MCRS LECTURES 1-4

Empiricism research based on observation

rationalism reason as chief source and test of knowledge

observation is based on empiricism

tenacity we've always done it or understood it this way

scientific research systematic process of gathering theoretical knowledge through observation (following a set of rules)

empirical research research based on social reality

research is systematic and cumulative1 builds on previous research

research is systematic and cumulative2 in search of patterns and associations

communication research systematic process of asking and answering questions about human communication

quantitative research measurement, numbers, testing theory

qualitative research no measurement, words, generating theory

experimental research design causal (effects)

correlational research design cross-sectional, longitudinal (associations)

Observational data collection method observe people/behaviors during experiments

posing questions data collection method survey, in depth interviews, focus groups

analysis data collection method analyze content of existing sources

human communication research requirement ethical decisions

empirically testable should be possible to collect info/evidence that will either support or contradict hypothesis

replicable we should be able to repeat the original study

objectivity ability to replicate study without original researcher. clearly defined description, leave no room for personal interpretation

transparency researchers need to publicly state what conclusions were made, assumptions defined etc

falsifiable has to be something that could contradict or change belief. Contradictions should be possible

logical consistency (coherence) can't change the interpretation of a result after the data is in, adhering to the hypothesis

verification confirm, interpretative approach

falsification refutation, analytical approach

is hypothesis a truth? no it could probably be falsified

hypothesis describes general pattern or relation. can be supported/not supported/strongly supported

theory overarching explanation of many related phenomena. built up by hypotheses that are plausible, closest thing to certainty we have

nomothetic approach rules and patterns

idiographic approach uniqueness of subjects, objects or phenomena

Universalistic research general explanation

Particularistic research explanations for a particular phenomena

applied research in order to improve human condition (often particularistic)

fundamental research research for the sake of knowing (often universalistic)

one-tailed hypothesis specific expectation about direction of effect

two-tailed hypothesis no specific expectation about direction of effect

asymmetrical relationship a causal relationship is expected (x leads to y)

symmetrical relationship not sure of a causal relationship (x >< y)

positive relationship hypothesis variables move in the same direction (the higher the x the higher the y)

negative relationship hypothesis variables move in opposite direction (the lower the x the higher the y)

dichotomous independent variable has 2 values

mediated relationship dependent variable depends on independent and mediator (x is explained by y which leads to z)

moderated relationship conditional effect (does x lead to y because of a difference in gender)

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