Research Methods in Media Studies

Base Knowledge

Not applicable

Teaching Methodologies

Commits in allowing a participatory learning context. The suggestion is to approach the program with both individual and group activities. It is expected that the face to face moments to be empowered by presentations and previously prepared exercises. This strategy demands from the students a careful reading of the bibliography, teamwork, and the preparation for the moments of presentations, debate and answering questions.

Learning Results

At the end, students should…

1) be able to recognize the essential attributes of scientific knowledge and the procedures of its production,

2) be able to develop basic scientific research skills associated with the achievement of a master’s thesis

3) be able to know how to use the procedures for constructing a questionnaire

Program

Module 1:

1.1. The choice of a topic, theoretical framework, literature review, criteria classification studies

1.2. Science objectives, characterization scientific activities, characteristics scientific knowledge,

1.3. Paradigms, ways of production of knowledge, methods and typologies of classification of scientific research work

1.4. General steps scientific research process (Problem, hypotheses, plans, data analysis, conclusions)

1.5. The methodology construction questionnaire

1.6 Formal aspects in the construction questionnaires, validity and fidelity, pre-test,

1.7. Study of measurement of opinions, attitudes and values

MODULE 2

2.1. Qualitative research: characteristics and limitations.

2.2. Methodologies / qualitative research approaches.

2.3. Validation and generalization in qualitative research.

2.4. Journalism and qualitative research.

2.5. Techniques of data analysis.

2.6. Qualitative data analysis supported by NVIVO software

Grading Methods

Continuing evaluation
  • - module 1 - 50.0%
  • - module 2 - 50.0%
Exam
  • - Individual written test - 100.0%

Internship(s)

NAO

Bibliography

Berger, A. A. (2010). Media and Communication Research Methods: An Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Thousand Oaks USA: SAGE Publications INC.

Davies, M. M., & Mosdell, N. (2007). Practical Research Methods for Media and Cultural Studies: Making People Count. Athens: University of Georgia Press.

Deacon, D., Pickering, M., Golding, P., & Murdock, G. (2007). Researching Communications: A Practical Guide to Methods in Media and Cultural Analysis (2.º ed.). London, UK: Hodder Education.

Rapley, T. J. (2001). The art(fulness) of open-ended interviewing: some considerations on analysing interviews. Qualitative Research, 1(3), 303-323.

Weerakkody, N. (2008). Research Methods for Media & Communications. South Melbourne: OUP Australia & New Zealand