Theory and Empirically Based Theory Development

Abstract

Theory, as defined in this entry, is understood as based on empirical (media and communication) research in a dual way: on the one hand, as guiding this research and, on the other hand, as a result of this research. Due to recent developments in the field of media and communications, many established theories—which mainly were rooted in ideas and models of so‐called “mass communication”—seem to be limited for describing present processes of media and communications. As a consequence, empirically based theory development has gained high importance, and is therefore outlined as fundamental for media and communication research.