Communication Research Methods – DIGI 710

Course Description

Rationale

Building on the general knowledge of graduate research skills acquired in DIGI 700 and 705, the student will further develop these skills and be introduced to quantitative and qualitative research methods. The student will apply both research skills and theoretical knowledge to understand and engage in communication and media research.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussion: Introduction

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a 400-word thread in response to the provided prompt. The student will write an introductory post including a brief biography along with a description of what the author hopes to get from this course. The student will then post two 300-word replies responding to their peers.

Discussions (8)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt. Each thread must be 400–500 words, include Learn materials, pertinent examples, thoughtful analysis, demonstrate course-related knowledge, and include at least three (3) unique citations published within the last five years in current APA format. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must have at least two (2) unique references published within the last five years cited in current APA format. Each reply must be 300–400 words.

The student will submit a topic for research along with eight (8) scholarly, peer-reviewed or professional sources cited in current APA format to be used in the development of an original research project to be completed by the end of the course. The assignment will be 2 pages long (not including the title page and references list).

CITI Training Assignment

The student will complete the CITI Training module for Social and Behavioral research provided by CITI/Liberty University. The training includes learning modules along with quizzes. Upon completion the student will be provided with a certificate of completion.

Random Sampling Assignment

The student will complete a random sampling assignment and write a two page summary report on the process they used.

The student will complete a working with data assignment and write a two page summary on the process they used.

The student will submit a short 5 to 7-page paper in current APA format that outlines the strategy and design for the study of a case (an individual, a group, an organization, a decision, etc.) with which they are familiar. The student must cite from five sources in current APA format, which can include the textbook, the Bible, and scholarly sources published within the last five years.

Semiotic Analysis of Instagram Assignment

The student will conduct a semiotic analysis of the Instagram site of a large social or community-based organization and write a five to seven-page discussion of the results in current APA format.

Digital Ethnography of Facebook Assignment

The student will conduct a digital ethnography by analyzing the Facebook site of a cultural group and write a five to seven-page discussion of the results presented in current APA format.

The student will write a 12-15-page research paper in current APA format that presents the findings of the original research project the student conducted during the semester. The paper must include at least 8 references.

Quizzes (8)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned module(s): week(s). Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes and contain a combination of multiple-choice true/false questions, short answer, and/or either/or questions. Quizzes will have a 1-hour time limit and allow for one attempt.