Communication Studies

Scope & Guideline

Championing Quality Research in Communication

Introduction

Welcome to the Communication Studies information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Communication Studies, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1051-0974
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1989 to 2024
AbbreviationCOMMUN STUD / Commun. Stud.
Frequency5 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Communication Studies' aims to explore the multifaceted nature of communication across various contexts, focusing on its theoretical, practical, and social implications. It covers a wide range of communication phenomena, emphasizing how communication shapes and is shaped by cultural, social, and technological factors.
  1. Interpersonal Communication Dynamics:
    This area examines the nuances of communication in one-on-one interactions, including identity management, relationship maintenance, and emotional expression.
  2. Crisis Communication and Resilience:
    The journal frequently addresses how communication strategies are developed and employed during crises, highlighting the role of communication in fostering resilience among individuals and communities.
  3. Media and Society:
    A critical examination of how media influences public perception, political discourse, and social movements, focusing on the interplay between media representations and societal outcomes.
  4. Cultural and Racial Identity:
    Exploration of how communication practices shape and reflect racial and cultural identities, including issues of stigma, representation, and intersectionality.
  5. Health Communication:
    Research in this scope investigates the strategies used in health-related messaging, including public health campaigns, patient-provider interactions, and stigma management surrounding health issues.
  6. Digital Communication and Technology:
    This area explores the impact of digital technologies on communication practices, including social media dynamics, virtual interactions, and the implications for social relationships.
  7. Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies:
    The journal employs diverse research methodologies, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide comprehensive insights into communication phenomena.
The journal has seen a rise in interest in several emerging themes that reflect current societal concerns and the evolving landscape of communication. These trending areas indicate a robust engagement with contemporary issues and methodologies.
  1. Intersectionality in Communication:
    There is an increasing focus on how various social identities intersect and influence communication practices, particularly in discussions of race, gender, and sexuality.
  2. Crisis and Health Communication:
    Research on how communication strategies are employed during health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is trending. This includes studies on misinformation, public health messaging, and community resilience.
  3. Digital and Social Media Engagement:
    Emerging studies are exploring the dynamics of communication on digital platforms, including social media activism, online community building, and the impact of algorithms on public discourse.
  4. Participatory and Community-based Approaches:
    There is a growing trend towards participatory research methods that engage communities in the research process, reflecting a shift towards more inclusive and collaborative communication practices.
  5. Environmental Communication:
    Scholarly attention to how communication shapes public understanding and action around environmental issues is increasing, particularly in the context of climate change and sustainability.

Declining or Waning

While 'Communication Studies' continues to evolve, certain themes have shown a decline in prominence over recent years. These waning scopes reflect shifts in societal interests or methodological trends within the field.
  1. Traditional Rhetorical Analysis:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in papers focused exclusively on traditional rhetorical analysis, possibly due to a shift towards more interdisciplinary approaches that incorporate contemporary social issues.
  2. Static Media Effects Studies:
    Research focusing solely on the effects of media in a linear manner has declined, as scholars increasingly adopt more complex models that consider interactive and participatory media environments.
  3. Individualistic Communication Models:
    The focus on individualistic models of communication is waning as there is a growing recognition of the importance of relational and contextual factors in understanding communication practices.
  4. Overly Theoretical Frameworks without Empirical Basis:
    There seems to be a decrease in papers that rely heavily on abstract theoretical frameworks without empirical validation, as there is a trend towards more practical and applied research.

Similar Journals

International Journal of Strategic Communication

Innovating Research for Real-World Impact.
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1553-118XFrequency: 4 issues/year

International Journal of Strategic Communication, published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a premier journal dedicated to advancing the field of communication studies, particularly in the strategic domain. With an ISSN of 1553-118X and an E-ISSN of 1553-1198, this journal has established itself as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students engaged in the intricate interplay between communication, sociology, and political science. Ranked in the Q2 quartile in both Communication and Sociology & Political Science categories and placed in the 76th percentile in Scopus rankings, it attracts high-quality submissions that contribute to the understanding of strategic communication within various contexts. Since its convergence in 2010, the journal aims to publish innovative research that not only enriches theoretical frameworks but also informs practical applications. With its commitment to rigorous scholarship and real-world relevance, the International Journal of Strategic Communication remains a cornerstone for those looking to explore contemporary challenges and opportunities in the field.

International Journal of Communication

Empowering voices through open access scholarship.
Publisher: USC ANNENBERG PRESSISSN: 1932-8036Frequency: 1 issue/year

International Journal of Communication, published by USC Annenberg Press, is a premier open access journal dedicated to advancing the field of communication studies. Since its inception in 2007, the journal has provided a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students to engage with cutting-edge research, theoretical frameworks, and empirical studies. With an impressive Q1 quartile ranking in Communication for 2023 and a notable Scopus rank of 156 out of 511 in the Social Sciences Communication category, the journal consistently contributes to high-quality scholarly discourse. It covers a wide array of topics, making it a crucial resource for those looking to stay informed about the latest developments in communication research. The journal's commitment to open access enhances its reach and impact, fostering a global community of academics and practitioners dedicated to exploring the complexities of communication in contemporary society. This makes the International Journal of Communication an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of communication today.

JOURNAL OF BROADCASTING & ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Media
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0883-8151Frequency: 4 issues/year

The JOURNAL OF BROADCASTING & ELECTRONIC MEDIA, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a premier academic publication in the field of communication, officially recognized in the Q1 category for its exceptional quality and impact. With a rich history dating back to 1985, this journal serves as a vital platform for innovative research and critical discussions surrounding broadcasting and electronic media, addressing contemporary issues in digital communication, media technology, and audience studies. The journal boasts an impressive Scopus rank of #73 out of 511 in the Social Sciences - Communication category, placing it within the top 15% of its field. Researchers, professionals, and students alike benefit from its insightful articles that contribute to understanding the evolving landscape of media and communication. Although it does not currently operate under an Open Access model, its rigorous peer-review process ensures that published works meet high academic standards, sustaining its reputation as a cornerstone for scholarly discourse in the media industry.

Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication

Exploring the Digital Dialogue: Where Technology Meets Communication
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INCISSN: 1083-6101Frequency: 6 issues/year

The Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, published by Oxford University Press, stands as a premier platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of Communication, Computer Networks and Communications, and Computer Science Applications. Since its inception in 1995, this Open Access journal has provided invaluable insights into the evolving dynamics of human interaction through digital mediums. The journal has garnered an impressive reputation, evidenced by its Q1 ranking in multiple categories and a remarkable Scopus rank of #22 out of 511 in the Communication field, placing it in the 95th percentile. Covering diverse topics up to 2024, it is essential for researchers, professionals, and students alike seeking to explore the intersections of technology and communication. With its commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering academic engagement, the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication is pivotal for anyone invested in understanding the profound impact of technology on social interaction.

Discourse & Communication

Advancing the dialogue between communication and linguistics.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 1750-4813Frequency: 6 issues/year

Discourse & Communication, published by SAGE Publications Inc, stands at the forefront of interdisciplinary research, bridging the realms of Communication and Linguistics. Since its inception in 2007, this esteemed journal has consistently maintained a Q1 quartile ranking, underscoring its impact and relevance within the academic community, particularly with an impressive 89th percentile ranking in Social Sciences - Linguistics and Language and a notable 75th percentile in Social Sciences - Communication. The journal seeks to foster critical dialogue and innovative perspectives through empirical studies, theoretical contributions, and methodological advancements. Researchers, professionals, and students alike can benefit from its rich repository of knowledge and cutting-edge research, ensuring a robust platform for the exploration and dissemination of ideas in the field. With its dedicated focus on discourse analysis and communication studies, Discourse & Communication remains an essential resource for anyone engaged in the evolving landscape of social interaction and language use.

Mass Communication and Society

Connecting Scholars to the Heart of Communication Studies
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1520-5436Frequency: 6 issues/year

Mass Communication and Society is an esteemed journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, focusing on the dynamic field of communication studies. With its ISSN 1520-5436 and E-ISSN 1532-7825, the journal has established itself as a leading platform for high-quality research since its inception. With a prestigious positioning in the Q1 category of Communication as of 2023, it ranks impressively at #45 out of 511 in Scopus within the social sciences communication sector, boasting a 91st percentile in its field. The journal serves as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students interested in emergent issues, theories, and methodologies related to mass communication and its impact on society. Although it does not offer Open Access options, the journal remains committed to advancing scholarly discourse and providing rigorous insights into how communication shapes social dynamics. Since its converged years from 2008 to 2024, Mass Communication and Society continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in a rapidly evolving academic landscape, making it a must-read for anyone invested in the communication discipline.

Communications-European Journal of Communication Research

Illuminating Insights in Communication Practices
Publisher: DE GRUYTER MOUTONISSN: 0341-2059Frequency: 4 issues/year

Communications-European Journal of Communication Research is a premier journal published by DE GRUYTER MOUTON, dedicated to fostering scholarly discourse in the field of communication studies. With a publication history spanning over four decades, from 1976 through to 2024, this journal serves as a vital resource for researchers and practitioners interested in the latest advancements and theoretical developments in communication. The journal is recognized for its rigorous peer-review process and has earned a commendable reputation, evidenced by its ranking in the Q2 quartile in both Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous) and Communication categories for 2023. Its Scopus rankings signify its relevance and impact, positioning it within the top quartile of the discipline's literature. Although not an open access journal, it provides access to a wide range of research that contributes significantly to the understanding of communication practices across diverse contexts. Scholars, professionals, and students alike will find a wealth of knowledge that not only sharpens their academic pursuits but also enriches practical applications in the communication landscape.

JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION

Unveiling the Complexities of Language and Communication.
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INCISSN: 0021-9916Frequency: 6 issues/year

Welcome to the JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION, a premier academic publication in the fields of Communication and Linguistics, published by Oxford University Press Inc. Since its inception in 1951, this journal has been dedicated to fostering scholarly dialogue and advancing research in the dynamic landscape of communication studies. With an impressive impact factor and Q1 ranking in both Communication and Linguistics categories for 2023, it stands among the most influential journals, ranking 6th out of 1088 in Language and Linguistics and 10th out of 511 in Communication, reflecting its esteemed position in the academic community. The journal aims to publish innovative and rigorous research that explores the multifaceted dimensions of communication, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Although it is not an open-access journal, readers can access the valuable insights and groundbreaking studies contained within its pages at Journals Dept, 2001 Evans Rd, Cary, NC, 27513, United States, ensuring that crucial findings and theoretical advancements remain within reach of those passionate about the field.

Southern Communication Journal

Innovating Perspectives in Communication Studies
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1041-794XFrequency: 4 issues/year

Southern Communication Journal, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands as a pivotal platform within the field of communication studies. With an ISSN of 1041-794X and an E-ISSN of 1930-3203, this esteemed journal has been contributing to the academic dialogue since 1988 and continues to do so through its committed coverage until 2024. Residing in the United Kingdom, the journal embraces a broad spectrum of topics within communication, providing insights that range from interpersonal communication to media studies. Notably, it is categorized in the Q3 quartile for communication in the 2023 rankings, showcasing its reputable position among peers, particularly with a Scopus ranking that places it at the 42nd percentile within the Social Sciences Communication category. Though it does not currently offer open access, the journal remains a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students interested in deepening their understanding of communication theory and practice, exploring innovative perspectives, and stimulating scholarly exchange.

Communication Research Reports

Empowering Insights Through Rigorous Research
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0882-4096Frequency: 4 issues/year

Communication Research Reports, published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, is an esteemed academic journal in the field of communication studies, known for its rigor and scholarly contribution since its inception in 1988. With an impressive Q1 ranking in the Communication category as of 2023, it stands out as a pivotal resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. This journal focuses on disseminating high-quality empirical research and theoretical discussions that advance understanding in communication practices and dynamics. Although it does not operate under an Open Access model, its consistent publication continues to engage a global audience and supports the ongoing dialogue within the discipline. With its commitment to enhancing scholarly communication, Communication Research Reports is vital for those looking to stay abreast of cutting-edge developments in the social sciences, specifically within communication.