COMMUNICATION THEORY

Scope & Guideline

Pioneering Research at the Intersection of Language and Society

Introduction

Welcome to the COMMUNICATION THEORY 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 THEORY, 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
ISSN1050-3293
PublisherOXFORD UNIV PRESS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1991 to 2024
AbbreviationCOMMUN THEOR / Commun. Theory
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressJOURNALS DEPT, 2001 EVANS RD, CARY, NC 27513

Aims and Scopes

Communication Theory focuses on the theoretical underpinnings and empirical research within the field of communication, emphasizing the interplay between media, technology, and society. The journal seeks to advance the understanding of communication processes by exploring diverse perspectives and methodologies.
  1. Interdisciplinary Communication Studies:
    The journal covers a broad range of communication-related topics, integrating insights from various disciplines including sociology, psychology, political science, and media studies, fostering a comprehensive understanding of communication phenomena.
  2. Theoretical Innovations:
    Communication Theory emphasizes the development and critique of theoretical frameworks that explain communication processes, such as media effects, public sphere theory, and the role of technology in shaping communication.
  3. Empirical Research:
    The journal publishes empirical studies that investigate communication practices and their social implications, utilizing qualitative and quantitative methodologies to provide evidence-based insights.
  4. Cultural and Global Perspectives:
    There is a strong focus on cultural diversity and global perspectives in communication, exploring how different cultural contexts influence communication practices and media consumption.
  5. Critical and Reflexive Approaches:
    The journal encourages critical reflections on communication theories and practices, addressing issues of power, ethics, and social justice in communication.
Recent publications in Communication Theory indicate a shift towards emerging themes that reflect current societal changes and technological advancements. This section outlines the most notable trends observed in the journal's recent issues.
  1. Digital Communication and Technology:
    A growing emphasis on digital communication, including the implications of social media, artificial intelligence, and digital propaganda, reflects the increasing relevance of technology in shaping communication practices.
  2. Critical Communication and Social Justice:
    There is a notable trend towards exploring critical perspectives on communication, particularly concerning issues of identity, race, and social justice, highlighting the role of communication in addressing societal inequalities.
  3. Public Sphere and Civic Engagement:
    Recent studies focus on the evolution of the public sphere in the digital age, examining how communication shapes civic engagement, public discourse, and political participation.
  4. Disinformation and Misinformation:
    The journal is increasingly publishing research on disinformation and misinformation, particularly how they affect public perception and communication strategies in contemporary media landscapes.
  5. Ethics and Moral Frameworks in Communication:
    Emerging themes include discussions on ethics in communication practice, exploring moral frameworks that guide communication in various contexts, including journalism and public relations.

Declining or Waning

While Communication Theory continues to evolve, some themes have seen a decline in prominence over recent years. This section highlights areas that have become less central to the journal's focus.
  1. Traditional Media Effects Theories:
    The journal has seen a decrease in publications centered around traditional media effects theories, as scholars shift their focus to more nuanced understandings of media influence in the context of digital and social media.
  2. Static Models of Communication:
    There is a noticeable decline in the use of static or linear models of communication, as the field increasingly embraces dynamic and contextual models that better capture the complexities of contemporary communication.
  3. Historical Communication Studies:
    Research focused solely on historical perspectives of communication has waned, giving way to studies that integrate historical insights with current issues and trends in communication.

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