Communication Research Methods in Postmodern Culture

Communication Research Methods in Postmodern Culture explores communication research from a postmodern perspective while retaining key qualitative and quantitative research methods. The author uses easy-to-understand language to incorporate new research methods inspired by contemporary culture and includes review questions and suggested activities designed to help readers understand and master communication research. The blend of new and traditional methods creates a book appropriate to the study of communication in an increasingly complex cultural environment. 

Table of Contents:
Section I - Foundations   Chapter 1 Introduction                                                                                                                            A Backward Glance A Postmodern Primer What Is Communication? Why Research? Communication Research Evaluating and Restructuring Our Research Practices                 Postmodernism and Communication Research   Chapter 2        Knowledge, Culture, and Research Some Important Philosophy Some Essential History Additional Factors to Consider What About Communication Research? A New Research Outlook Postmodern Application of Research Results The Communication Process Research Ethics Federal Regulations   Chapter 3        Getting Started Basic Terminology Research Guidelines   Chapter 4        Designing a Research Study The Flowchart Process                         Section II - Methodologies   Chapter 5        Focus Group Research Definition and Uses A Postmodern Perspective Advantages and Disadvantages Basics                          Logistics Conducting the Session Solving Potential Problems Analyzing the Data Addressing the Research Questions Evaluating the Study Writing the Report   Chapter 6        Survey Research Definition and Uses A Postmodern Perspective Issues and Problems                             Basics   Chapter 7        Historical Research Definition and Uses A Postmodern Perspective                                Basics                          Using Quality Sources Developing a Detailed Plan                               Logistics Data Gathering Analyzing the Data Addressing the Research Questions Evaluating the Study Writing the Report        The Case Study Method A Brief Overview                                                                                                 Chapter 8        Oral History by Kim Golombisky Important Examples A Postmodern Perspective Definitions and Uses Issues and Problems Design Execution Analysis   Chapter 9        Text Analysis Part I—Content Analysis by Timothy E. Bajkiewicz Part II—Reader-Response Part III—Deconstruction Deconstruction in Action: An Example                                         Chapter 10      Feminist Methodology by Kim Golombisky An Easy Fit A Postmodern Perspective Definitions Uses Problems and Issues Implementation   Section III — Writing the Research Report   Chapter 11      Writing Style What Is Writing Style? Scholarly Style APA Style MLA Style Chicago Style   Chapter 12      Report Format Why Write a Report? Who Is the Audience? The Traditional Format A Specialized Format A Section-By-Section Explanation Some Likely Variations   SECTION IV—APPLICATIONS   Chapter 13      An Individual Research Proposal Rationale The Individual Research Proposal Your Research Proposal Topic The Individual Research Project                                      Chapter 14       A Group Research Project Rationale Procedure Group Evaluation  

About the Author :
Larry Z Leslie, University of South Florida