Guías Docentes Electrónicas
1. General information
Course:
COMMUNICATION RESEARCH METHODS
Code:
16325
Type:
CORE COURSE
ECTS credits:
6
Degree:
377 - UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN JOURNALISM
Academic year:
2022-23
Center:
12 - FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION
Group(s):
30 
Year:
3
Duration:
C2
Main language:
Spanish
Second language:
English
Use of additional languages:
English Friendly:
Y
Web site:
Bilingual:
N
Lecturer: VANESA SAIZ ECHEZARRETA - Group(s): 30 
Building/Office
Department
Phone number
Email
Office hours
2.09
DPTO. EN CONSTITUCIÓN
vanesa.saiz@uclm.es

2. Pre-Requisites
Not established
3. Justification in the curriculum, relation to other subjects and to the profession

This subject belongs to the Theory of Communication and Journalistic Information. Its interest is twofold, on the one hand, in the academic field, it will prepare students for the elaboration of the Final Degree Project, mandatory for obtaining the degree, offering them the necessary tools for its realization. On the other hand, from a professional orientation, it familiarizes them with the investigative process and some of its main techniques that can be applied in journalistic practice -both investigative and precision journalism itself, as well as any other type of specialized journalism. Finally, this course provides transversal sociological knowledge regarding the functioning of communicative processes in contemporary societies, and generates a constant reflection and approach to the idea of scientific rigor in the investigation of social processes, which is especially useful in a context of growing fear of disinformation and the dissemination of false or fake news.


4. Degree competences achieved in this course
Course competences
Code Description
E02 Capacity and ability to fluently and effectively express and communicate both orally and in writing, by adequately using the most appropriate linguistic and literary resources to each communication medium.
E04 Capacity to read and analyse specialised texts and documents on any relevant topic, and to summarise or adapt them using language or vocabulary understandable to the general public.
E05 Basic capacity to understand informative or communicative production, either written or audiovisual, in standard English.
E07 Capacity and ability to express reasoned ideas by using rhetoric and contributions from new argumentation theories, as well as communicative techniques applied to persuasion.
E14 Capacity to experiment and innovate by learning and using techniques and methods applied to improvement of quality and self-assessment processes. Develop capacity for autonomous learning, adaptation to change and creativity-driven innovation.
E16 Critical knowledge of media influence on Education and of the relation of the media with schools, as well as of the potential of the new Information and Communication Technologies and multimedia systems for development of off-site learning and knowledge.
E18 Egalitarian awareness with regards to individuals and peoples, respect for international human rights, and knowledge of the great cultural or civilising trends related to individual and collective fundamental values.
G01 B1 level of a second foreign language, as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
G04 Ethical commitment and professional ethics.
G05 Gain knowledge and understanding of Journalism by acquiring rational and critical knowledge of world current affairs in order to understand social phenomena that occur in society today.
G07 Interpret relevant data, such as key events and processes that take place in today's societies, from a synchronic perspective. The scope of this kind of knowledge should be as wide as possible, since it contributes to developing the ability to understand diversity and to fostering civic awareness and respect for alien value systems.
G09 Develop the abilities required for Journalism and Communications in general, in order to pursue further postgraduate and professional retraining studies.
5. Objectives or Learning Outcomes
Course learning outcomes
Not established.
Additional outcomes
Description
Distinguish the specific characteristics of scientific research and assess the possibilities of application in the field of communication.
Contrast the different research methodologies and justify their suitability in relation to the objectives of each study and the research contexts.
Define an object of study and design a research project for its analysis.
Apply basic research techniques for the collection and production of information.
Use qualitative analysis techniques, fundamentally, discourse analysis.
Defend the importance of collective and collaborative work in research work.
Appreciate the ethical dimension of research and assess the impact of this activity on contemporary social and political life
6. Units / Contents
  • Unit 1: Introductory concepts
    • Unit 1.1: Scientific knowledge
    • Unit 1.2: Research processes
    • Unit 1.3: Methodological strategies
  • Unit 2: DESIGN A RESEARCH PROJECT (CROSS-SECTIONAL)
    • Unit 2.1: Definition of the topic, objectives and hypotheses
    • Unit 2.2: Bibliography review and state of the question
    • Unit 2.3: Operationalization of variables and research biases
    • Unit 2.4: Methodological design and choice of techniques
    • Unit 2.5: Field work and analysis
  • Unit 3: MATERIAL ANALYSIS: DOCUMENTES, DISCOURSES AND OBJETCS
    • Unit 3.1: Principles of communication as transmission and reproduction of culture
    • Unit 3.2: Qualitative discourse analysis
    • Unit 3.3: Quantitative content analysis techniques
  • Unit 4: DIALOGICAL METHODS
    • Unit 4.1: Characteristics of questionnaires and types of research interviews
    • Unit 4.2: In-depth interviews and life stories
    • Unit 4.3: Design, preparation and conduct of the interview
  • Unit 5: GROUP TECHNIQUES
    • Unit 5.1: Focus group
    • Unit 5.2: Other techniques: triangular groups, Delphi method Topic
    • Unit 5.3: Design, dynamics and analysis of results
  • Unit 6: OBSERVATION OF SOCIAL FACTS
    • Unit 6.1: Observation and its categories
    • Unit 6.2: Ethnography: field work
    • Unit 6.3: Digital ethnography and adaptation of techniques
  • Unit 7: QUANTITATIVE TECHNIQUES
    • Unit 7.1: Data production and data analysis
    • Unit 7.2: Surveys: sampling, design and application of questionnaires
    • Unit 7.3: Audience analysis
    • Unit 7.4: Analysis of social networks: Twitter as a case study of public debates
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS, REMARKS

This teaching guide is intended as a working tool, a planning proposed by the teacher of the subject but that, once the work and dialogue in the classroom has begun, it should function as a living, modifiable and flexible instrument.

For this, in the development of the subject there will be room for the negotiation of its execution that will take into account the needs, feelings, projects and expectations shared by the group (teacher-students) during the teaching-learning process. The reformulations, incorporations, etc. that may occur will be established throughout the course and will be fixed in writing in the shared space of the virtual campus.


7. Activities, Units/Modules and Methodology
Training Activity Methodology Related Competences (only degrees before RD 822/2021) ECTS Hours As Com Description
Writing of reports or projects [OFF-SITE] Practical or hands-on activities E04 E07 E14 E18 G04 G07 G09 2.2 55 Y Y Autonomously applied exercises will be carried out, with support through group tutorials: definition of objects of study, data analysis, focused observation, methodological design, interview role-playing, interviews, etc.
Class Attendance (practical) [ON-SITE] Workshops and Seminars E05 E18 G04 0.96 24 N N The evaluable exercises will be worked on and oriented in groups. Approaches, definition of the objects of study, difficulties in the implementation of different methodologies, etc. will be discussed.
Class Attendance (theory) [ON-SITE] Lectures E05 E18 G04 1.04 26 N N Presentations will be made on the most relevant concepts and issues of the syllabus. The theoretical sessions will also include the discussion of texts that students must have previously prepared independently and that will be provided through the virtual campus.
Study and Exam Preparation [OFF-SITE] Self-study E04 E05 E14 G04 G09 1.32 33 N N The materials on the theoretical classes will be read beforehand, in addition to their study for the final theoretical test.
Final test [ON-SITE] Assessment tests E07 G04 G09 0.24 6 Y Y The characteristics of the evaluation tests will be detailed through the virtual campus. There will be two tests, one of the tests will deal with the theoretical contents and the other one will consist of a practical exercise that demonstrates the acquisition of competences in social research design.
Group tutoring sessions [ON-SITE] Group tutoring sessions E18 G04 0.16 4 N N
On-line debates and forums [OFF-SITE] Online Forums E05 E07 E18 G04 G09 0.08 2 N N Complementary materials. As the course progresses, both teachers and students will be able to post complementary materials that will serve mainly to exemplify or expand on issues that have been discussed in the classroom. The general forum will be used for this purpose. Questions and doubts about the subject - of all kinds - will be asked through the General Forum. Questions about the subject will not be answered by e-mail. The use of the Forum allows that the doubts of a student can be answered and, from this, the rest of the group benefits, since the questions or problems are usually collective.
Total: 6 150
Total credits of in-class work: 2.4 Total class time hours: 60
Total credits of out of class work: 3.6 Total hours of out of class work: 90

As: Assessable training activity
Com: Training activity of compulsory overcoming (It will be essential to overcome both continuous and non-continuous assessment).

8. Evaluation criteria and Grading System
Evaluation System Continuous assessment Non-continuous evaluation * Description
Final test 40.00% 50.00% During the official evaluation period, two tests will be conducted.
A theoretical test of 1.5 hours duration and a practical test of 1.5 hours duration, with a break in between.
As stated in the regulations, in order to be averaged with the rest of the grades of the course, each of the tests must reach a 4.
Practicum and practical activities reports assessment 50.00% 50.00% It will include the evaluable exercises carried out throughout the four-month period and the final group work that will be developed throughout the course.
A minimum of 4 must be obtained in this part to do an arithmetic mean.
Assessment of active participation 10.00% 0.00% This evaluation will be based on the results of exercises performed in the classroom, knowledge tests, etc. It will be used to increase the grade. Its value will be added to the average obtained in the rest of the evaluation items.
Total: 100.00% 100.00%  
According to art. 4 of the UCLM Student Evaluation Regulations, it must be provided to students who cannot regularly attend face-to-face training activities the passing of the subject, having the right (art. 12.2) to be globally graded, in 2 annual calls per subject , an ordinary and an extraordinary one (evaluating 100% of the competences).

Evaluation criteria for the final exam:
  • Continuous assessment:
    This course will apply the evaluation criteria agreed upon in the UCLM Evaluation Regulations, as well as the specific evaluation rules approved by the Faculty Board of the center.
    Grades from previous courses will not be kept.
    A 4 out of 10 must be obtained to pass each evaluable item in order to be averaged. If the arithmetic average is higher than 5 but any of the parts does not reach 4, the grade will be 4.5.
    This schedule may be adapted and slightly modified in the event of any extraordinary measures related to the COVID-19 health pandemic. However, even in an unforeseen scenario, we will try to maintain the evaluation percentages as closely as possible to what is indicated in this guide.
  • Non-continuous evaluation:
    This course will apply the evaluation criteria agreed upon in the UCLM Evaluation Regulations, as well as the specific evaluation rules approved by the Faculty Board of the center.
    Grades from previous courses will not be kept.
    A 4 out of 10 must be obtained to pass each evaluable item in order to be averaged. If the arithmetic average is higher than 5 but any of the parts does not reach 4, the grade will be 4.5.

Specifications for the resit/retake exam:
The grade of the group work of previous courses is not maintained, students must retake the entire subject.
This course will apply the evaluation criteria agreed in the UCLM Evaluation Regulations, as well as the specific evaluation rules approved by the Faculty.
A 4 out of 10 must be obtained to pass each evaluable item to be averaged. If the arithmetic average is higher than 5 but any of the parts does not reach 4, the grade will be 4.5.
Specifications for the second resit / retake exam:
The same items will be applied as in the non-continuous evaluation (50% final exam, 50% internship report).
This subject will apply the evaluation criteria agreed in the UCLM Evaluation Regulations, as well as the specific evaluation rules approved by the Faculty.
Grades from previous courses will not be kept.
A 4 out of 10 must be obtained to pass each evaluable item in order to be averaged. If the arithmetic average is higher than 5 but any of the parts does not reach 4, the grade will be 4.5.
9. Assignments, course calendar and important dates
Not related to the syllabus/contents
Hours hours
Writing of reports or projects [AUTÓNOMA][Practical or hands-on activities] 27
Class Attendance (practical) [PRESENCIAL][Workshops and Seminars] 2
Final test [PRESENCIAL][Assessment tests] 6
Group tutoring sessions [PRESENCIAL][Group tutoring sessions] 4
On-line debates and forums [AUTÓNOMA][Online Forums] 2

Unit 1 (de 7): Introductory concepts
Activities Hours
Writing of reports or projects [AUTÓNOMA][Practical or hands-on activities] 2
Class Attendance (practical) [PRESENCIAL][Workshops and Seminars] 2
Class Attendance (theory) [PRESENCIAL][Lectures] 4

Unit 2 (de 7): DESIGN A RESEARCH PROJECT (CROSS-SECTIONAL)
Activities Hours
Writing of reports or projects [AUTÓNOMA][Practical or hands-on activities] 6
Class Attendance (practical) [PRESENCIAL][Workshops and Seminars] 6
Class Attendance (theory) [PRESENCIAL][Lectures] 2
Study and Exam Preparation [AUTÓNOMA][Self-study] 6

Unit 3 (de 7): MATERIAL ANALYSIS: DOCUMENTES, DISCOURSES AND OBJETCS
Activities Hours
Writing of reports or projects [AUTÓNOMA][Practical or hands-on activities] 6
Class Attendance (practical) [PRESENCIAL][Workshops and Seminars] 6
Class Attendance (theory) [PRESENCIAL][Lectures] 4
Study and Exam Preparation [AUTÓNOMA][Self-study] 4

Unit 4 (de 7): DIALOGICAL METHODS
Activities Hours
Writing of reports or projects [AUTÓNOMA][Practical or hands-on activities] 2
Class Attendance (practical) [PRESENCIAL][Workshops and Seminars] 2
Class Attendance (theory) [PRESENCIAL][Lectures] 4
Study and Exam Preparation [AUTÓNOMA][Self-study] 5

Unit 5 (de 7): GROUP TECHNIQUES
Activities Hours
Writing of reports or projects [AUTÓNOMA][Practical or hands-on activities] 4
Class Attendance (practical) [PRESENCIAL][Workshops and Seminars] 2
Class Attendance (theory) [PRESENCIAL][Lectures] 4
Study and Exam Preparation [AUTÓNOMA][Self-study] 6

Unit 6 (de 7): OBSERVATION OF SOCIAL FACTS
Activities Hours
Writing of reports or projects [AUTÓNOMA][Practical or hands-on activities] 4
Class Attendance (practical) [PRESENCIAL][Workshops and Seminars] 2
Class Attendance (theory) [PRESENCIAL][Lectures] 4
Study and Exam Preparation [AUTÓNOMA][Self-study] 6

Unit 7 (de 7): QUANTITATIVE TECHNIQUES
Activities Hours
Writing of reports or projects [AUTÓNOMA][Practical or hands-on activities] 4
Class Attendance (practical) [PRESENCIAL][Workshops and Seminars] 2
Class Attendance (theory) [PRESENCIAL][Lectures] 4
Study and Exam Preparation [AUTÓNOMA][Self-study] 6

Global activity
Activities hours
General comments about the planning: This planning can be modified according to the development and needs of the course. Also, it should be noted that topic 2 will be seen with a cross-sectional logic throughout the course.
10. Bibliography and Sources
Author(s) Title Book/Journal Citv Publishing house ISBN Year Description Link Catálogo biblioteca
El análisis de la realidad social : métodos y técnicas de in Alianza 84-206-8663-8 2005 Ficha de la biblioteca
Análisis de audiencias y estrategias de visibilidad UOC 9788490298152 2013 Ficha de la biblioteca
Métodos y técnicas cualitativas de investigación en Ciencias Síntesis 978-84-7738-226-3 2007 Ficha de la biblioteca
Investigar mediante encuestas : fundamentos teóricos y asp Síntesis 84-7738-598-X 1998 Ficha de la biblioteca
Historia y fuente oral Universitat de Barcelona 0214-7610 1989 Ficha de la biblioteca
AIMC Recursos de la Asociación para la Investigación de Medios de Comunicación AIMC https://www.aimc.es/descargas/descargas-gratuitas/  
Alonso, Luis Enrique La mirada cualitativa en sociología : una aproximación inter Fundamentos 84-245-0776-2 2003 Ficha de la biblioteca
Azofra, María José Cuestionarios Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas 84-7476-272-3 1999 Ficha de la biblioteca
Becker, Howard Trucos del oficio: cómo conducir su investigación en ciencias sociales Siglo XXI 2009  
Bednarek Monika y Carr Georgia Computer-assisted digital text analysis for journalism and communications research: introducing corpus linguistic techniques that do not require programming Media International Australia, nª, 181(1), pp. 131-151 2021 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1329878X20947124  
Callejo Gallego, Javier El grupo de discusión, introducción a una práctica de invest Ariel 8434428792 2001 Ficha de la biblioteca
Callejo, Javier Investigar las audiencias: un análisis cualitativo Paidós Ibérica 84-493-1065-2 2001 Ficha de la biblioteca
Cea D'Ancona, María Ángeles Metodología cuantitativa: estrategias y técnicas de investig Síntesis 84-7738-420-7 1996 Ficha de la biblioteca
Conde, Fernando Análisis sociológico del sistema de discursos Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas 978-84-7476-477-2 2010 Ficha de la biblioteca
Corbetta, Piergiorgio Metodología y técnicas de investigación social McGraw-Hill 978-84-481-5610-7 2007 Ficha de la biblioteca
Del fresno, M. Netnografía UOC 9788497883856 2011  
Geertz, Clifford La interpretación de las culturas Gedisa 84-7432-333-9 2005 Ficha de la biblioteca
Gordo, Angel y Serrano, Araceli Estrategias y prácticas cualitativas de investigación social Pearson Educación 978-84-8322-420-5 2008 Ficha de la biblioteca
Howard, Becker Datos, pruebas e ideas: Por qué los científicos sociales deberían tomárselos más en serio y aprender de sus errores Siglo XXI 2019  
Huertas Bailen, Amparo Yo soy la audiencia: ciudadanía, público, mercado UOC 2015  
Jauset Berrocal, Jordi A. (1955-) Estadística para periodistas, publicitarios y comunicadores Editorial UOC 978-84-9788-589-8 2007 Ficha de la biblioteca
Lozano, Jorge; Peñamarin, Cristina; Abril, Gonzalo Análisis del discurso : hacia una semiótica de la interacció Cátedra 978-84-376-0362-9 2007 Ficha de la biblioteca
López, Guillermo (López García) Periodismo digital : redes, audiencias y modelos de negocio Comunicación Social, 978-84-15544-93-7 2015 Ficha de la biblioteca
Noorjte, Marres Digital Sociology: The Reinvention of Social Research Polity Press 2017  
Palacios, M. y Diaz Noci, J. Ciberperiodismo. Métodos de investigación https://web-argitalpena.adm.ehu.es/pdf/UWLGCI7246.pdf  
Portilla, Idoia Fuentes de información en las áreas de comunicación y marketing en España Universidad de Navarra 2017 http://dadun.unav.edu/bitstream/10171/23608/6/FUENTES_DE_INFORMACION_marzo2017.pdf  
Touri, Maria, & Koteyko, Neyla Using corpus linguistic software in the extraction of news frames: towards a dynamic process of frame analysis in journalistic texts International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 18(6), 601-616 2015 https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2014.929878  
Velasco, Honorio La lógica de la investigación etnográfica : un modelo de tra Trotta 978-84-8164-628-3 2009 Ficha de la biblioteca
Vilches (Coord.) La investigación en comunicación. Métodos y técnicas en la era digital Barcelona Gedisa 978-84-9784-669-1 2011 Ficha de la biblioteca



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