Communication Studies 333: Research Methods in Communication Studies, a three-credit course that examines a specialized branch of social sciences research. The course is intended to serve as a foundation for other courses in our Communication Studies program and as a stepping stone into senior level research. In this course, you will learn about the basic tenets of the scientific method, including an exploration of its two major branches: quantitative and qualitative research. You will also encounter a discussion of the ethics of research and will learn about sampling, content analysis, survey methods, longitudinal research, and experimental research.
Outline
This course consists of nine units. Each unit includes learning objectives, commentary, a reading assignment, recommended additional readings, and references. Together, these units direct your study of the course content, and indicate the assignments you should be working on at a given time. Instructions for completing the assignments are located in the "Assignment File" section of this manual.
Unit 1: Introduction to Communication Studies Research
Unit 2: Ethics and Sampling in Research
Unit 3: Choosing Qualitative Research
Unit 4: Qualitative Research: Tools
Unit 5: Content Analysis and Survey Research
Unit 6: Longitudinal and Experimental Research
Unit 7: Research Applications: Print, Electronic Media, and Advertising
Unit 8: Writing a Research Proposal
Unit 9: Research Applications: Public Relations, Internet, and Media Effects
Objectives
Research Methods in Communication Studies is intended to
Appreciate the sensitive nature of human subject research ethically,
Understand the nature of communication studies research,
Appreciate the difference between qualitative and quantitative methods,
Explore the use of surveys and content analysis as well when to use laboratory experiments and
Apply research skills to asking scientific questions of media of a variety of types.
Evaluation
To receive credit for CMNS 333, you must complete all assignments, achieve a grade of at least 50% on the final exam, and obtain a minimum composite course grade of at least D (50 percent). The weighting of the composite mark is as follows:
Activity
Weight
Unit Assignments (8 x 5%)
40%
Tests (2 x 5%)
10%
Research Proposal
20%
Final Examination
30%
Total
100%
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Wimmer, R. D. & Dominick, J. R. (2006). Mass media research: an introduction. 8th edition. Thomson/Wadsworth. (Print)
Other Materials
Most of the course materials for CMNS 333 are available online through the myAU portal. There are also print materials and a textbook, and these will be sent to you before your course start date, and audio-visual material (DVD format) available through Athabasca University Library
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the CMNS 333 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on the examination.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.