This course provides a more general introduction to the logic of scientific inquiry and to the varieties of methodological approaches so employed in the service of advancing scientific discourse about social phenomena. Having the skills to critically evaluate the findings of this research tradition will prove beneficial in a broad spectrum of professional settings. The techniques pioneered by social scientists in the making of the social survey and experimental traditions have the widest influence of any method of social inquiry. Students seeking graduate work in any one of the social sciences and in communication studies will eventually have to master the principles of social survey research and experimental studies. The required course readings are drawn from two texts.
Copies are on reserve in the library.
Babbie, Earl. 2000. The Practice of Social Research . Introduction to Communication Research . Class Schedule Week 1. The Role of Research in Communication Week 2.