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Overview

Communication Research Methods introduces students to important paradigms, principles, and practices used in contemporary research, teaching practical skills useful for postgraduate study and valued in a variety of sectors.

About this paper

Paper title Communication Research Methods
Subject Media, Film and Communication
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,103.10
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
18 200-level MFCO points or 54 200-level Arts points
Restriction
MFCO 205
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Contact

To be advised.

Teaching staff
Lecturer and Convener: Dr Rachel Billington

Textbooks

To be advised.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

To be advised.

Learning Outcomes

To be advised.

Overview

Communication Research Methods introduces students to important paradigms, principles, and practices used in contemporary research, teaching practical skills useful for postgraduate study and valued in a variety of sectors.

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

Paper title Communication Research Methods
Subject Media, Film and Communication
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
18 200-level MFCO points or 54 200-level Arts points
Restriction
MFCO 205
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Contact

mfco@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff
Lecturer and Convener: Dr Rachel Billington

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 fundamental 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.

Teaching Arrangements

Lectures and tutorials. 

Textbooks

Course readings will be available on eReserve through Aoroa.

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 utilising both quantitative and qualitative research methods
  • Critically analyse communication research methods and findings reported in the media
Assessment details

Assessment:

  • Research Proposal (25%)
  • Media Journal/Blog (15%)
  • In-Class Test (20%)
  • Research Report (40%)
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