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MAC213Social Sciences2 Unitsbeginner

Foundation of Communication Research

This course introduces undergraduate Mass Communication students to data gathering methods for Journalism and Mass Communication. It aims to improve skills in analyzing data and critically evaluating Mass Communication writing. The course covers fundamental principles for qualitative and quantitative research, highlighting research types and approaches. It examines Communication research areas, providing students with interesting research topics and stimulating research ideas, with a focus on Nigerian examples and settings.

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150h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Communication ResearchData GatheringQualitative MethodsQuantitative MethodsMedia Research

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Beginner Level
Perfect for newcomers to the field
35%
beginner
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Research Concepts

2

Research Methods

3

Data Analysis

4

Sampling Techniques

5

Research Design

6

Scientific Method

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 Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Media Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Market Research Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Relations Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Communication Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

MediaAdvertisingPublic RelationsMarketingJournalism

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 1: The concept of research

2 study hours
  • •Define the concept of research.
  • •Understand the characteristics and objectives of research.
  • •Know the significance of research.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 2: Classification of research

2 study hours
  • •Understand the classification of research.
  • •Identify the various types and formats of research in mass communication and the social sciences.
  • •Describe the content and context of the various research formats.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 3: The scientific method and the development of mass media research

2 study hours
  • •Define the concepts of science and scientific method.
  • •Explain the tenets of science and the scientific method.
  • •Explain the major areas of mass media research.
Week
4

Module 2: Elements of Research

2h

Unit 1: Concepts, Constructs, hypotheses and instrumentation

2 study hours
  • •Define and explain concepts.
  • •Understand the importance of concepts in research.
  • •Distinguish between concepts and constructs.
Week
5

Module 2: Elements of Research

2h

Unit 2: Variables

2 study hours
  • •Understand the definition and meaning of variables.
  • •Identify types of variables.
  • •Understand the importance of variables in research.
Week
6

Module 2: Elements of Research

2h

Unit 3: Measurement, scales and Indexes

2 study hours
  • •Understand the meaning of measurement in communication research.
  • •Identify the elements that are measured in communication research.
  • •Understand the four levels of measurement.
Week
7

Module 3: Major Communication Research Methods

2h

Unit 1: Experimental research

2 study hours
  • •Know, define and explain what experimental research is.
  • •Identify the purpose(s) of experimental research.
  • •Know the experimental research designs and the structure of an experiment.
Week
8

Module 3: Major Communication Research Methods

2h

Unit 2: Survey research

2 study hours
  • •Define and know the survey research method.
  • •Get an understanding of descriptive and analytical surveys.
  • •Identify the advantages and disadvantages of surveys.
Week
9

Module 3: Major Communication Research Methods

2h

Unit 3: Content analysis

2 study hours
  • •Understand the definition and origin of content analysis.
  • •Understand the process or steps involved in conducting content analysis.
  • •Know the advantages/strengths and disadvantages/weaknesses of content analysis.
Week
10

Module 3: Major Communication Research Methods

2h

Unit 4: Other research methods

2 study hours
  • •Understand the case study method, its advantages and disadvantages as well as the process involved in conducting a case study.
  • •Understand observational research and all that it entails.
  • •Understand longitudinal research, its advantages and disadvantages.
Week
11

Module 4: Sampling

2h

Unit 1: Meaning and types of sampling

2 study hours
  • •Define the term Sampling.
  • •Identify at least three reasons for sampling.
  • •Discuss the sampling techniques.
Week
12

Module 4: Sampling

4h

Unit 2: Population and sample

2 study hours
  • •Define some key terms such as: population, Sample, Probability and non-probability techniques.
  • •Differentiate between Probability and Non-Probability Samples.
  • •Identify at least 3 each, of probability and non-probability samples.

Unit 3: Sampling size and sampling error

2 study hours
  • •Identify a truly representative sample.
  • •Determine how large a given research sample should be.
  • •Define sampling error.
Week
13

Module 5: The Research Process

2h

Unit 1: The research procedure

2 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of the research proposal.
  • •Understand the different essential parts of the research proposal.
  • •Understand how to write the research proposal.

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

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking research elements (Units 4-6)

2

Practice identifying independent and dependent variables (Units 7-9)

3

Review examples of research designs and methodologies (Units 10-12)

4

Focus on key definitions and concepts from each unit

5

Allocate study time evenly across all modules to ensure comprehensive coverage

6

Practice writing research proposals based on different scenarios (Unit 13)

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