Research Methods in Communication

Code:

MECC001

Acronym:

MIC

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Communication Sciences

Instance: 2017/2018 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Communication and Information Sciences
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Communication Sciences

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MECC	51	MECC - Study Plan	1	-	12	78	324

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

1.Identify and critically evaluate research methods used by researchers in the field of communication;
2. Promote the development of practical skills to enable the student to collect, analyze and display research data.

Learning outcomes and competences

Mastering the main methodologies applicable to communicational contexts.
Ability to identify a research problem, decide on the objectives of the research and select the appropriate methods to carry out the research.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. CHARACTERIZATION OF SCIENTIFIC WORK
1.1 Main paradigms of research in communication
1.2 Stages of scientific work and research methods
1.3 Scientific writing

2. SOURCES OF SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION
2.1 Characterization of sources of scientific information and their search
2.2 Process and techniques of literature review

3. TECHNIQUES OF CONSTRUCTION OF A RESEARCH CORPUS
3.1 Interview techniques (individual and group)
3.2 Participant observation
3.3 Questionnaires

4. CONTENT ANALYSIS
4.1. Analysis of texts
4.1.1 Content analysis and critical discourse analysis
4.2 Image Analysis

5. ANALYSIS OF QUANTITATIVE DATA
5.1 Introduction to Data Analysis
5.2 Understanding Descriptive Statistics
5.3 Confidence Interval for Means and Proportions
5.4 Hypothesis testing
5.5 Analysis and Interpretation of Statistical Measures

Mandatory literature

Altheide David L.; Qualitative media analysis. ISBN: 0-7619-0199-X
Esteves António Joaquim 340; Metodologias qualitativas para as ciências sociais
Bauer Martin W. 340; Pesquisa qualitativa com texto, imagem e som. ISBN: 85-326-2727-7
Berger Arthur Asa; Media research techniques. ISBN: 0-7619-1537-0
Berger Arthur Asa; Media and communication research methods. ISBN: 978-0-7619-1853-0
Denzin Norman K. 340; Handbook of qualitative research. ISBN: 0-8039-4679-1
Andreia Hall ; Grande Maratona de Estatística no SPSS, Escolar Editora, 2011. ISBN: 9789725923016
Murteira Bento José Ferreira; Análise exploratória de dados. ISBN: 972-9241-25-2
Pestana Maria Helena; Análise de dados para ciências sociais. ISBN: 978-972-618-498-0

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical-practical classes (TP): They will comprise a more expository component and a practical application component of acquired knowledge. In the quantitative part, there will be practical classes for SPSS mastery.

Software

Nvivo
SPSS

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Teste	50,00
Trabalho escrito	50,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	100,00
Frequência das aulas	78,00
Trabalho escrito	146,00
Total:	324,00

Eligibility for exams

Attendance at a minimum of 75% of classes, except in cases foreseen by regulations.
Execution of all assignments with a minimum of 10 points (out of 20).

Calculation formula of final grade

Qualitative methods:
Work 1: 50%

Quantitative methods:
SPSS Test: 15%
Test: 35%

Examinations or Special Assignments

Accordance with Assessment Regulations in force.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Accordance with Assessment Regulations in force.

Classification improvement

2 tests can be improved during the first exam period.