This volume pioneers an integrated approach to communication theory and research, bridging diverse subfields and methodologies. The book aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for both experienced researchers and students new to the field, offering a curated selection of contemporary theories and studies across various communication domains. It specifically addresses the integration of mass and speech communication, broadening the reader's understanding of the discipline. The editors' ultimate goal is to foster collaborative efforts toward a more unified and empirically grounded framework for communication scholarship.

The book is presented as a significant contribution to the field, aiming to break new ground by focusing on the integration of communication theory and research. Its structure as a 'sampler' suggests an effort to provide a broad overview of current scholarship, making it accessible to both new students and established academics. The explicit goal of bridging mass and speech communication indicates a desire to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration within the communication studies community. The editors' hope is that this integrated approach will inspire future research and lead to a more cohesive understanding of the discipline.