Researching Communications: A Practical Guide to Methods in Media and Cultural Analysis

Studying communications and the media requires a range of research methods drawn from disciplines as diverse as sociology, psychology, literary analysis, linguistics and economics. This textbook sets out a comprehensive guide for students and researchers on methods for researching communications. As well as explaining the basics and background to differing research methods, it provides examples, illustrative research analyses, and step-by-step guides on how to do research. Covering all aspects of communication research, the book also explains the ethical issues involved in research and sets out questions of objectivity, qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the role of empirical research. The authors use a range of examples to illustrate the chapters, and draw on their experience of teaching media and communication studies at a variety of levels and in many countries. The book includes a glossary of key terms and provides a guide to all facets of researching and communication for the student embarking on a project, or the researcher designing and developing a study.