Change over time is a basic property of human communication that needs
more careful treatment in theory and research. But the designs most com
mon in communication research today are incapable of generating data that
support theoretical interpretations of change over time. The article develops
and provides evidence for two criteria that a research design must meet in
order to provide full information on change over time. It also examines the
use of the criteria in designing new studies and in assessing past research.
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