Aims

The aim of this module is to provide students with:

A thorough understanding of the principal media and sociological research methods used in the study of media, culture and society;

A comprehensive understanding of how these research methods operate in practice;

The techniques and skills required to undertake a major research dissertation;

Knowledge of the principal ways of generating research data and specific forms of qualitative analysis;

An understanding of the retrieval of information, location of evidence, analysis, interpretation and synthesis of materials, critical thought and evaluation, questioning of assumptions and, where appropriate, to relate theory and practice;

The module introduces students to a range of methodologies and techniques of data gathering that are central to researching the media, culture and society. It begins by examining ways of generating and analysing research data and investigating specific forms of quantitative and qualitative analysis, with an emphasis on the latter. The foundations of epistemology, methodology and techniques of information gathering and analysis are explored. Key sociological and cultural debates about research methods in media and culture are scrutinised. Students engage with the practical components of conducting research so that students may gain a sophisticated understanding of key aspects of the politics of and ethnical issues concerning research methodology in order to enhance the skills they will need to produce a dissertation.

Outline Of Syllabus

The topics addressed may include the following:
Quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis;
Interviews, ethnography, standpoint epistemology;
Textual and content analysis;
Researching media institutions;
Researching new media technologies;
Image analysis;
New Media Contexts: media and cultural industries;
Cross-cultural and transnational media research;
Ethical positions;
Dissertation preparation.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures convey knowledge about the major research methods available in the study of the media, journalism and PR, with a particular focus on the relationship between theory, methodologies and methods. The seminars and workshops will provide students with the context for developing their research skills. Students will learn how to apply these skills to the professional contexts that they are likely to encounter on completion of the course. Classes will mix formal instruction experiences with informal advice sessions.

The assessment strategy allows students to enhance the skills needed to conduct a research dissertation on the programme.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Assessment 1: Dissertation or Final Film Project Proposal.

Students produce a 1,500-2,000-word research plan in relation their proposed dissertation or film project. This should include clearly articulated research question or questions, a theoretical framework, a proposed method, ethical considerations and a working bibliography.

The Assessment Criteria for Assessment 1 are as follows:

Methodological quality of the approach and design of proposed dissertation or film project, how it aligns to the methodologies taught on the module and the ethical implications of the project (K1; K2; K3; K6);

Theoretical and research context and framework drawing on a range of primary and secondary sources (K5; S1);

Effective use of research context and theoretical framework to inform the production of clear and answerable research questions (K4);

Coherence, structure and planning of your proposal including appropriate academic tone for postgraduate research and clear, correct referencing (S5; S6; S7).


Assessment 2: Essay

Students produce a 2,500 word essay which fully assesses the strengths and weaknesses of a method or methods, or ethical implications, of research into Media, Culture and Society as examined during the module. The essay questions allow students to study in depth an area of methodology and the relationship between theory and method.

The assessment criteria for Assessment 2 are as follows:

A theoretically and analytically rigorous definition of the topic, informed by engagement with and understanding of appropriate primary and secondary research (S1; K3; K4);

Demonstration of understanding of how research methods facilitate meaningful studies of media, culture and society (K4; K5; S2);

Analysis of research methods in order to make meaningful conclusions about its strengths and weaknesses for studying media, journalism and/or PR (S2; K4);

Coherence and written structure of the research essay, including appropriate academic tone at postgraduate level and effective display of examples and analysis (S3; S5; S6).

The reassessment strategy is a resit of the failed component or components.