Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - CMNS 201W D100

Empirical Communication Research Methods (4)

Class Number: 3041

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Nine CMNS units with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to empirical research methods in diverse traditions of communication enquiry. Some methods recognize communication as everyday interactions; others analyze communication as a process; still others blend traditional scientific empiricism with analytical and critical methods derived from the arts and humanities. Topics include: ethics, paradigms, conceptualizing and operationalizing research, sampling, interviews, surveys, unobtrusive observation, content analysis, and the role of statistics in communication research. Students with credit for CMNS 201 or CMNS 260 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Overview: 

This course is an introduction to the ways of conducting empirical research.  Empirical research uses techniques of direct and indirect observation to test hypotheses and develop new ideas.  The course will introduce students to basic principles and tools in research design and data analysis. 

The goal of this course is to help students develop the necessary skills to read and critically evaluate research reports and scholarly articles.  The course provides useful knowledge for upper-level coursework, and opportunities for students to learn skills many employers hope new university graduates will have. 

Empirical research guides decision-making in matters that concern all of us. Understanding how research is done is an essential step in assessing appropriate uses of research in real world applications. 

Grading

  • Quizzes (written in-class during lectures) 25%
  • Final Quiz (3 hours; written in-class) 25%
  • Research Assignments 30%
  • Attendance and Participation in Tutorials 20%

NOTES:

For this course, students need to take several in-class written quizzes in the lecture hall as well as a final quiz.

Grading breakdown listed above to be confirmed in class. 

The School expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relation to established university-wide practices with respect to both levels and distribution of grades. In addition, the School will follow Policy S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03 and S10.04 with regard to Student Discipline.  [Note: as of May 1, 2009, the previous T10 series of policies covering Intellectual Honesty (T10.02), and Academic Discipline (T10.03) have been replaced with the new S10 series of policies.]

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Babbie, E., Edgerton, J., Roberts. (2020). Fundamentals of Social Research (5th edition). Nelson Education, Toronto.

Alternative Publisher/ISBN available through SFU Bookstore: 

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Nelson Cengage Adapted; 5th edition (Feb. 13 2020)
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0176895957
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0176895952

ISBN: 978-1774747100

Other readings will available electronically, or posted On Reserve at the Burnaby Campus Library.


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.