ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors identify current issues in communication research and theory that merit attention. Increased specialization, a commitment to intersubjectivity of meaning and rigor, the need to examine extant theories and further develop those that can be applied to help solve practical problems, and refining methodological issues, measurement in particular, should be key concerns among researchers interested in advancing our growing discipline. The authors argue that more powerful theories are needed in order to effectively address practical problems in communication; in turn, improving theoretical precision will require the use of improved research methods, especially regarding measurement.
