Syllabus

I. Course Description:

Study and use of research tools and theories available for mass communications problem solving. Emphasis will be on library research, theory approaches, and applied research as applied to the media.

II. Cognitive Abilities to be Mastered (ability to explain, analyze, understand and think critically):

* Recognize social science research terminologies.

* Acquire a working knowledge of various ways to conduct social science research through class discussions and exercises.

* Recognize the importance of theory in examining media problems.

* Be familiar with statistical analysis computer hardware and software through classroom demonstration and practice.

* Demonstrate the ability to gather information using library resources.

* Demonstrate ability to use databases to gather information.

* Develop skills to interpret research

Performance Standards to be Met:

* Write a one page abstract of a published social science study.

* Conduct a small scale empirical study on a media issue or problem.

* Use theory to examine media issues or problems.

* Analyze the data gathered using SPSS-PC.

* Write a report of the conducted study of not less than 12 pages, using the APA citation format.

III. Required Texts:

Hocking, John E.; Stacks, Don W.; and McDermott, Steven T. (2003). Communication Research, 3rd Edition. Boston: Allen & Bacon.

Galvan, Jose L. (1999). Writing Literature Reviews: A guide for Students of the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Los Angeles, California: Pyrczak Publishing.

Supplemental Texts:

Converse, J.M. & Presser, S. (1986). Survey Questions. Beverly Hills: Sage.

Spector, P. E. (1981). Research design. Beverly Hills: Sage.

IV. Performance Standard Explanations

Research Paper: Each student will conduct a small-scale, empirical research study on an approved mass communication topic. The study must be sound conceptually, executed flawlessly and reported in a well-written paper. The APA citation style must be used for crediting the paraphrased and/or quoted ideas of other authors. The study report should be at least 12 pages, but total length should not exceed 20 pages, excluding, of course, appendixes, bibliographies and tables. The report must include the following sections:

An Introduction (where you):

A. State the Problem or describe the purpose of your intended research. The latter part of this introduction may be used specifically to state research questions or alternative hypotheses;

B. Justify this purpose. In other words, describe why the study is important (i.e. how it fits into or advances the current knowledge in the area); and

C. provide an operational definition of terms (i.e. define unusual terms) This may be done instead in the methodology.

A Review of literature (where you):

A. Present a critical synopsis of as many previous research articles on the topic as possible (Make sure these studies (no fewer than 15) are related to yours); and

B. Point out how your research questions extend this previous research.

A Methodology (where you):

A. Explain/describe steps and procedures you used in the research. Describe this in way that anyone wishing to replicate your methodology can have adequate steps to follow. (Provide justification for each significant decisions made in your procedure); and

B. Describe the statistical means by which your data will be evaluated, if gathered.

A Findings (where you):

Describe what you found from your analysis of data.

A Conclusion (where you would):

A. Restate the premise of your study;

B. Discuss how your findings support or refute your hypothesis or answer your research questions; and

C. Synthesize conclusions from possible discussion in the body of your paper.

Various due dates for different portions of the project are listed in the tentative schedule. Each portion of the project will be evaluated and critiqued for pertinence with the final project. On the due date, you must submit one original copy of your study report, an abstract, and a disk containing the paper, your data and analyses. If your paper is found worthy of presentation, you will be asked to submit an additional five copies. These copies must be received before final grades are posted.

Professional Development Hours:

Since class time is not sufficient to gain adequate understanding of research procedure, each student must accumulate a minimum of 15 professional development hours throughout the semester. Professional development hours will be earned from assisting a research professional, such as Dr. Amienyi, in various aspects of his/her research. This will serve as an additional practicum to class room exercises.

V. Attendance:

The university does not require mandatory attendance for upper-class students. However, students will be responsible for all lecture materials, class reports, projects and handouts. Students missing any class material will be doing so at their own risk. Five absences will result in a ten-point reduction in the student overall grade in the class. Three tardiness will equal one absence.

Make ups and extensions will not be permitted on assignments missed due to an absence. Any graded work missed due to an absence will earn a zero.

Students obligated to other activities that might preclude their regular attendance in this class should plan to take the class at another time when attendance can be assured.

All readings and other class assignments must be competed on schedule. Again, make ups or late assignments will not be accepted.

Student athletes will have 24 hours from the date of their return to class from a university related activity to make up any missed work. Work not made up during this 24hour period will receive a zero ("0"). It is the student's responsibility to make arrangements with the instructor regarding the completion of make up work, within the specified period.

VI Examinations:

There will be four (4) written examinations in the class, including midterm and final. Questions will require students to apply the materials they have learned in class. This will require knowledge relevant materials in the textbook, lecture, and class assignments. Students must keep ahead of the class in all readings. The exams will be written during normal class hours.

Note: Final Examination TBA

VII. Grading:

Grades are not given in my classes; they are earned. Your earned grade will depend strictly on how much work you put into your assignments, readings and projects. To earn an "A" grade, you must consistently produce excellent work. For a "B" you must consistently produce good work. A "C" will be earned for satisfactory work, a "D" for poor but passing performance and an "F" for failure. Please note that professor's evaluative standards do vary according to background and expectations: mine are quite high.

Your final grade will be the aggregate of the following elements: Four tests (including the Final) x 30%; Professional Development Hours 10%; Daily Class Assignments (10%) Research paper (50%)

The grading scale is as follows: 90 - 100=A; 80 - 89=B; 70 - 79=C; 60 - 69=D; 59 AND BELOW=F

Safety Statement:

"This course may require the use of hazardous chemicals or equipment that the University Safety Committee recognizes as potentially hazardous to a student's safety and health. Every instructor is required to provide instructional information and training on safe handling and usage procedures prior to engaging students in the use of hazardous chemicals or equipment.

In addition, students are advised to notify the instructor or laboratory supervisor of any medications or conditions that may impair their mental alertness and/or their ability to safely engage in the use of any hazardous chemical or equipment.

All students should participate in the use of hazardous chemicals and equipment only under the direct supervision of the instructor or by approval of the instructor, using recommended methods and procedures. Failure to adhere to the outlined safety precautions could result in disciplinary action."

Cell Phone/Pager Policy:

All cell phones and pagers must be turned off before class commences; no exceptions. Please advise anyone who may have the need to reach you by cell phone or pager to do so after class. It is your responsibility to make your class schedule available to all prospective callers.

DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES

It is the policy of Arkansas State University to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal law, state law, and the University's commitment to equal educational opportunities. Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him/her from fully participating in this course should contact the Disability Services (972-3964) as soon as possible so we can make the necessary accommodations to facilitate your educational opportunity.