Comparison of Current Communication Research Status in the United States and Korea

Abstract

This study compares current communication research in the United States and South Korea. Through a thematic meta-analysis of recent communication books published in the two nations between 2002 and 2004, this study identifies the current status of communication research in the U.S. and South Korea in general, and then focuses on the status of research in each nation on the Internet in particular. A total of 782 books were content-analyzed (413 from the U.S. and 369 from South Korea). Findings indicate that the current status of communication research differs between the two nations, although the area of mass communication dominates communication research in both. However, in the area of Internet research, both nations focus on the effects of the Internet, as well as cultural, social, and educational issues. And although researchers in both nations focus on research about the Internet itself and its technical applications, many books deals with the medium's uses and effects on people at the same time.