Units
Inquiry in Media and Communication
Unit code: KCB105
Contact hours: 3 per week, plus several lectures during semester
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
The research process (define problem, collect relevant information, analyse information, formulate conclusions/outcomes) underlies many decisions that confront media and communication professionals. This subject introduces foundational research skills and contextualises them with a number of media and communication problems. The unit will involve qualitative and quantitative research methods including content analysis, focus groups, ethnography, interviews and survey research which are studied in the context of media and communication problems and issues. You will carry out research using some of these methods, analyse the results and present your conclusions and recommendations.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
The research process (define problem, collect relevant information, analyse information, formulate conclusions/outcomes) underlies many decisions that confront media and communication professionals. This subject introduces foundational research skills and contextualises them with a number of media and communication problems. The unit will involve qualitative and quantitative research methods including content analysis, focus groups, ethnography, interviews and survey research which are studied in the context of media and communication problems and issues. You will carry out research using some of these methods, analyse the results and present your conclusions and recommendations.
Aims
This unit aims to:
1. Provide students with an understanding of how research is undertaken and applied by media industries and media researchers.
2. Provide you with foundational skills in conducting qualitative and quantitative research.
3. Introduce you to relevant computer packages used in media and communications research.
Objectives
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Identify a range of qualitative and quantitative media and communication research methods including content analysis, focus groups, ethnography, interviews and survey research.
2. Implement a range of research methods to complete research activities.
3. Use various computer packages to conduct qualitative and quantitative research.
Content
This unit addresses content such as:
- Research design
- Research ethics
- Content analysis
- Quantitative research
- Qualitative research
- Presenting research findings.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The first four weeks of classes will be taught as a 2 hour lecture and 2 hour workshop/tutorial. The remainder of the semester will be taught as a 3 hour workshop/tutorial. This format is used to enable you to have as much practical experience in carrying out research as possible.
Assessment
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.
Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester. Weight 0%
Assessment name:
Content Analysis Exercise
Description:
Content analysis exercise, 1200 words.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2
Weight:
25%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group with Individual Component
Due date:
Mid Semester
Assessment name:
Quantative Analysis Exercise
Description:
Quantitative analysis exercise, 1500 words.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3
Weight:
35%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group with Individual Component
Due date:
Mid Semester
Assessment name:
Qualitative Analysis Exercise
Description:
Qualitative analysis exercise, 1500 words.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group with Individual Component
Due date:
End of Semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Required Text:
A unit reader containing required and recommended readings will be made available from the QUT bookshop.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. No responsibility will be taken for absence incurred in other QUT course units as a result of this program.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 05-Sep-2012
