| Abstract: | Summary To summarize, it has been the thesis of this paper that research in AV communication embraces research in all areas of the
social sciences. Possibilities for future research were analyzed under four headings: (a) empirical investigation into classicial-type
effects problems, the mass media of communication, areas such as learning which are basic to communication study, and projective
and AV testing; (b) conceptualistic investigation into theoretical problems, history, and philosophy; (c) action research
embracing technical developments, campaign-type studies, curriculum studies, and organizational surveys; (d) criticism including
literary criticism applied to the products of the mass media, scientific criticism, and social value criticism. The directions
for AV communication research seem plain enough. The problem is the tremendous distance we have to go.
The many possibilities for future AV communication research are analyzed and fruitful suggestions of procedure are discussed.
James D. Finn is Associate Professor of Education and Chairman of the Audio-Visual Education Department, University of Southern
California. This article is based upon a paper presented at the Research Section meeting of the DAVI National Convention in
Chicago in March, 1954.
Society not only continues to existby transmission,by communication, but it may fairly be said to existin transmission,in communication. There is more than a verbal tie between the words common, community, and communication. Men live in a community
in virtue of the things which they have in common; and communication is the way in which they come to possess things in common.
Persons do not become a society by living in physical proximity … If, however, they were all cognizant of the common end and
all interested in it so that they regulated their specific activity in view of it, then they would form a community… Concensus
demands communication… Not only is social life identical with communication, but all communication… is educative (11:5–6). |
