Not Just Preaching to the Choir: Communication Scholarship Does Make a Difference

Research as a Transdisciplinary Networked Process: A Metaphor for Difference-Making Research

“…In addition to conceptualizing communication researchers as translating research results or intervening in communication practices (Frey, 2009;Hummert, 2009), the metaphor of research as a transdisciplinary networked process wherein scholars actively seek opportunities to connect people, projects, and ideas offers new insights to the conversation begun in the forum. In what follows, we define research as a transdisciplinary networked process.…”

“…Creating interdisciplinary networks of people and ideas has multiple justifications and rewards (several articulated by Hummert, 2009), but two seem particularly relevant for difference-making research. First, interdisciplinary networking exposes people outside the discipline to our research traditions and insights.…”

Qualitative research interviews

“…Their conclusions have implications for all social science disciplines. Some claimed that researchers make a difference via translational research (i.e., making results available to others) and through offering guidance, advice, or interventions (Frey, 2009;Hummert, 2009;Seeger, 2009). These perspectives are focused on the content and outcomes of research as well as how what we learn through research can produce societal, institutional, relational, and personal change.…”

Community Partners' Assessment of Service Learning in an Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Course

“…Service learning's rapid growth can be attributed in part to growing calls for university education to connect in clear and meaningful ways to the world outside of the classroom. For instance, Hummert (2009) asserts that communication research and teaching must "cross the bridge from the academy to the community" (p. 220). Similarly, Kahl (2010) argues that "for students to use communication to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others, they must be engaged in communication scholarship beyond the classroom" (p. 299).…”