ABSTRACT
As part of an effort to contribute to that discussion, this chapter offers a window into the level of sample representativeness within Interpersonal Communication research, as reflected by manuscripts published in several Communication journals during the past five years. The first criterion was that the journal be affiliated with either the National Communication Association or the International Communication Association. While that criterion eliminated journals that often publish interpersonal communication research (e.g., Journal of Social and Personal Research, Communication Research), authors felt that it was the appropriate decision for this initial analysis. The second criterion for journal selection was that they publish empirical pieces (e.g., eliminating Quarterly Journal of Speech). First, the notion that a “sound study design” can overcome problems of sample representativeness reflects a misunderstanding of the basic distinction between internal and external validity. Second, the call is not for samples that perfectly represent all possible population characteristics.
