This article discusses four basic characteristics of Steven Chaffee's resea
rch: going beyond the "common research wisdom," careful explication of conc
epts avoiding unsubstantiated charges against the media, and investigation
of the social aspects of communication. The evolution of political socializ
ation research is used as an example of how these characteristics have stre
ngthened Chaffee's contribution to that area and to the larger field of pol
itical communication. It is argued that the future of this field would bene
fit from emulation of these characteristics. Continuing problems of politic
al communication research are noted, and various emerging problems are disc
ussed.