ACC303 - Communication Research Practices
Unit details
| Year: | 2021 unit information |
|---|---|
| Important Update: | Unit delivery will continue to be provided in line with the most current COVIDSafe health guidelines. This may include a mix of on-campus and online activities. To find out how you are impacted, please check your unit sites for announcements and updates. Unit sites open one week prior to the start of each Trimester/Semester. Thank you for your flexibility and commitment to studying with Deakin in 2021. Last updated: 4 June 2021 |
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 1: Earvin Cabalquinto |
| 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.
| ULO | 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
| 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
Click on the fee link below which describes you: