977/mediacr.2024.050124 | Downloads: 2 | Views: 72

Research on International Communication of Ceramic Culture with Integrated Media

Abstract | References | PDF | HTML | Pub. Date: Mar 15, 2024

DOI: 10.23977/mediacr.2024.050123 | Downloads: 9 | Views: 101

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Collaborating to Advance Health Communication

As a generation of pioneering scholars retired, several new hires are working together to continue Annenberg’s legacy as a leader in Health Communication.

By Hailey Reissman

Mary Andrews (center) successfully defended her dissertation in December. Her dissertation committee members included four health communication faculty (L to R): Andy Tan, David Lydon-Staley, Emily Falk, and John B. Jemmott III.

What goes on in people's brains when they feel the urge to smoke? How can public health officials prevent young people from starting to vape? What drives people to believe in health-related conspiracy theories?

These are just some of the questions that Annenberg School for Communication Professors David Lydon-Staley and Andy Tan are helping one another answer. 

The two health communication researchers both joined the Annenberg faculty in 2020, working from home as the COVID pandemic was limiting social contact — and urgently demonstrating the importance of their work.  

Now with offices on the same floor, they make use of one another’s strengths while carrying out research — Tan is Lydon-Staley’s go-to source for everything community-related and Lydon-Staley is Tan’s touchstone when thinking about longitudinal data.  

They, along with fellow faculty members Emily Falk, Dolores Albarracín, John Jemmott III, Kathleen Hall Jamieson, Damon Centola, and others are keeping the School at the cutting edge of health communication research, a legacy established by long-time collaborators Professors Emeritus Robert Hornik and Joseph Cappella, now legends in the field of health communication, and others like the late Martin Fishbein. 

This semester, they began meeting as a more formal health communication group with an eye to increasing their collaboration and impact.

Together Tan and Lydon-Staley search for ways to curb tobacco use and promote health and well-being, especially in young people, though each approaches this goal differently. Much of Tan’s work involves community-engaged research, bringing in community members to co-create with academics, while Lydon-Staley asks participants to answer questions on their smartphones as they go about their daily lives, looking at health-related decisions made in everyday contexts. 

Cappella and Hornik are their ideal model for academic collaboration.  

“We refer to Bob and Joe's work all the time,” Tan says. “I might think, ‘Oh well, this is a novel idea,’ and then I realize that they already covered that 13 years ago.”

Tan and Lydon-Staley are currently collaborating on two projects: one involves creating and testing public health messages designed to educate smokers about health harms of nicotine and the other analyzes how people search for health information online.

Getting Curious

Lydon-Staley has been researching curiosity for years, mapping what people feel and what people do when their interest is piqued.

“If you're curious about a piece of information, you're more likely to remember it,” he says. 

He and Tan are using this fact to craft educational messages about nicotine that elicit curiosity and better recall in smokers. These messages are aimed at groups traditionally targeted by tobacco advertisers — young adult smokers, rural adult smokers, and Black smokers.

“More recently, public health experts are trying to communicate that there is a continuum of harm when it comes to tobacco products,” Tan says. “At the top you have a cigarette and then on the lower end, you have products like nicotine patches. If someone is smoking, we want them to stop, or at least use something on the low end.”

Communicating that continuum is tricky, Tan says, but crucial, especially as the FDA moves toward establishing low-nicotine cigarettes and vapes.

“We want to have a head start on understanding how nicotine messaging should be presented to specific groups of people in order to have positive public health impacts and not lead to unintended consequences,” Tan says. “We don’t want people who aren’t using tobacco to start smoking.”

Their early data is providing insight on which curiosity-eliciting techniques work for which groups of people, and will lead further efforts to tailor effective messages.

“Exposure to information is just one part of communication, people need to remember what they've been exposed to.” Lydon-Staley says.

Finding Health Information Online

The pair’s other ongoing project analyzes what happens when people turn to the internet for information about health. If they Google, what results turn up first? Which articles do they read? What links do they click?

Curiosity also comes into play here. “One of the questions we are trying to answer is, ’Do you spend longer searching for information if you're more curious to know the answer,” Lydon-Staley says.

During this study, participants are given five health-related questions and up to 20 minutes to search the internet for answers.

“We're basically trying to capture what happens in everyday life when people are looking for answers to their health-related questions online — but it's a bit of a black box because it's very difficult to capture that data in the first place,” Lydon-Staley says. “And then once you have that data, how do you analyze it?”

Tan and Lydon-Staley hope this experiment will lead to better understanding of what types of information-seeking approaches shape people’s perceptions of healthy behaviors, for example, if searching about the flu vaccine will make someone more likely to get vaccinated against the flu. 

Future Health Leaders

Lydon-Staley and Tan are not alone in their collaboration efforts at the School. At meetings with their fellow faculty about the future of health communication at Penn and beyond, they discuss their appreciation for their students and efforts to educate the next generation of health communication researchers. 

“Annenberg has always been a leader in health communication,” says Vice Dean Emily Falk. “It is extraordinary to see all the ways that our current faculty are imagining new ways to confront society’s most pressing problems and improve people’s health and well being through their scholarship.”

Albarracín, Falk, Jemmott, Lydon-Staley, and Tan are all mentors in the Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring (PURM) program, which brings undergraduate students into active labs to gain research experience. They often serve together on graduate students’ dissertation committees and work together to help students get published.

“Students here are part of the collaboration between different labs and researchers,” Lydon-Staley says. “My students take Andy’s classes and Emily’s classes and Dolores’s classes and John’s classes and receive diverse perspectives of the field and methods to do research within it. I think that's really powerful.”

Tan agrees. 

“We want our graduates to have experience with many approaches to research,” he says. “They may ultimately choose to specialize in one area or the other, but their ability to appreciate the scientific contributions of different approaches, represented by the faculty, can lend themselves to be, ultimately, good researchers, mentors, and teachers themselves.”

• Public Health
• Tobacco & Substance Abuse

Research Areas

• Health Communication

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