Mass Communication Research Methods

MWF: 1:25 - 2:15    Com 309    Section 30107

Professor: Benjamin J. Bates, 333 Com, 865-974-4291, email: bjbates@utk.edu
Office Hours: 2:30 -3:30 MWF, 3-5 TR, & by appt.   Website: http://excellent.com.utk.edu/~bates 

Catalog Copy: 

Social science research methods, especially sample surveys, used by communication media.  Applications to internal decision-making and external communication in media.  Prereq: Journ 200, or Adv 350, or EM 310 or 320, or Speech 350, or consent of instructor.  (Same as Legal Studies 300).

Actual Course Description & Goals:

An introduction to doing and evaluating social science research. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of "science" and research in understanding the world around us, and what makes for "good" research.  While students will get an exposure to doing research, the emphasis will be on being able to evaluate and use research within communication settings.

Coursework:

Exams (40%): There will be several exams scheduled during the term.  Exams will combine multiple choice with short answer and analytical sections, and will cover assigned readings as well as materials covered in lectures and discussions.

Main Project (25%): Working alone or with a partner, students will develop a research question and apply three different methods (from those discussed) to answer that question.  Students will write a research report, and give a short presentation of results to the class.  The projects will have an umbrella topic of Campus Life at UT.  Teams or individuals should take a few weeks and just notice the world around them before settling on a topic or question.  Think of this as a term paper, although it has a more practical focus.  Students will be required to meet at least once with the professor to discuss the project and to gain approval of the research question.  Failure to get approval will result in a 10% penalty, as will failure to present the research results to the class.

Mini-Projects (25%): There will be a series of short assignments designed to provide students with practical experience with particular methodologies.  Details will be posted on the course Blackboard website.  These are designed to be done within a week.

Quizzes/Attendance (10%):  While attendance will not be taken on a daily basis, students are strongly urged to attend, as we will be doing more than just going over the text.  The professor also welcomes and encourages questions and discussions, whether in class on in online discussion areas. There will be occasional unannounced pop quizzes on readings and/or to check whether students understand important concepts.  There will be no opportunity to make these up, although the professor may decide to drop some of the lowest scores.

Text (required):  Roger D. Wimmer & Joseph R. Dominick.  (2003).  Mass Media Research: An Introduction.  7th Edition.  Thomson/Wadsworth.

Other Readings may be assigned as appropriate.  Announcements and some readings will be posted on the course Blackboard (Online@UT) site.

General Requirements and Notices:

• The only place grades will be posted will be the official course website.
• All materials to be turned in for this class must be typed, or computer printed. They should be double-spaced, with normal font sizes and margins, and secured with a staple.  Basically, make it easy to handle and read.
• Papers and longer assignments will be accepted online, as attachments in either Microsoft Word or RTF formats.  If you do submit online, make sure you get a confirmation of receipt.  The instructor assumes no responsibility for papers lost in transit (online or otherwise).
• No extensions on the main report will be given. Students with extremely valid excuses may be given an opportunity to make up tests and other assignments. The instructor is the final arbiter of excuses and their acceptability. You must contact the professor as soon as you are aware of any problems or conflicts.
• While students are encouraged to study and work together, it is also expected that all work turned in will be original and individual-- plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a score of 0 on the plagiarized work and/or notification of appropriate authorities. If you still have any doubts as to what plagiarism is, consult your various handbooks and guides, or ask the instructor.
• The instructor is willing to work with students with special needs, and make any necessary special arrangements possible to facilitate their learning experience in this class. However, those individuals will need to consult with the instructor about their needs as soon as possible.
• The instructor reserves the right to modify the course schedule and requirements. Any changes will be announced during class meetings and on the official class website (under announcements).

Tentative Schedule and Readings

Readings for a week should be done by the first class meeting of that week