Communication Research Methods

Catalog description

The primary purpose of this course is to investigate the communication discipline as a social science. We begin by examining the scientific method and how it is used to produce empirical research that either tests communication theories or generates communication theory. We will examine the foundations of quantitative and qualitative research and will review various methodologies including survey, experiment, content analysis, ethnography, field interviews, and focus group. We will also review different areas of research and theory within the communication discipline (i.e., persuasive, interpersonal, organizational, public relations, nonverbal, instructional, mediated, etc.). Rather than focusing exclusively on how communication research is conducted, you will learn how to read, interpret, and use research findings to address communication-related problems in your personal and professional lives. Additionally, it is my hope that you will gain an appreciation for communication research and theory and for how communication knowledge is generated through the scientific method.