COMMColloquium

COMMunity Panel Discussion: Diverse Approaches to Theory and Knowledge Claims

Moderated by Colten Meisner, COMM PhD Candidate, Cornell University

1pm in 102 Mann

Why do we theorize? When is it important, or not, in communication research? What constitutes a theoretical contribution? What forms of knowledge claims are deemed “theoretical” or “atheoretical”? This roundtable discussion will focus on the practice and goals of social science research in the field of communication. We aim to bring into conversation the field’s varied perspectives—including media psychology, science communication, and critical media and technology studies—regarding the role and relevance of theory in contemporary communication research. We will attend to the distinctions among research paradigms in terms of how they differently understand, construct, and present knowledge claims and theory development. Finally, as part of a land grant university with an established commitment to outreach and extension, we also wish to consider how theory can inform these commitments to public engagement in a meaningful way.

Panelists:

Sahara Byrne (PhD, University of California, Santa Barbara) is Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Strategic Programs in CALS and Professor of Communication. Her research examines the unintended effects of persuasive messaging, especially around prosocial issues such as health campaigns. Byrne joined the Cornell faculty in 2007.

Brooke Erin Duffy (PhD, University of Pennsylvania) is Associate Professor of Communication and core faculty in the program on Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies. The author of three books on digital media industries, Duffy’s current research explores the inequalities of the social media creator economy. She joined the Cornell faculty in 2016.

Sarah Gilbert (PhD, University of British Columbia) is Research Director of the Citizens and Technology (CAT) Lab in the Department of Communication. Her research focuses on understanding and design healthy online communities with an emphasis on community-engaged work. Gilbert joined the CAT Lab in 2022.

Bruce Lewenstein (PhD, University of Pennsylvania) is University Ombuds and Professor of Science Communication, with a joint appointment in the Department of Communication and the Department of Science & Technology Studies. His research focuses on the public communication of science and technology. Lewenstein has been a member of the Cornell faculty since 1987.