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Communication Theory and Research Methods

133 resources created by 108 users

This Communication Theory and Research Methods page on GoConqr gathers community-made quizzes, mind maps, flashcards and notes, from models of communication and uncertainty reduction to rhetoric, persuasion and content analysis. It's built for university students going over course theory and for teachers after ready-made material. There are over 130 resources here, including more than 50 mind maps and more than 50 flashcard decks, contributed by over 100 people. Pick a topic, try a quiz to find your gaps, then see what you can recall.

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About Communication Theory and Research Methods

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What this page covers

This unit collects study material on how communication works and how it is studied. The resources were made by GoConqr users, mostly around university course units. You will find theory vocabulary, named theories, and a few items on research skills.

  • Models and basics: the Communication models mind map, the Levels of Communication mind map, and the Communications mind map, which compares the linear model with others.
  • Named theories: Uncertainty Reduction Theory, Face Negotiation Theory, Diffusion of Innovations, Knowledge Gap Theory and Parasocial Interaction.
  • Media and persuasion: Propaganda and Public Opinion, the Theory of persuasion maps, and the Public Sphere.
  • Research methods: two Content Analysis mind maps, the Public relations research quiz, an Interviewing map and a 1_Literature Review map.

Where to start

If the field is new to you, begin with the What is communication? mind map and the Communication models map. They set out the basic vocabulary. Then open the flashcard deck Communication Theory Test 1, which covers the basic components of communication such as source, sender and message.

Next, move to the deck Comm Theory Test 2, which asks you to fill in blanks on functionalism and the functions of the media. For rhetoric and narrative ideas, the COM 230 Final Definitions and COM 230 Final Concepts decks list terms like enthymeme and the narrative paradigm.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a mind map first to see how a theory fits together. Then take a quiz without looking. The Gain frame vs loss frame arguments quiz works well after the persuasion maps. The Moss' 306 Final quiz suits you after the Uncertainty Reduction Theory map, since it asks about that theory directly.

Note the questions you miss and go back to the matching map or deck. Flashcards help most for definitions, and maps help most for how ideas connect.

Where this unit fits

This unit sits in the Foundations of Communication strand of the Communication and journalism subject. Because the material comes from many different courses, naming and emphasis vary. Compare two maps on the same theory to see the differences.

Teachers can use the slide set WK1 Communication Today Lecture Slides or any deck as ready-made material. When you are ready, choose one theory from the list and open its map, then test yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Which resource should I open first?

Start with the What is communication? mind map or the Communication models map for the basic vocabulary. Then try the flashcard deck Communication Theory Test 1, which covers the basic components of communication. Once those feel familiar, the Gain frame vs loss frame arguments quiz gives you a quick test of a specific idea.

Are the resources free to use?

Yes. Every resource listed on this page is free to open, study and take, with no account needed. They were made by GoConqr users, not by GoConqr itself, so styles differ. A free account also saves your quiz scores and lets you make your own quizzes, mind maps, flashcards and notes.

What do the mind maps cover?

There are more than 50 mind maps. Some cover models of communication, others cover named theories such as Uncertainty Reduction Theory, Face Negotiation Theory and Diffusion of Innovations. You will also find maps on persuasion, the public sphere, content analysis, interviewing and literature review.

Who are these resources written for?

They suit university students going over course theory, and teachers who want ready-made material. Almost all of the resources are at university level. Many come from named courses, so check that a deck or map matches your own syllabus before relying on it.

Is there anything on research methods?

Yes, though theory is the larger part. Look at the two content analysis mind maps, the Public relations research quiz, the Interviewing mind map and the 1_Literature Review mind map. There is also a note called Research and investigation Skills for a quick read.

What if my topic is missing?

The resources come from over 100 contributors, so coverage follows what they chose to make. If your theory is not listed, try a related map, such as a broader communication models map, for context. You can also build your own flashcards or mind map on the topic.

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