Quantitative Research Methods for Communication A Hands-On Approach

by Wrench, Jason S.; Thomas-Maddox, Candice; Richmond, Virginia Peck; McCroskey, James C.

• ISBN13: 9780195337471
• ISBN10: 0195337476
• Edition: CD
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-01-23
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Conducting research can be one of the most fascinating--and intimidating--tasks for students and scholars. A relevant and accessible guide to quantitative research, Quantitative Research Methods for Communication: A Hands-On Approach offers an innovative and insightful look at this complex subject. Drawing on their extensive research and teaching experience in the field of communication, authors Jason S. Wrench, Candice Thomas-Maddox, Virginia Peck Richmond, and James C. McCroskey have compiled their diverse, acclaimed work into one comprehensive volume. In clear, straightforward language, the authors encourage students to take an active, hands-on role in the learning process, giving them the tools they need to locate, conduct, collect, and present their research. Students are not only introduced to new skills, but they also have the opportunity to immediately apply them in research scenarios. Beginning with a brief history of social science research, the text incorporates the following resources: * An introduction to the fundamentals of communication research, from library skills to basic mathematical concepts * An examination of the three most common techniques used in communication research: survey, content analysis, and experiment * A sophisticated analysis of sampling and hypothesis testing * A step-by-step introduction to statistical tools * Guided research assignments based on actual data-driven research questions * In-depth analyses of articles that feature statistical tests * A guide to presenting research findings, from delivering research papers at conferences to submitting original research for publication The text integrates rich pedagogical features throughout, including chapter objectives, case studies, data sheets, and lists of key terms. The accompanying CD-ROM offers many helpful tools, including ten articles originally published by the Eastern Communication Association and a Student Workbook. An invaluable resource for gathering and processing information in the twenty-first century, Quantitative Research Methods for Communication equips students with the skills--and confidence--to produce their own cutting-edge research.

Author Biography

Jason S. Wrench is Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Media at the State University of New York at New Paltz.
Candice Thomas-Maddox is Regional Coordinator and Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Ohio University Lancaster.
Virginia Peck Richmond is Professor and Chair of the Communication Studies Department at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Professor of Communication Studies (Emerita) at West Virginia University.
James C. McCroskey is Scholar in Residence in the College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Professor of Communication Studies (Emeritus) at West Virginia University.

Table of Contents

An Introduction to Communication Research

Empirical Research

Research Ethics

Finding Previous Research and APA Style

Research Structure and Literature Reviews

Variables

Communication Variables

Descriptive Statistics

Measurement

Reliability and Validity

Survey Research

Content Analysis

Experimental Design

Sampling Methods

Hypothesis Testing

Chi-Square

Students t-Test

One-Way Analysis of Variance

Correlations

Regressions

Introduction to Advanced Statistical Tools

Presenting Research

Qualitative/Critical Research Approaches, James Chesebro and Deborah Borisoff

Textbook Questionnaire

Reliability and Validity Case Study

Figures

Glossary

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