Human communication is a highly complex phenomenon that can be approached from numerous theoretical perspectives of varying nature. It is a good example of how traditional metatheoretical, epistemological and methodological controversies can be channeled through a body of knowledge whose aim is the rational and systematic search for different approaches, interconnections and complementary features.

The extraordinarily wide range of aspects to be considered and the experiential richness that goes hand in hand with every communicative episode make it necessary to choose observational methodology, capable of being both flexible and objective.

In the first stage of the process involving observational methodology, qualitative methodology is preferred for the study of communication given the wide range of options it provides in terms of data collection, but it's high relevant the characterization and application of a quantitative approach in the second stage of an observation of communicative behaviour. Current advances involving the use of sophisticated methodological resources, which enable much greater rigor through the process.