DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to introduce you to various methods used in the study of communication. You will learn basic elements of the research process. Procedures for developing questions, operationalizing them and testing them will be discussed. Content analysis, survey research and experiments will be examined with reference to specific applications.

COURSE GOALS: You will understand, evaluate and intelligently apply research questions.

TEXT: Frey, L, et al.(1999). Investigating communication: An introduction to research methods. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

EVALUATION.

Exams (2) (50 pts each): There are two exams. The second will be given during Finals week.

Research Proposal:

Tools (25 pts): You will submit the hypotheses, constructs, concepts, variable list and terms of your research proposal.

Design (25 pts): You will submit a description of your research methods.

Final Paper (50 pts): You will submit revised versions of the tools and design sections and a new analysis section.

Attendance (50 pts): Taken at random. Tardiness will be treated as an entire class period. A tenth of your attendance grade will be deducted for each missed class subsequent to your first absence.

Policy on missed exams, projects and plagiarism. You must take exams and present your projects on the assigned dates. There will be no exceptions. Plagiarism will not be tolerated (see "Avoiding Plagiarism." Holt Handbook. (1988)). p. 562.

GRADING

Grading will be based on the performance of the group (F<60%).



SCHEDULE


Topics & Readings (The instructor maintains the right to deviate from the following schedule)


Week

1
Introduction, Theory Building
Read Chapter 1


2 & 3
Questions, Hypotheses
Read Chapter 2


4 & 5
Constructs, Variables and Measurement
Read Chapter 4&5


Aug. 1
First Assignment--Tools


July 25
Exam 1


6
Design--Experimental Research
Read Chapter 7


7
Design-- Survey Research
Read Chapter 8


8
Design--Textual, Content Analytic Research
Read Chapter 9&10


Aug.22
Second Assignment--Design


9

Statistics--Differences
Read Chapter 11, 12 & 13

Statistics--Similarity
Read Chapter 14



Aug.23
Third Assignment Research Proposal -- Final Paper



Finals Week
Exam 2