ACC303 - Communication Research Practices

Unit details

Note: You are seeing the 2020 view of this unit information. These details may no longer be current.
Year:

2020 unit information

Important Update:

Classes and seminars in Trimester 2/Semester 2, 2020 will be online. Physical distancing for coronavirus (COVID-19) will affect delivery of other learning experiences in this unit. Please check your unit sites for announcements and updates one week prior to the start of your trimester or semester.

Last updated: 2 June 2020

Enrolment modes:Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Unit Chair:Trimester 1: David Marshall
Prerequisite:

Nil

Corequisite:

Nil

Incompatible with:

ALC303

Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150-hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

Scheduled learning activities - campus:

1 x 2-hour seminar per week

Scheduled learning activities - cloud:

Online independent and collaborative learning activities including weekly engagement with materials and discussion forums

Content

This unit focuses on research skills that can be applied to professional practice in diverse media and cultural industries. Examining how to collect, analyse, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data, the unit enables students to gain practical experience in using research methods such as participant observation, focus groups, and various digital methods, including online surveys, ratings analysis, data visualisation and social media analytics. Students will critique the benefits and limitations of different media research methods, negotiate ethical considerations, and solve real-world problems by conducting industry-relevant research.

 

These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit

At the completion of this unit, successful students can:

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

ULO1

Understand the process, application, and ethics of various research methodologies for addressing media-related problems

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

GLO5: Problem solving

ULO2

Analyse and evaluate data collected using methodologies pertinent to media studies and industries

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

GLO4: Critical thinking

ULO3

Demonstrate a high level of communication skills in applying research methods and evaluating results

GLO2: Communication

ULO4

Utilise relevant digital media in the context of researching media users, institutions, and industries

GLO3: Digital literacy

ULO5

Ability to search for and retrieve relevant literature and data from databases, library and other resources for the purpose of completing research tasks and demonstrating original thought and independent thinking

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

GLO2: Communication

GLO3: Digital literacy

GLO6: Self-management

These Unit Learning Outcomes are applicable for all teaching periods throughout the year

Assessment

Trimester 1:
Assessment Description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week
Assessment 1 - Participant observation exercise 800 words or equivalent  20% Week 3
Assessment 2 - Focus group simulation and critical reflection 1200 words or equivalent  30% Week 8
Assessment 3 - Online data analysis project 2000 words or equivalent  50% Week 11

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning Resource

There is no prescribed text. Unit materials are provided via the unit site. This includes unit topic readings and references to further information.

Unit Fee Information

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