This text is a tool that helps students learn the entire process of carrying out an original research project, from the idea generation stage to the submission of research findings as a report or journal article. It introduces the various qualitative and quantitative research methods commonly used in the social sciences, as applied to the disciplines of media studies, communication, mass communication, journalism, public relations and advertising.
- A step-by-step guide to designing, conducting and reporting on a simulated or real research project, as well as how to present these findings in a non-academic setting.
- Covers a wide range of methods and instruments for data collection, including surveys, field research, depth and focus group interviews, archival research and content analyses, along with computer assisted handling and analysis of data, interpretation, research ethics, textual analysis and writing research reports.
- Includes examples and practical exercises taking a cross cultural approach covering Australia, the Asia Pacific and the USA.
PART 1 – General Introduction
1. The Research Process
2. Theoretical Paradigms and Concepts
3. From Choosing a Topic to Writing a Scholarly Report
4. Writing Research Reports for Non-Academic Settings
5. Research Ethics in Media and Communication
6. Sampling
7. Measurement
PART 2 – Research Approaches – Quantitative
8. Survey Research
9. Content Analysis
PART 3 – Research Approaches – Qualitative
10. Research Interviewing
11. Focus Groups
12. Field Studies
PART 4 – Other Research Approaches
13. Case Study Research
14. Textual Analysis
Part 5 – Analysis of Qualitative & Quantitative Data
15. Analysing Data
Niranjala Weerakkody – Senior Lecturer, School of Communication and Creative Arts, Deakin University
