For communication concepts, search Communication and Mass Media Complete (CMMC) in EBSCOhost.
1. Select a communication topic that interests you. Note: If it is not about messages, it is
not a communication study. [CH1]
2. Use the Communication & Mass Media Complete database to locate current research
about the topic. Think about key terms that are needed. [CH 4]
3. Identify FIVE academic journal-published or academic book-published studies that are
most helpful to you in understanding the topic.
4. Review those five studies and record the citation information.
5. Pose a new RQ about the topic or pose a new H about the topic [RQ/H/Purpose]
6. Develop a research-methods plan to address the RQ or test the H:
a. From whom will you collect data (Sample)? [CH12]
b. How will their rights be protected? [IRB CH3]
c. What method will you use to collect data (Data Collection)? [CH9, 10, 11,
Appendix A]
d. How will you analyze your data (Data Analysis)? [CH15, 16, 17, 18, 19]
7. Write up your proposal in an APA paper not longer than 7 pages:
a. Title page
b. 1-page APA Heading: Introduction
c. 2-pages APA Heading: Abbreviated Literature Review
d. 1-page APA Heading: Research Questions/Hypotheses/Purposes
e. 3-pages APA Heading: Methods
APA Sub-headings: Sample, Data Collection, Data Analysis.
f. References
Assessment:
1. APA-formatting accurate
2. APA-citations correctly written
3. Clear introduction to the topic [1-page]
4. Clear and concise summary of five studies [2-pages]
5. RQ or H or Purpose is clear and researchable [1-page]
6. Sample (inclusive, appropriate to topic, follows guidelines, IRB regs considered)
7. Data collection is clear and follows guidelines
8. Data analysis is clear and follows guidelines