Communication in Relationships (04:192:201): Choose a Topic

Step 1 - Choose an aspect of interpersonal relationships, then...

• Specify a context in which the relationship occurs.
• Think about all the possibilities that define a two-person interaction.
• Choose, for example, between relationships of intimates, strangers, family members, friends, different cultures, co-workers, etc. You can search for concepts in these encyclopedias:
  • Encyclopedia of Human Relationships
  • International Encyclopedia of Interpersonal Communication
• Review theories that describe them.
• Remember ---all interpersonal relationships and interactions hinge upon how you define or perceive yourself, your role in relationships and how others perceive themselves.

Step 2 - Decide on your topic

• Search on broad topics first to get ideas. This will help you identify search terms (keywords or subject terms) used to describe the theory, relationship, or context you have chosen.
• With a rough topic area you can begin browsing or searching to preliminarily assess current discourse, available resources, and feasibility of your topic.
• Allow yourself a limited amount of time before deciding upon your topic, and stick to it!  Many a student's hour is wasted from abandoning a topic and starting all over again.
• This is also a good time to consult your instructor regarding whether your topic is properly framed in the context of your course work.

Step 3 - Writing research questions

• Record the logical questions (several) you will need to answer for different aspects of your topic. Only then are you ready to search the very narrow topics covered by journal articles.

Skim reference books and other trusted sources: Reference sources remain useful tools for finding background information on important research, scholars, and topics in a field. Here are some useful resources for research in interpersonal communication.

Try the following:

• Explore the theories and circumstances surrounding interpersonal concepts using the Encyclopedia of Communication Theory. Once you're at the site, look for the search box and enter "interpersonal" as your search.

• ComAbstracts has a visual search explorer that you may find helpful - click on "Visual Communication Concept Explorer" on the top right side of the scree.