MDIA 2302 - Media Research Methods
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code MDIA 2302 Course Media Research Methods Coordinating Unit Media Term Semester 1 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 3 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Prerequisites At least 12 units of level 1 Arts courses or equivalent, including 3 units in Media Incompatible MDIA 2204 Restrictions Available to B Media students only Assessment Participation (10%), online tests (20%), individual research paper (40%), group assignment (30%) Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Kathryn Bowd
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate knowledge of research literacy 2 Demonstrate a sound knowledge of basic research methods 3 Demonstrate an understanding of the significant risk and ethical issues raised by the conduct of media research 4 Demonstrate a working knowledge of the theories and frameworks through which media are analysed and understood 5 Demonstrate familiarity with research into media audiences and users 6 Demonstrate knowledge of research governance and policy 7 Develop an understanding of media industries and institutions, particularly the role that research plays within the knowledge economy and future career development 8 Develop a high level of written and oral communication skills 9 Increase familiarity with collaborative techniques to develop successful work outcomes University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 4 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 5 Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 8 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 9 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 7 A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 3, 6 An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 3 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
There are no required resources for this course, although regular access to the Internet is needed due to the online content and modes of assignment submission used throughout the semester.Recommended Resources
Students may wish to purchase a media research textbook to support their learning. The following textbooks are recommended, but there are many more available:
· Anderson, James A. 2012, Media Research Methods: Understanding Metric and Interpretive Approaches, Thousand Oaks, Calif.: SAGE [A complex and challenging read!]
· Berger, Arthur A. 2011, Media and Communication Research Methods, 2nd ed., Los Angeles: SAGE Publications [New edition of a classic, which is quite readable]
· Jensen, Klaus (ed.) 2012, A Handbook of Media and Communication Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies, 2nd ed., New York: Routledge [An excellent book with an emphasis on use of theory in research]
· Priest, Susanna H. 2010, Doing Media Research: An Introduction, 2nd ed., London: SAGE [Good on the total process of research]
· Webster, James G., Phalen, Patricia F. and Lichty, Lawrence W. 2006, Ratings Analysis: The Theory and Practice of Audience Research, 3rd ed., Mahwah, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates [Focused on only one area, but it’s important and this is comprehensive]
· Weerakkody, Niranjala D. 2008, Research Methods for Media and Communication, Melbourne: Oxford University Press [One of the few Australian media research texts and covers all the basics in accessible style]
· Wimmer, Roger D. and Dominick, Joseph R. 2006, Mass Media Research: An Introduction, 8th ed., Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth [A very well established and respected US textbook]Online Learning
This course makes extensive use of MyUni and some external websites. All assignments are submitted via MyUni using a combination of on-line tests and TurnItIn. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
No information currently available.
Workload
No information currently available.
Learning Activities Summary
No information currently available.
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Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
No information currently available.
Assessment Detail
No information currently available.
Submission
No information currently available.
Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
In response to feedback provided last year we have made the following changes:
· Change to topic order and addition of extra topic on website/social media metrics
· Move to three, rather than 4 tests and change to final test weighting
· Small changes made to release of multiple-choice tests for Assignment 1
· Revision to Assignment 3 questions
· Change to Assignment 3 to remove assessed group element and presentation
We hope these changes will make this course even better than last year, but please provide your honest evaluation at the end of the course. We always pay careful attention to your evaluation and look for way to act on your advice and comments. -
Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.
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