This particular course is taught to the students of (MA-III) Self Support 

Time table: Each Wed and Thu (3:30 pm)

Introduction to Course

This course is aimed at providing students with an insight into the methods and techniques of scientific research. It will provide them with a basic understanding of conducting academic and industry research. The objectives of the course are to develop an understanding of the significance of research and scientific inquiry process; extensive understanding of research designs in communication research; and understand the type, process and method of different techniques of research. It aims at developing the interest of students to explore their research education in the field of mass media and communication. It will guide the students of the fundamental requirements and steps to develop a research proposal in order to conduct scientific research on multiple communication phenomena. It will update the students about different referencing and citation styles so that they are in a position to give citations in a required manner. The course will also provide a basic understanding of the basic concepts of Statistics. The students will be able to understand, compare and contrast major research methods of qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

Learning Outcomes

This subject will help the students to understand the basics of research and different methods of scientific research.

Students will be able to develop a research proposal in order to conduct scientific research on multiple communication phenomena.

This subject will help to develop the interest of students to explore their research education in the field which are related to mass media and communication.

Course Topic

1. Concept and need for mass media research
2. Media research and scientific methods
3. Inductive vs deductive research approaches
4. Research procedure
5. Qualitative vs quantitative methods of data collection
6. Probability and non-probability Sampling and types
7. Reliability and validity and types
8. Levels of measurement
9. Challenges of communication research in the contemporary era
10. Parametric and non-parametric statistics
11. Proposal writing techniques
12. Referencing and citation styles
13. Theory construction process

Course Study Calendar –  2020

Recommended Books

1. Nueman, W.L. (2010). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Boston: Pearson.  

2. Reagan, J. (2006). Applied research methods for mass communicators. Michigan: University of Michigan Press. 

Suggested Readings

3. Reinard, J.C. (2016). Introduction to communication research (6th ed.).New York: McGraw-Hill.

4. Beryrand, I. & Hughes, P. (2005). Media research methods: Audiences, institutions, texts. New York: Palgrave MacMillan.

5. Wimmer, R. D. & Dominick, J.R. (2015).  Mass media research (8th ed.). Belmont/California: Wadsworth Publishing.

Pre- Requisite

Students should have an understanding of this subject which make them able for writing a research proposal, research report or citations etc.

Important Dates

Starting Date: 12 Oct, 2020 

End Date:  08 to 12 Feb 2021 

Task: Assignment   & Presentation                                            Week 12 & 13                      

Assessment Criteria

Sessional Marks:

Presentation: 05

Attendance: 5

Assignment: 10

Mid Term: 30

Final Exam: 50

Rules and Regulations

80% Class attendance is a must.

The assignment will not be accepted after the due date.

In the group presentation, group members have to divide the sub-topics in consultation with the teacher.