COM4809 - Advanced Research Report Assignment - University of South Africa

Assignment Task

Introduction

Welcome to COM4809, where you will undertake an advanced research project in the field of Communication Studies.

Please note that this module is offered strictly online. This means that all teaching and learning occur virtually and there are no face-to-face teaching and learning processes.

By the time you register for this module you will probably already have engaged in some form of research while completing other modules for the degree, or possibly as part of your undergraduate curriculum. However, this is probably your first encounter with a more detailed and formal scientific research project. You may feel somewhat apprehensive as you start with this module. You may not be completely familiar with the numerous terms and concepts that are used in the research process and, as a result, you may initially find the module somewhat intimidating.

However, there is no need to be concerned. Use your knowledge from your undergraduate and postgraduate modules to inform your decisions regarding your research project, and always remember that your lecturers are here to guide you through the module. As supervisors for your projects, we are eager to work with you as you gain confidence as an academic researcher. Before we embark on this research journey, we would like to mention an important point we would like you to always keep in mind.

Doing research, particularly if you are a novice researcher, can be much like negotiating a maze. It is easy to lose your way and to take a few incorrect turns, which lead to a dead end. You will notice that research consists of many different parts and that writers on the topic of research will differ regarding the sequence of the process. This means that as you locate various sources in order to do your research, you will find that different researchers and authors will use different approaches to resolve their problems. However, these are just minor variations or variations based on specific ontological and/or epistemological stances – the end results will always be academic and sound. Therefore, no matter what your research topic, the principles of valid and reliable research remain the same.

The first thing that we would like you to do is to read through this tutorial letter carefully (from beginning to end – do not just skip ahead to the assessments). This will familiarise you with the overall structure and format of the module and give you an idea of what we expect of you. It will also offer you an overview of the research process and will show you how each of your assignments represents a section or step in the research process. After the initial reading, go back and work through the module step by step.

Purpose

COM4809 introduces novice researchers to the traditions of communication science research. The module will teach students how to situate research questions within the appropriate theoretical framework and how to match research questions with the appropriate method of empirical analysis. The module is aimed at students in their fourth year of study who have gained at least a basic understanding of communication science theories and methods. It is crucial that students can work independently. This module is essentially a self-directed course, where the supervisor facilitates the process of discovery and learning. Students will therefore have to read the module texts thoroughly and research additional material on their own.

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