Communication Research Methods - Course Material

Research Gap A research gap refers to an area of knowledge or an issue in the literature that has not been fully explored or adequately addressed by existing research. Identifying and addressing research gaps is critical because it provides new insights, adds value to existing knowledge, and can contribute to the advancement of a specific field. Types of Research Gap There are several types of research gaps, each defined by the nature of the knowledge deficiency or unanswered questions in the literature. Here are the most common types of research gaps with examples: 1. Evidence Gap An evidence gap occurs when there is limited or no empirical data to support a particular hypothesis, theory, or claim. In such cases, researchers lack concrete data or research studies to validate findings or arguments. Example:   In health research, there might be claims about the benefits of a new dietary supplement for heart disease, but no long-term studies have been conducted to provide empirical e...

Structure of Dissertation  A dissertation  typically follows a structured format, though this may vary slightly depending on your institution or field of study. Here's a common structure for dissertations across most disciplines 1. Title Page The title of your dissertation Your name Department and university affiliation Degree for which the dissertation is submitted Date of submission Supervisor’s name and credentials 2. Abstract A concise summary of your research (usually 150–300 words) It should cover your research problem, methodology, findings, and conclusions 3. Acknowledgments (Optional) You can thank those who helped you during your research, including advisors, mentors, colleagues, family, or friends. 4. Table of Contents List of all chapters and subheadings with corresponding page numbers 5. List of Figures and Tables If applicable, include a list of figures, graphs, and tables, along with their page numbers. 6. List of Abbreviations If your dissertation contains man...

Types of Research - Introduction  In social science, research is essential for understanding human behaviour, societal patterns, and social phenomena. Social science research can be categorized into several types based on different criteria such as purpose, data collection methods, and the research approach. Here’s a detailed exploration of the types of research in social science: 1. Descriptive Research Descriptive research aims to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon systematically and accurately. It answers questions like "what," "who," "where," and "when." This type of research doesn't explore relationships or cause-and-effect but rather paints a picture of a situation or group. Purpose : To provide an accurate account of a situation or phenomenon. Methods : Surveys, case studies, observational studies, archival research. Examples : A survey to describe the income distribution in a specific region. Observing and re...

Case Study - Overview A Case Study is an in-depth exploration of a specific subject, event, or organization to gain insights into complex issues, patterns, or phenomena. The introduction of a case study sets the stage for the analysis, providing readers with the necessary background and context. Here are the essential elements of a case study introduction: 1. Background of the Problem Description of the Case : Begin with a brief description of the case being studied. This could be a person, group, organization, or event. Contextual Information : Explain the broader context in which the case exists. This might include industry, historical, social, or economic factors that influence the case. Relevance : Highlight why this case is important to study. It could be because the case is unique, has broader implications, or is representative of a common issue. Example : In studying a company's innovative response to a market crisis, the background might discuss the economic environment, ...

Likert Scale - Introduction  The Likert Scale is a psychometric scale commonly used in research surveys to measure attitudes, opinions, or behaviours. It was developed by psychologist Rensis Likert in 1932. The scale asks respondents to indicate how much they agree or disagree with a particular statement. Typically, the scale ranges from ordered responses (e.g., 1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree). Structure of a Likert Scale Statements : A series of statements related to the subject being measured. Response Options : Ordered choices, generally 5 or 7 points, ranging from one extreme to another (e.g., strongly disagree to strongly agree). Common Points on a 5-Point Likert Scale: Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral (Neither Agree nor Disagree) Agree Strongly Agree Some variations may also include a 7-point scale or more detailed response options, like "Very Satisfied" to "Very Dissatisfied." Example 1: Measuring Satisfaction Statement : "The customer s...

  Literature review is a critical summary and analysis of existing research related to a specific topic or research question. It helps to establish a foundation for your own research by identifying gaps, trends, and key insights from previous studies. Here’s an overview of the key components and purpose of a literature review: Purpose of a Literature Review Provide Context : It places your research within the broader field by summarizing what is already known about the topic. Identify Gaps : It highlights what has not been studied or where further research is needed. Showcase Trends : It identifies patterns or trends in research findings and methodologies. Establish Credibility : By reviewing existing literature, you demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the field and that your research is relevant. Support Your Research : It helps you refine your research question and supports the rationale for your study by showing how it builds on or diverges from existing work. Key Compo...

Ten Steps in Writing a Research Paper  Writing a research paper can seem like a daunting task, but by breaking it down into manageable steps, you can approach it in an easy and organised way. Here's a simple guide to help you write a research paper: 1. Choose a Research Topic Tips : Pick a topic that interests you and is relevant to your field of study. It should be specific enough to be manageable but broad enough to find sufficient sources. Example : Instead of "Education," focus on "The Role of Technology in Improving Education in Rural Areas." 2. Do Preliminary Research Tips : Start by gathering background information on your topic. Use credible sources such as academic journals, books, and reliable websites. Goal : Get an overview of your topic and identify gaps in the research that your paper could address. Example : Search for articles on how digital tools are impacting education in rural settings. 3. Create a Thesis Statement Definition : Your thesis sta...

Ethics of a researcher refers to the moral principles and standards that guide researchers in the process of conducting their studies. Ethical guidelines ensure the integrity, transparency, and fairness of research activities, safeguarding the rights and well-being of participants and the credibility of the research process. Here are the key aspects of research ethic s 1. Informed Consent Definition : Researchers must obtain informed consent from all participants, ensuring that they fully understand the purpose of the research, the procedures involved, potential risks, and their rights (such as the right to withdraw at any time). Importance : Ensures that participation is voluntary and that participants are making an informed decision. 2. Confidentiality and Privacy Definition : Researchers must protect the identity and personal information of participants. Data should be anonymized or kept confidential to ensure that individual identities are not revealed without permission. Importanc...

Basic elements of research are the fundamental components that form the structure of any research study. These elements help researchers organize and conduct their studies systematically to ensure valid, reliable, and meaningful results. Here’s a detailed explanation of the key elements. 1. Research Problem Definition : The research problem is the central issue, question, or challenge that the study aims to address. It is the driving force behind the entire research process, guiding the development of objectives and hypotheses. Example : A research problem might be, "What factors contribute to high dropout rates in higher education?" 2. Research Objectives Definition : Research objectives are specific goals or aims that the study seeks to achieve. These objectives define what the researcher hopes to discover, explain, or test. Example : In a study on education, objectives might include: To identify the key causes of student dropouts. To evaluate the effectiveness of interven...

Dr.Sheik Mohamed S.H Assistant Professor  Department of Electronic media St.Thoms College of Arts and Science Types of Variables Variables are essential components as they represent the measurable traits, characteristics, or attributes that can change or vary within an experiment or study in research. Understanding the different types of variables is crucial to properly designing research, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. Below is a detailed explanation of the various types of variables in research 1. Independent Variables (IV) Definition : An independent variable is a factor that the researcher manipulates or controls to observe its effect on the dependent variable. It is the presumed cause or predictor in an experiment. Example : In a study on the impact of study hours on exam performance, the independent variable is the number of study hours. 2. Dependent Variables (DV) Definition : A dependent variable is the outcome or effect measured in the study. It is dependent on c...

Research is a systematic and organized process of inquiry aimed at discovering new information, validating existing knowledge, or solving specific problems through a methodical approach. It involves gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to gain deeper insights into a particular subject or phenomenon. Key Characteristics of Research: Systematic : Research follows a structured and methodical process to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results. Objective : It aims to be unbiased, relying on empirical data and evidence rather than personal opinions or assumptions. Inquisitive : Research seeks to ask questions and find answers, often exploring unknown or understudied areas. Analytical : Research involves breaking down complex issues and carefully examining their components. Replicable : The research process should be documented in such a way that others can replicate it to verify findings. Types of Research: Basic Research : Conducted to expand knowledge and understanding witho...