Communication and Human Behavior offers students a broad introduction to the study of communication. Expansive yet integrated, rigorous yet readable, this text presumes that the study of communication in human affairs is a complex phenomenon with important and far-reaching effects. Employing a thorough description of a variety of approaches and using the cohering insights of systems theory, Communication and Human Behavior presents the broad and colorful landscape of the field to students, outlines the history of communication study, and focuses on communication as a basic life process. Further, it develops an awareness of verbal and nonverbal codes used in sending and receiving messages, and examines the role of media in multiple contexts of human life.
New and Enduring Features

An increased emphasis on the most up-to-date research in the field and how it relates to key aspects of students' everyday lives.
"Research Profiles" highlight the work of contemporary scholars in the Communication field, allowing students to see what types of field research are currently being done and by whom.
Several topics new to this edition include communication technology, family communication, and leadership.
The text offers extensive and well-informed information on the nature of persuasion and the rhetorical basis of the field, making students aware of the power of language and of their need to consider their audience.
A chapter on public speech communication introduces the fundamentals of speech communication and mass communication.
Special topics like animal vs. human communication, ethical issues, diversity issues, gender issues, and interculturalcommunication show students how variously and completely the communication process shapes their lives.
The text provides coverage of theory (and contemporary research) by discussing significant issues in communication theory both historically and in contemporary society, while demonstrating to students the relevance of communication theory for their lives.

Most chapters end with "Summary" and "Implications and Applications."

1.Communication-Definitions and Theories.
Why Study Communication?
Theories: Guides for Analysis and Action.
Understanding Communication.
Fundamentals of Communication.
Communication: A Definition.
Goals of Communication and Human Behavior.

2.Development of Communication Study.
Early Communication Study.
The 1900s - 1930s: Development of Speech and Journalism.
The 1940s and 1950s: Interdisciplinary Growth.
The 1960s: Integration.
The 1970s and Early 1980s: Growth and Specialization.
The Late 1980s - 1990s: The Information Age.
Reflections on the Evolution of Communication Theory.
The Evolution of the Discipline.

3.Communication--A Basic Life Process.
Communication Processes in Animals and Humans.
Communication Modes.
Basic Functions of Communication.
Beyond S-M-R=E: The Adaptation Perspective.

4.Fundamentals of Human Communication.
The Communication Iceberg.
Visible Aspects of Communication.
Invisible Aspects of Communication.

5.Message Reception.
Selection.
Interpretation.
Retention - Memory.
Receiver Influences.
Message Influences.
Source Influences.
Media and Environmental Influences.
An Active and Complex Process.

6.Verbal Codes.
Message Production.
Encoding and Decoding.
Process Versus Meaning - Centered Models of Communication
The Nature of Language.
Language Acquisition.
Representation.
Conversation.
Social and Public Communication.

7.Nonverbal Codes.
Similarities between Verbal and Nonverbal Codes.
Differences between Verbal and Nonverbal Codes.
Paralanguage.
TheFace.
The Body.
Gestures-Kinesics.
Touch-Haptics.
Time-Chronemics.
Messages and Meanings: MS=MR.

8.Media.
The Tool-Making Animal.
Media and Their Functions.
Types of Media.
Evolution of Communication Media: From Smoke Signals to the Internet.
Impact of Media on Contemporary Life.
Technological Convergence.
The International Scene.
Mediated Communication: A Mixed Blessing.
Media and the Quality of Life.

9.The Individual.
Reaction, Action, and Interaction.
Interpretation.
Cognitive Development.
Self-Development.
Self-Expression.
Self-Awareness.

10.Relationships.
Interpersonal Communication and Relationships.
Types of Relationships.
The Evolution of Relationships.
Relational Patterns.
Factors That Influence Patterns.

11.Groups.
Groups: Fiction and Fact.
Why People Join Groups.
Group Development.
Group Culture: Symbols, Rules, and Codes.
Decision-Making.
Roles and Responsibilities.
Leadership.
Cohesiveness.
Conflicts in Groups.
Mediated Groups.

12.Organizations.
Communication and Organizations.
Organizational Goals.
Roles and Responsibilities.
Management Functions.
Organizational Theories.
Communication Networks.
Organizational Culture.
Organizational Climate.
Organizational Diversity.

13.Cultures and Societies.
A Case Study: The Culture of the Underground.
The Nature of Culture.
The Relationship between Communication and Culture.
Characteristics of Culture.
The Role of Mediated Communication.
Cultural Adaptation.
Intercultural Communication.
Societies--Complex Cultural and Communication Systems.
Information Societies.
International Communication: The Global Village.

14.Public and Mass Communication.
What Is Public and Mass Communication?
The Role of Public and Mass Communication.
Understanding Public Communication.
Understanding Mass Communication.
The Effects of Public and Mass Communication.

Index.