07/21/2026
2027 ECA Convention Theory and Methodology Interest Group Call for Submissions
Call for Submissions
Theory and Methodology Interest Group
118th Eastern Communication Association Annual Convention
Full Circle | Hyatt Regency, Reston, VA | March 30–April 4, 2027
Submission Deadline: October 9, 2026, 11:59 PM PST
Submit here.
For the first time in 16 years, the Commonwealth of Virginia will host the ECA Annual Convention. The 2027 convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency Reston in Fairfax County — an area where discourse shapes national dialogue, diverse communities converge, and history unfolds. The theme, "Full Circle," invites reflection on cyclical ideas, relationships, and professional journeys.
The Theory and Methodology Interest Group invites paper, panel, and round table submissions that engage creatively and rigorously with the Full Circle theme. We encourage submissions of original empirical research, literature review, conceptual theory integration, methodological application, and other forms of scholarship that center on theory and/or methodology.
The interest group is excited to receive submissions from established scholars and early-career scholars/students.
Suggested Theme Prompts for Theory and Methodology
- How do communication theory and methodology come full circle as paradigms shift, mature, face critique, and generate new foundational questions?
- In what ways do mixed methods, quantitative, interpretive, and critical methodological traditions cycle back to foundational epistemological debates?
- How do technological innovations influence in the circular methodological process of research (e.g., methodological ethics, data collection, analysis, evaluation)?
- How can theory and methodology scholars contribute to a discipline-wide reckoning with what we have learned, forgotten, and need to revisit?
- How can theory and methods scholars contribute to the cyclical nature of learning and instruction in communication (e.g. learning new methodologies and integrating both communication and interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks)
- What does it mean to 'complete the arc' of theoretical development — from developing initial inquiry through literature review and construct explication to examining the theory through discourse, application and empirical evaluation?
Theory and Methodology Submission Types
Competitive Papers
- Maximum 25 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins (Times New Roman preferred)
- Main document MUST be blind — remove all author/institution/contact information, including from document properties and file names
- A one-page abstract
- Include a statement of professional responsibility (see below) at bottom of cover page
- Complete all Attendee Interactive fields: Title, Author(s), Abstract, Categories (student/debut), Scheduling requests
Panel & Roundtable Proposals
- A thematic title for the program.
- Names of the chair and respondents (if any).
- Chairs should not also be designated as respondents.
- Names, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, and institutional affiliations of all participants.
- Titles and abstracts for each paper or presentation.
- A program description (no more than a 75-word) as it should appear in the final program if accepted.
- A detailed rationale for the panel/roundtable.
- A statement of professional responsibility (see below).
Statement of Professional Responsibility
In submitting the attached paper or proposal, I/We recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility. I/We agree to present this panel or paper if it is accepted and programmed. I/We further recognize that all who attend and present at ECA’s annual meeting must register and pay required fees."
Technology & A/V
- All breakout rooms equipped with projector, screen, sound, wireless mouse and slide advancer, Wi-Fi
- Presenters must supply their own laptop
- Google Slides and PowerPoint templates with the Full Circle theme will be available on the ECA convention website
Submit Here.
Questions or interested in reviewing for Theory and Methods? Contact your Interest Group Planner:
Doran Tucker, George Mason University, doran.research@gmail.com or dtucker8@gmu.edu
Acceptance Notifications: January 2027