Introduction to Data Analysis in Communications

Catalog description

To understand and be able to use data analysis techniques common to research in communications. COMM 516 Introduction to Data Analysis in Communications (3)This class serves as an introduction to data analysis techniques commonly employed in the field of communications and in related disciplines. The course will employ a commonly-used statistical package to illustrate concepts (e.g., Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, SPSS), and instruction will be provided on how to employ statistical software to conduct a variety of specific analysis techniques. These techniques will include descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, correlation and regression, and exploratory factor analysis. Examples of research from the communications discipline and related fields will be used throughout the semester to illustrate concepts. Emphasis will be placed on decisions involved in the data analyses process, interpretation of data, and effective presentation of results in journal-article format. Evaluation will be based on short take-home assignments, exams, and a final paper.