| Academic year: | 2007-2008 |
| Course code module | 1MCW_020 |
| Semester: | 1st semester |
| Credits: | 6 |
| Study load (hours) | 168 |
| Theory (hours): | 30,00 |
| Practice/Exercises(hours): | 15,00 |
| Other (hours): | |
| Part-time program: | 1 |
| Instructor(s) | Alexander Dhoest
|
| Language of instruction: | Dutch |
| Semester exam information: | semester exam in January |
| Contract restriction information: | |
1. Prerequisites
*Algemene competenties
The student has a broad prior knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods in social sciences.
*Sequentiality
2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes)
This course doesn't want to teach the practice of research but to stimulate methodological reflection.
At the end of the course, you should understand what specific methods imply, how they approach reality and what aspects or reality they do and don't take into account. You know the epistemological basis of different methods, their strengths and weaknesses and possible applications. You are familiar with all the steps in the design and execution of communications research: formulating questions, research design (sampling, questionaires,...). You know the recurring principles, criteria and problems (validity, reliability, sampling, generalisation, relevance, ...).
Starting from a research question, you are able to design and motivate a research approach. You can also give well-argued criticism on the methodological aspects of existing research.
Indirectly, all of this should contribute to writing a methodologically sound master's dissertation.
3. Course content
This course takes a closer look at some often-used methods and techniques for communication research, such as surveys, content analyses (both quantitative and qualitative), in-depth interviews, focus groups etc.
In each college, a specific method is presented, first theoretically: where does this method start, what kind of questions is it able to answer, what does it imply in practice, what are the pros and cons, the strenghts and weaknesses etc. Then, all of this is illustrated in a particular case, either through the reading of an article, or through a guest lecture. For each class, you are to read an article and analyse and discuss it.
4. Teaching method
Direct contact: Lectures
Personal work: Assignments - individualAssignments - in group
5. Assessment method
Exam: Written, without oral presentationClosed book
6. Compulsory reading – study material
F. Wester, K. Renckstorf & P. Scheepers (red.) (2006) Onderzoekstypen in de communicatiewetenschap. Alpen aan de Rijn: Kluwer.
Extra texts and slides will be available on blackboard.
7. Recommended reading - study material
8. Tutoring