MFCO205 Communication Research Methods

Overview

Introduction to communication research and methods used to conduct research on communication.

Communication Research Methods introduces students to the fundamental assumptions, principles and practices that are used in contemporary communication research. This practical knowledge is highly valued among prospective employers in government, corporate and community sectors. The paper assumes no prior knowledge of social science research and will guide students through to confidently undertake small-scale communication research projects.

About this paper

Prerequisite

18 COMS or MFCO points

Schedule C

Arts and Music

Contact

mfco@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

To be advised when next offered.

Paper Structure

The paper covers two key areas:

• Assumptions, principles and practices, including ethical considerations, associated with quantitative methods used in communication research; and identifying appropriate tools to address a research question or hypothesis.
• Assumptions, principles and practices, including ethical considerations, associated with qualitative methods used in communication research; and identifying appropriate methods to address a research question or issue.

These fundemental research methods are then combined utilizing online systems of data collection and analysis to present both quantitative and qualitative results in one research project.  The concept of Mixed Methods Research underlies this approach

Assessment:

• Research proposal: 25%
• Media Journal/Blog: 15%
• In-Class Test: 20%
• Research Report: 40%

Teaching Arrangements

Lectures and tutorials.

Textbooks

To be advised when next offered.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper should be able to:

• Use analytical and applied skills to identify a communication problem or issue
• Locate appropriate methods to analyse communication phenomena
• Successfully plan, undertake and report upon a small research project utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Critically analyse communication research methods and findings reported in the media

Timetable

Overview

Introduction to communication research and methods used to conduct research on communication.

Communication Research Methods introduces students to the fundamental assumptions, principles and practices that are used in contemporary communication research. This practical knowledge is highly valued among prospective employers in government, corporate and community sectors. The paper assumes no prior knowledge of social science research and will guide students through to confidently undertake small-scale communication research projects.

About this paper

Prerequisite

18 COMS or MFCO points

Schedule C

Arts and Music

Contact

mfco@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

To be advised when next offered.

Paper Structure

The paper covers two key areas:

• Assumptions, principles and practices, including ethical considerations, associated with quantitative methods used in communication research; and identifying appropriate tools to address a research question or hypothesis.
• Assumptions, principles and practices, including ethical considerations, associated with qualitative methods used in communication research; and identifying appropriate methods to address a research question or issue.

These fundemental research methods are then combined utilising online systems of data collection and analysis to present both quantitative and qualitative results in one research project.  The concept of Mixed Methods Research underlies this approach

Assessment:

• Research proposal: 25%
• Media Journal/Blog: 15%
• In-Class Test: 20%
• Research Report: 40%

Teaching Arrangements

Lectures and tutorials.

Textbooks

To be advised when next offered.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper should be able to:

• Use analytical and applied skills to identify a communication problem or issue
• Locate appropriate methods to analyse communication phenomena
• Successfully plan, undertake and report upon a small research project utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Critically analyse communication research methods and findings reported in the media

Timetable