Biological Dimensions of Communication: Perspectives, Models and Research

Over a decade ago, Beatty and McCroskey developed a paradigm for the scientific study of communication that attributed individual differences in communication to individual differences in underlying neurobiological systems. They called this perspective the communibiological paradigm. In addition to proposing a paradigm supported by a rather specific set of assumptions, Beatty and McCroskey sought to provide a platform for the study of the biological influences on a wide range of communication processes regardless of paradigmatic orientation. This edited volume advances that goal. In-depth discussions of theoretical perspectives in addition to communibiology such as evolutionary psychology, cognitive neuroscience and the biosocial approach and methods of biologically based inquiry - including MRI techniques, EEG analysis, and the measurement of heart rate and hormonal response - are contained in the included chapters. Furthermore, the reader will find coverage of ongoing research programs in interpersonal and mass communications contexts.