Communication Research Methods Copy PDF

Communication Research Methods Menor Tesfa BAH IR DAR UNI V ERS I T Y DE PA RT ME N T O F C IN E M A A N D T H EAT R E A RTS Y E A R 2, SE ME ST E R 2 2016 E. C  About the Course Communication Research Methods course, deal...

Communication Research Methods Menor Tesfa BAH IR DAR UNI V ERS I T Y DE PA RT ME N T O F C IN E M A A N D T H EAT R E A RTS Y E A R 2, SE ME ST E R 2 2016 E. C  About the Course Communication Research Methods course, deals with concepts, meaning, elements of communication theory, research and its practical applications. Emphasis is given to methods and technique of problem identification, tools of data collection, data analysis and organization, preparing and writing research reports. Accordingly, the science of identifying research problem, formulating research objectives, conducting the research will be discussed in the course.  Learning Outcomes: After completing this course, you should be able to:  Define the concepts of communication theory and research  Write proposals  Conduct research  Describe the difference between research method and methodology  Plan and conduct research using different methods  Formulate cinema and theatre arts research problem and hypothesis  Mode of Assessment You will be evaluated on the basis of presentation, a term paper (which they will write following all standards of academic writing) and a final examination. 1. Test -------------------------------10% 2. Proposal writing ---------------20% 3. Term paper ---------------------20% 4. Final Exam ---------------------50% 5. Total -----------------------------100%  Course Contents Unit 1: The Concept communication theory, Definition and Purposes of Research Unit 2: Classification of Research,  Basic and Applied Research  Descriptive, Explanatory and Exploratory Research  Qualitative and Quantitative Research Unit 3: Process in Research Proposal Development  What is the Research Proposal?  research designing and sampling methods Unit 4: Process in Conducting Research  thee Research Processes of Research, tools of the data collection and analysis  Writing a Scientific Report  Reporting Research Findings  Oral Presentation Unit 5: BIBLIOGRAPHY;  The principle of Bibliography  Types of bibliography (MLA, APA, CHICAGO AND HARVARD),  Introduction to Communication Communication is the medium in which people make worlds together. The physical and social reality that humans inhabit already have a wealth of meanings. we use language and other symbols to grasp information and transform it. Communication allows people to collectively create their own worlds. Humans live in social and physical realities that are rich with meanings, which we make sense of and work with through language and symbols.  Cont. Communication: Verbal and Nonverbal; vocal tone and body language The conversation has different modes of communication: Linear, interactive, and transactional modes 1. Interpretive/Linear: it is one way of communication, like reading and listening 2. Interpersonal/ interactive: it is two way interactive communication 3. Presentational/transactional: one to many communication, giving presentation for many like broadcast, radio,. this type of communication focus on a clear message for the wide. Communication in Specific Contexts Organizational Communication: Internal and external communication, organizational culture Intercultural Communication: Cross-cultural misunderstandings, cultural competence Mass Communication: Media effects, media literacy, audience analysis  Cont. The Communication Process: Sender, message, channel, receiver, noise, feedback Who: Sender, Where: Message Why(How): Channel What Which : Receiver When How often/Long:Loud Noise to Feedback from receiver (Bozarth and Broady Agoestinepseudo )  Unit 1: The Concept communication theory Theories are ideas used to explain a situation or justify an action. They drive us to focus and find new perspectives and ways of seeing. theorists can take a chance about what it means to see from different paradigms, how seeing in that way would differently construct the world as seen It is a set of systematically interrelated concepts, definitions and suggestions that are advanced to explain and predict phenomena (facts). Therefore, We can label and categorize the scenario using a theoretical filter, and this allows us to concentrate on what is most important and engage in an activity.  Some Communication Theories Semiotic Theory: Signs, symbols, and meaning Sociocultural Theory: Communication as a product of culture and society Critical Theory: Power, ideology, and social change Phenomenological Theory: Lived experience and interpretation Expressive theory: emphasizes personal expression of emotions, feelings, and ideas Psychoanalytic theory: interpretation through psycho- principles Social theory: social structure and sociological issues Textual theory: thinking critically about manuscripts and variations in the biblical texts found in those manuscripts, in order to identify the original reading of the Bible  Research Research is an art of scientific investigation. It can be defined as the search for knowledge or as any systematic investigation to establish facts. Research is an academic activity which comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions, collecting, organizing and evaluating data, making deductions and reaching conclusions and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis.  Objectives of Research  To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it  To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group  To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables  To identify Problems and define opportunities  To define, monitor and refine strategies  To define, monitor and refine tactics  To improve our understanding of the various fields of management  Characteristics of Good Research  Purpose Clearly defined  Research process detailed  Research design thoroughly planned  High ethical standards applied  Limitations frankly revealed  Analysis adequate for decision maker’s needs  Findings presented unambiguously  Conclusions justified  Unit 2 Classification of Research Contents are:  Descriptive vs. Analytical  Applied vs. Fundamental (Basic)  Quantitative vs. Qualitative  Conceptual vs. Empirical  Classification of Research Research classification is essential for understanding the nature and purpose of research. It is for categorizing different types of research based on their objectives, purpose, methods, and applications. It helps us to understand the different approaches and methodologies used in research and the types of questions that are typically addressed. 1. Descriptive vs Analytical-based on approach 2. Applied vs Fundamental (Basic) based on purpose. 3. Quantitative vs Qualitative- based data collection method 4. Conceptual vs Empirical- based on logic and facts  A. Descriptive vs. Analytical 1. Descriptive ResearchResearch 2. Analytical research Descriptive research aims to Analytical research provide or gathering data includes use of facts and and presenting it in a information already systematic way. Descriptive available and analyze these research includes surveys to make a critical and fact-finding enquiries of evaluation of the material different kinds. Examples of Analytical Examples of Descriptive Research: Performance Research: Surveys, case Analysis of “Ye’emyite studies, and observational lijoch”. or Data Analysis in studies are commonly used Ethiopian Film Industry for descriptive research.  B. Applied vs. Fundamental\Basic Research A. Applied Research Aims to solve practical problems and address specific needs. Its aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society. Examples of Applied Research: Developing new treatments for diseases, improving agricultural yields, and creating new technologies B. Basic Research Seeks to expand fundamental knowledge and understanding of a subject. Fundamental\basic research is concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of the theory. Its basic aim is finding information that has a broad base of application. Examples of Basic Research: Investigating the origins of the universe, studying the behavior of subatomic particles, and exploring the nature of consciousness.  C. Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research A. Qualitative research It focuses on exploring and understanding the complexities of human experiences and social phenomena. It aims to uncover meanings, perceptions, and interpretations, using methods like interviews, observations, and document analysis. B. Quantitative research It concerned with measuring and quantifying phenomena using numerical data. It employs statistical methods to test hypotheses and draw generalizable conclusions, often using surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis.  D. Conceptual vs. Empirical Conceptual research: Researchit is that related to some abstract ideas or theory. It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret the existing one. It is often regarded as a theoretical or philosophical examination of concepts, constructs, and ideas. It primarily focuses on developing frameworks, models, or hypotheses without necessitating the collection of data from real-world scenarios. This approach can involve extensive literature reviews, critical analysis, and synthesis of existing theories to clarify ambiguities or propose new perspectives. Empirical research : it relies on experience or observation, often with some data based research. It is necessary to get all facts and information at first hand. It is fundamentally grounded in observation and experimentation. This methodology involves the systematic collection and analysis of data obtained from the natural world or human experiences.  Research Methods and Methodology Research methods refer to the specific techniques and procedures employed by researchers to collect, analyze, and interpret data. It can be put into following three groups:  Concerned with data collection  Concerned with statistical Techniques  Concerned with methods of evaluating the accuracy of the results obtained Research methods may be understood as all those techniques that are used for conduction of research or in performing research operations. It can be qualitative methods such as interviews and focus groups, as well as quantitative techniques like surveys and statistical analysis.  Cont. Research methodology pertains to the overarching framework that guides the research process. It incorporates the theoretical foundations and philosophical assumptions that inform the choice of specific research methods. When we talk of research methodology we do not only talk of the research methods but also the logic behind the methods we use in the context of our research. the ethical considerations involved in the research process and the implications of the chosen methods on the validity and reliability of the findings. Methodology provides a rationale for selecting methods, thereby situating the research within a broader academic context.  Unit 3: Process in Research Proposal Development Contents are:  What is the Research Proposal?  research designing and sampling  Components of Research Proposal  Citation  Research Proposal Development  A research proposal is a crucial document that outlines your research project. It serves as a blueprint, providing a detailed plan for the research journey.  A good research proposal is based on scientific facts and on the art of clear communication  Writing a formal research proposal should be started by decided on the topic for the study A research proposal is a formal document that details your research project. It's a roadmap for your research journey, outlining its purpose, methodology, and expected outcomes. 1. Foundation: A strong research proposal is the foundation of a successful research project. It helps you focus your research, obtain funding, and secure approvals. 2. Roadmap: The research proposal serves as a roadmap, guiding you through the different stages of your research project. 3. Communication: It's a valuable tool for communicating your research plan to your supervisors, funding agencies, or other stakeholders.  Components of Research Proposal The key elements that typically important for a research proposal. These components might include: Introduction and background Objective Research questions or hypotheses Literature review Methodology Data analysis plan Time line or work schedule Budget Bibliographic or References  Components of Research Proposal Introduction This section provides a clear and concise overview of your research topic, its significance, and the research questions you aim to answer. Introduction should be short about one or two pages It should help the reader to acquaint with the topic The problem proposed to be studied is introduced in this section The problem should be stated in such a way that it’s importance and relevance  Components of Research Proposal Objective  This is a very important and pivotal section and everything else in the study is centered around it  The objective of the proposed study should  be stated very clearly  The objective stated should be specific, achievable and measurable  Too many objectives to be avoided  Even just one clearly stated relevant objective for a study would be good enough  If there is more than one objective the objectives can be presented in the appropriate order of importance  Components of Research Proposal Research questions or hypotheses  Research question that a research project sets out to answer.  Hypothesis is a tentative statement about things or a population parameter that might be true or wrong  “Hypotheses are single tentative guesses, good hunches –assumed for use in devising theory or planning experiments intended to be given a direct experimental test when possible”. (Eric Rogers, 1966)  “A hypothesis is a conjectural statement of the relation between two or more variables”. (Kerlinger, 1956)  “Hypothesis is a formal statement that presents the expected relationship between an independent and dependent variable.”(Creswell, 1994)  Nature of Hypothesis The hypothesis is a clear statement of what is intended to be investigated. It openly stated in reporting the results. This allows to:  Identify the research objectives  Identify its relationship to both the problem statement and the literature review  It can be tested –verifiable or falsifiable  Hypotheses are not moral or ethical questions  It is neither too specific nor to general  It is a prediction of consequences  It is considered valuable even if proven false  Examples of a hypothesis are: ◦ Cinema and theatre Art programs have the potential to influence the number of people who smoke. ◦ Lecturers are influenced by students attendance at cinema and theatre courses.  Hypothesis vs Research Question  As its name suggests, research questions are always written as questions. “A research question is essentially a hypothesis asked in the form of a question.”  Hypothesis are written as statements preceded with the words "I predict." An hypothesis is an informed/educated guess.  For example, a research question would ask. 1. Is the cinema and theatre art program influencing the number of students to smoke? 2. What is the influence of cinema and theatre art program students to smoke? A example hypothesis, I predict that Cinema and theatre Art programs have the potential to influence the number of people who smoke.  The conclusion for research conducted using a hypothesis, the researcher will write whether the hypothesis was correct or incorrect, followed by an explanation of the results of the research.  Components of Research Proposal Literature review  This section reflects extensive review of literature done by the investigator  In this section what is already known about the topic is written including the lacunae  Just quoting the literature verbatim will not serve the purpose  It is important to make it coherent, relevant and easily readable knowledge  It helps the investigator to gain good knowledge in that field of inquiry  It also helps the investigator to have insight on different methodologies that could be applied  Components of Research Proposal Methodology This section describes your research design, sampling methods, data collection techniques, and data analysis methods. Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the research problem. It may be understood as a science of studying how research is done scientifically  Study design  Study population / Sampling specifications  Sample size needed  Components of Research Proposal Data analysis plan This is a very important and essential section and everything else in the study is centered around it Facilities The proposal should also include the important facilities required/ available for the study namely computers, special equipment, etc. Personnel Proposal should include who are the primary investigators and co-investigators, their qualifications, research experience etc. The proposal may also include the major roles to be taken up by different investigators.  Components of Research Proposal Time line or work schedule The proposal should include the sequence of tasks to be performed, the anticipated length of time required for its completion and the personnel required for your research activities due to time schedule Financial planning is crucial for Budgeting successful research. You need to Major items  Salary for staff carefully estimate expenses and secure  Travel funding sources  Purchase of equipment 1. Direct Costs: Salaries, equipment,  Printing / Xeroxing materials, travel  Consultancy charges 2. Indirect Costs: Administrative  Institutional overheads overhead, utilities, facilities  Administrative overhead, 3. Funding Sources: Grants, utilities, facilities fellowships, institutional support  Salaries, equipment,  materials, travel Components of Research Proposal Citation Proper citation practices are essential in research to acknowledge the work of others and maintain academic integrity. 1. Referencing Style Choose a citation style such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, and consistently apply it throughout your proposal. References appear within the text of the document 2. Bibliographic Information Include complete and accurate bibliographic information for every source you cite, ensuring proper formatting. Bibliographies list all sources consulted or referenced 3. In-text Citations Use in-text citations to provide clear and concise references to the sources you've used in your proposal. the sources directly cited in the Unit 4: Process in Conducting Research the Research Processes of Research, tools of the data collection and analysis Writing a Scientific Report Reporting Research Findings  Public Presentations  Oral Presentation techniques  The Processes of Research The research process involves a series of steps, starting with identifying a research question and ending with reporting the research findings.  It includes: identifying a problem, reviewing literature, designing a research design, collecting data, analyzing it, interpreting results, reporting findings, and presenting research findings.  Proposal should include the details of all process to be adopted in the study  A brief description of how the data will be processed Therefore, the research process is a systematic approach used to answer questions and gain knowledge. 1. Identifying a Topic Start by identifying a broad topic that interests you. This could be a social issue, scientific phenomenon, or a specific area of the knowledge that you have. 2. Find out the problems(gaps) research problem is an issue, concern or gap in knowledge that needs to be addressed by adding new information. The research question shapes the research type and determines methodologies used, data to be collected and analyzed. Having a clearly defined research problem presents the work and gives it weight in terms of how important or relevant this topic is to your area of study. 3. Formulate the Question Develop a research question that is specific and measurable, guiding your investigation The research question is the foundation of any research project. It guides the entire process and determines the direction of the investigation. The research question should be clear, concise, and specific. 4. Literature Review Conduct a thorough review of existing research on your topic to understand what is already known.  5. Data Collection and Analysis Methodologies Data collection and analysis are critical steps in the research process. It involves gathering relevant information and using appropriate methods to analyze it. Mixed methods research Quantitative Methods Qualitative methods combines both focus on gathering involve collecting quantitative and non-numerical data, qualitative approaches, numerical data, exploring insights providing a using statistical and perspectives comprehensive through understanding of the analysis to identify observations, research topic. patterns and interviews, and text Survey data with relationships. analysis. interviews Interviews Experimental data with Surveys Focus groups case studies Text analysis Quantitative analysis Experiments with qualitative insights  6. Writing a Scientific Report The scientific report is a formal document that communicates research findings to the wider academic community. It follows a structured format to ensure clarity and accuracy. 1. Introduction: Introduces the research topic, provides background information, and states the research question. 2. Methods: Describes the research design, data collection procedures, and data analysis techniques. 3. Results: Presents the findings of the research, often using tables, figures, and graphs. 4. Discussion: interprets the results, discusses their implications, and suggests future research directions 5. References: Lists all the sources cited in the report. 7. Reporting Research Findings  Reporting research findings involves disseminating the results to relevant audiences, ensuring that the knowledge gained from the research can benefit others. Public Presentations 1. Researchers may present their findings to the general public, making research accessible and engaging for a broader audience. 2. Conferences offer opportunities for researchers to present their findings to a wider audience and engage in discussions with colleagues.  Oral Presentation  Oral presentations are an important way to share research findings with an audience. They provide a platform for researchers to engage directly with their listeners and answer questions. 1. Prepare Slides: Create clear, brief slides that emphasize key findings and use visuals to engage the audience 2. Practice and Delivery: Practice the presentation beforehand to ensure a smooth and confident delivery, engaging the audience with clear and concise language. 3. Answer Questions: Be prepared to answer questions from the audience, providing further insights and addressing their concerns.  Unit 5: BIBLIOGRAPHY The principle of Bibliography  Types of bibliography (MLA, APA, CHICAGO AND HARVARD  Citation The are different types of reference and citation techniques: MLA, APA, CHICAGO AND HARVARD 1. Modern Language Association (MLA) style is the official style of the Modern Language Association, defined in the MLA Handbook (9th edition). It’s widely used across various humanities disciplines. Unlike most parenthetical citation styles, it’s author-page rather than author-date. MLA bibliography format: Author last name, first name. Title of Book with quotation mark. Place of publication: publisher year, page number. Example: Barnes, Barney. “A Chapter in an Edited Collection.” A Book of Examples, edited by John Smith, Academic Press, 2019, pp. 25–35. MLA in-text citation (Barnes 25, 35) 2. American Psychological Association (APA) APA Style is defined by the 7th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. It was designed for use in psychology, but today it’s widely used across various disciplines, especially in the social sciences. APA bibliography format: Author last name, first name. (publisher year). Title of Book: Place of publication, page number. APA example: Wagemann, J. & Weger, U. (2021). Perceiving the other self: An experimental first-person account of nonverbal social interaction. The American Journal of Psychology, 134(4), 441–461. APA in-text citation: (Wagemann & Weger, 2021)  3. Chicago Chicago author-date style is one of the two citation styles presented in the Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition). It’s used mainly in the sciences and social sciences.  Bibliography format for book: Author last name, first name. Title of Book. Place of publication: publisher, year. Bibliography example: Einstein, Albert. The Meaning of Relativity. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1923.  Reference format for book: Author last name, first name. Year. Title of Book. Place of publication: publisher. Reference example:Einstein, Albert. 1923. The Meaning of Relativity. Princeton: Princeton University Press.  Chicago author-date citation (Einstein, Albert. 1923)  4. Harvard Harvard style is often used in the field of economics. It is also very widely used across disciplines in UK universities. There are various versions of Harvard style defined by different universities—it’s not a style with one definitive style guide. Its format: Author last name, First name(s). (Year) Title of the book. Edition (if not the first). Place of publication: Publisher Example: Smith, J. (2020) Understanding Psychology. 2nd ed. London: Psychology Press. Harvard in-text citation: (Smith, 2020, p. 15)  Additional Reading Materials  አለም እሸቱ፡፡ መሰረታዊ የምርምርና የዘገባ አፃፃፍ ፡፡ አዲስ አበባ (1997)  Abiy Zegeye ,Alemayehu Worku, Daniel Tefera ,Melese Getu & Yilma Sileshi Introduction to Research Methods (Preparatory module for Addis Ababa University graduate programs)(2009)  Babbie, Earl (1973), Survey Research Methods, Belmont Wadsworth Publishing Company, Inc.  __________ (1986), The Practice of Social Research. 4th ed. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Co.  Best, w.Jhon and khan v.James Research in education. (2007)  Chara, s. Research methodology statistical method. (2007)  CR Kothari, Research methodology methods and techniques,(2004)  Gibaldi, Joseph and Walter S. Achter (1988), MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Reports, 3rd Ed. New York: The Modern Language Association of America.  Thank you For your Attention