Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Mass Communications Research Methods
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: JAC09126
Module leader: Pauline Miller Judd
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Media and Humanities
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

This module develops your understanding of mass communications research methods, building on knowledge you have developed in prior modules. You will develop your ability to investigate mass communications media as both cultural and social phenomena, within the broader frameworks of content and textual analyses, history, theory, anthropology, archives, and policy, amongst others, identifying and utilising a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. You will learn how to frame a question and determine the appropriate methodologies to begin to answer the question. You will also learn appropriate data collection methods and the means to analyse and organise this data, both in hard copy and including relevant software packages. Further, you will develop a deep and practical understanding of regulations and policies that shape research, such as research integrity and ethics, data protection (GDPR), informed consent, and intellectual property law.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Construct a research question for a mass communications research project.

LO2: Determine appropriate research methodologies to address a mass communications research question and draw up a research plan.

LO3: Examine the relationships between methodologies, including between qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

LO4: Engage in appropriate research practices, including using appropriate technologies.

LO5: Demonstrate awareness and cognisance of regulations and policies that shape mass communications research.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Pauline Miller Judd
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Online Guided independent study 170 You will work on weekly tasks including watching audio visual resources and reading texts. As you build your knowledge you will work on your own research project, enabling you to put into practice the skills and knowledge you have developed through the seminars.
Face To Face Lecture 10 Theories and approaches to research within the mass communications field, as well as regulations and policies that guide it, will be introduced in lectures.
Face To Face Tutorial 20 In tutorials the required readings, students’ class preparations, and class debates draw out key concepts, theories, methodologies, and questions about mass communications research (LOs 1-5).
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Essay 70 1~2~3~4~5 Exam Period , WORDS= 3500 words A final report of your research project. The report will introduce the context for the project; have a short literature review; outline the methodologies used, and then present the results and discuss them. This development of this final report underpins the skills necessary for your dissertation in year 4.
Report 30 1~2~5 Week 6 , WORDS= 1000 words A proposal which outlines your approach to your research project. You will complete a form which details what your proposed research question is and why it is important; the research methods you plan to use, including analytical methods; and any possible ethical issues which have to be addressed..
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
JAC09126 Mass Communications Research Methods
 

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