Communication Research Methods

Catalog description

This class provides an introduction to the intellectual foundations and practical methods of research in order to engage with the problem of how we know what we know, how we ask questions about what we don’t know, and how we go about finding reasonable answers. We will then focus on achieving competency in gathering, organizing, interpreting, and presenting research information using ethically sound research strategies. Students will evaluate published studies to analyze validity measures, reliability of research results, and ethical issues in conducting and reporting research. This course is designed to provide both a broad overview of the research process and practical experience in conducting research. Prerequisites: GER 1100 Written Communication I, GER 1101 Written Communication II, COM 2100 Media, Culture, and Society; COM 2101 Communication Theory; COM 3101 Rhetorical Analysis.