CITATION AND COPYRIGHT INFORMATION:
Cite as: Dervin, B. & Song, M., eds. (2004). Communication as a field -- historical origins, diversity as strength/weakness, orientation toward research in the public interest: 54 ruminations from field grandparents, parents, and a few feisty grandchildren. Background paper for the "Strength of our methodological divides: Five navigators, their struggles and successes" plenary and post-plenary dialogue, International Communication Association annual meeting, May 27-31, New Orleans, LA.
©Brenda Dervin & Mei Song, 2004.

ABSTRACT:
This paper was prepared as background for a plenary session and post-plenary dialogue focusing navigating methodological divides in the communication field, held at the 2004 annual meeting of the International Communication Association. The paper presents the "30 second" answers of 54 communication field scholars -- mostly field grandparents and parents and a few grandchildren -- to these questions: *In what historical situation(s) did communication as a field "spin off" from other fields? Why? *How do you account for the field's many approaches, foci, methodologies, methods? Is this diversity strength and/or weakness? *In your view, what is the historical relationship of communication studies (however you define it) to this year's ICA theme -- research in the public interest?

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OTHER MATERIALS BY THESE AUTHORS ON THIS WEB SITE:
For Dervin,
See: http://communication.sbs.ohio-state.edu/sense-making/AAauthors/authorlistdervin.html

For Song,
See: http://communication.sbs.ohio-state.edu/sense-making/AAauthors/authorlistsong.html