Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Research Methods
Module Code	CM570A
School	School of Communications
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Mark O'Brien Semester 2: Mark O'Brien Autumn: Mark O'Brien
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module addresses a range of research methodologies relevant to the analysis, critique and understanding of mass communication in social contexts.It prepares students for work on their Project/Dissertation with particular reference to theoretical contexts, choice of method, and use of information sources.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the principal methodological approaches to the study of mass communication.
2. Discuss critically the strengths and weaknesses of particular research methods as applied in published studies of communications and journalism.
3. Apply content analysis, interviews or audience research methods to a selected media sample
4. Select reliable information sources, including principal archival repositories and on-line journals.
5. Prepare and present a research project outline, with particular attention to information sources and the clear statement of research questions

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	22	Details at lectures and/or on Moodle
Group work	40	No Description
Independent learning	65	Details at lectures and/or on Moodle
Total Workload: 127

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Academic and media research - basic principles.
Quantitative and qualitative methods - essential differences and complementarities.

Using and interpeting surveys and interviews.
Content analysis and its challenges.

Focus groups and observation in studying culture.
Using online and archival resources for research.

Steps in the research process - planning your Dissertation.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Essay	Review of literature	40%	Week 7
Presentation	Outline of research proposal	20%	Week 10
Group project	Analysis of media sample	40%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

D. Deacon et al (eds): 2007, Researching Communications, 2nd revised ed., Edward Arnold,
N. Walliman: 2005, Your Research Project - a step-by-step guide for the first-time researcher, 2nd ed., Sage,
A.A. Berger: 2004, Media Analysis Techniques, 3rd ed., Sage,
A. Hansen et al (eds): 1998, Mass Communication Research Methods, Macmillan,
A. & M. Mattelart: 1998, Theories of Communication: a Short Introduction, Sage,
R. Wimmer and J. Dominick: 2006, Mass Media Research - an introduction, 8th ed, Wadsworth,
D. McQuail: 2010, McQuail's Mass Communication Theory, 6th ed, Sage,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

MIC

MA in International Communications

MIJS

MA in International Journalism Studies

MSC

M.Sc. in Science Communication

Timetable this semester: Timetable for CM570A

Date of Last Revision