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JLS714Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Communication Research

This course introduces students to data gathering methods in Journalism and Mass Communication. It improves skills for analyzing data and prepares students for critical evaluation of journalistic writing. The course treats fundamental principles for gathering data, both for qualitative and quantitative research modes. It examines areas of Communication research from which students may readily access interesting research topics. It is developed for Nigerian students, hence, the sample presented and examples used are typically Nigerian in orientation and setting.

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30h

Study Time

13

Weeks

2h

Per Week

basic

Math Level

Course Keywords

Communication ResearchData GatheringQualitative ResearchQuantitative ResearchMedia Effects

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

➕

Math Level

Basic Math

🔬

Learning Type

Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Research Methods

2

Data Analysis

3

Sampling Techniques

4

Research Proposal

5

Media Effects

6

Public Relations Research

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Media Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Relations Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Advertising Executive

Apply your skills in this growing field

Market Research Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Communication Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Media IndustryPublic Relations AgenciesAdvertising AgenciesMarket Research FirmsGovernment Communication Departments

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 1: The Meaning of Research and the Scientific Method

2 study hours

•Define research and the scientific method.
•Discuss the nature and scope of media research.
•Explain the difference between scientific method and other methods of knowledge.
•Outline the scientific procedure.

Week

2

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 2: Application of the Scientific Principles to Social Phenomena

2 study hours

•Explain social phenomena and the principles of science.
•Discuss the application of the principles of science to social phenomena.
•Understand how science demands evidence from social phenomena.
•Explain how science is a blend of logic and imagination of social phenomena.

Week

3

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 3: Characteristics of Research and the Development of Mass Media Research

2 study hours

•Identify the characteristics of research.
•Explain what the characteristics of research are.
•Present an overview of the development of media research.
•Discuss the nature of media research today.

Week

4

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 4: Classification of Research

2 study hours

•Identify the types and methods of research used in communication studies.
•Determine the content and context of various research approaches.
•Adapt research approaches for use in your own research.

Week

5

Module 2: The Elements of Research

2h

Unit 1: Concepts, Constructs, Hypotheses/Research Questions and Instrumentation

2 study hours

•Define and explain concepts and constructs.
•Discuss the differences between research questions and hypotheses.
•Understand the advantages and characteristics of hypotheses.
•Explain the types of hypotheses and instrumentation.

Week

6

Module 2: The Elements of Research

2h

Unit 2: Variables

2 study hours

•Understand the definition and meaning of variables.
•Identify the major classifications of variables.
•Explain other categories of variables.
•Define variables operationally.

Week

7

Module 2: The Elements of Research

2h

Unit 3: Measurement, Scales and Indexes

2 study hours

•Understand the definitions and meaning of measurement.
•Identify what is measured in communication research.
•Explain the levels of measurement.
•Discuss scales and indexes.

Week

8

Module 3: Major Communication Research Methods

2h

Unit 1: Experimental Research

2 study hours

•Define experimental research.
•Explain the purpose of experimental research.
•Identify the experimental research designs.
•Understand the structure of an experiment.

Week

9

Module 3: Major Communication Research Methods

2h

Unit 2: Survey Research

2 study hours

•Define the survey research method.
•Explain the purpose of survey research.
•Discuss descriptive and analytical surveys.
•Understand the advantages and disadvantages of surveys.

Week

10

Module 3: Major Communication Research Methods

6h

Unit 3: Content Analysis

2 study hours

•Define content analysis.
•Explain the origin of content analysis.
•Discuss the procedure of content analysis.
•Understand the key procedural concepts of content analysis.

Unit 4: Case study

2 study hours

•Understand the meaning of case study.
•Identify the origin of case study.
•Explain the characteristics of case study research.
•Discuss the purposes of case study.

Unit 5: Observational Research

2 study hours

•Understand the meaning of observational research.
•Explain the types of observational research.
•Discuss the procedure of observational research.
•Understand the interpretation of observational research.

Week

11

Module 4: Sampling

2h

Unit 1: Meaning and Types of Sampling

2 study hours

•Understand the meaning of sampling.
•Identify the reasons for sampling.
•Discuss the sampling techniques.
•Design a sampling frame.

Week

12

Module 4: Sampling

4h

Unit 2: Population and Sample

2 study hours

•Define key terms such as population, sample, probability, and non-probability techniques.
•Differentiate between probability and non-probability samples.
•Identify probability and non-probability samples.
•List other types of sampling techniques.

Unit 3: Sample Size and Sampling Error

2 study hours

•Identify a truly representative sample.
•Determine how large a given research sample should be.
•Define sampling error.
•Identify the causes of sampling error.

Week

13

Module 5: The Research Procedure

4h

Unit 1: The Research Proposal

2 study hours

•Explain the meaning of the research proposal.
•Understand the essential parts of the research proposal.
•Learn how to select a researchable topic.
•Understand the components of each chapter in the research proposal.

Unit 2: Data Analysis in Communication Research

2 study hours

•Understand the meaning of data.
•Identify the types of data.
•Explain the sources of data.
•Discuss the measurement of data.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all module objectives and key terms.

2

Practice applying different research methods to hypothetical scenarios.

3

Focus on understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each research method.

4

Create summaries of key theories and concepts.

5

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and self-assessment exercises.

6

Practice statistical calculations and data interpretation.

7

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 research methods.

8

Study examples of research proposals and reports.

9

Allocate study time evenly across all modules.

10

Prioritize understanding of core concepts over memorization of details.

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