Doing Media Research

Emphasizing conceptual understanding rather thanalgebra, Doing Media Research: An Introduction provides comprehensivecoverage of both quantitative and qualitative social science methodsused in research about the media and its role in society. Using straightforwardlanguage, author Susanna Hornig Priest shows students exactly how to design andimplement meaningful small-scale research projects. This book is based on thephilosophy that students can learn methods most effectively through actuallyusing them, and it empowers beginning students to experience research forthemselves. This Second Edition features completelyrevised hands-on exercises and greatly expanded discussions of both mediacontent analysis and the application of social science to new media. Features andBenefits: · Explores both qualitative and quantitativeapproaches to help beginning students understand both, so they can choose theright approach for a particular problem Assumes no background in statistics andintroduces most topics with a minimum of algebra, explaining all technicalconcepts in simple language in the text (and in the extensive glossary) Explains the disciplinary origins of ourvarious research methods, the nature of academic publishing, and the importanceof the academic literature Emphasizes the process of research design asapplied to real-world problems and incorporates discussion of research ethicsthroughout the book Gives students a chance to practice as theygo along through chapter-by-chapter exercises, rather than approaching methodsas an abstract subject that must be learned by rote Describes advanced techniques in general terms to give beginningstudents an understanding of the full range of tools available without gettingin the way of their ability to use more basic approaches right away DoingMedia Research: An Introduction, Second Edition is intended for anintroductory course in social science research methods for students injournalism, mass communication, and media studies at either the undergraduate orbeginning graduate levels.