Which Idea Will You Select For Your Senior Research?

The Idea Which Option Will You Select For Your Senior Research Proje

The idea: Which Option Will You Select for Your Senior Research Project? ( go to Options ) Task 1, Proposal ( go to Task 1 ) THE IDEA: Senior Research Projects Start With Your Skills The core idea of this course is that students will perform original research that can be used to support an argument presented in one of the kinds of documents they have learned to create in their Communication Studies program. The document students select to create as their project should be one with which they are familiar from the prerequisite courses. Start with the five steps listed here, then conclude with the checklist at the end of this page.

STEP 1 . To start thinking about a research project idea, first look at the general categories of the project options: Academic writing, technical writing, business writing, speech, media, or journalism.

In which of these areas was the bulk of your coursework and where your skills lie? These are listed, below, in chart form.

STEP 2 . Before your final decision, consider what kind of research methods you would like to use.

WARNING! The most important rule of this seminar is that you may not begin your research activities that involve people (for example asking them to be interviewed) until after you have an instructor approved IRB form.

Types of Acceptable Original Research Methods:

- Subject matter expert (SME) interviews (one or two)

- Online survey

- Text analysis (of web sites, television shows, movies, or other)

- Observations (at public events, shopping malls, a zoo, or other large, open and public spaces)

- Meta-analysis (an examination of a large number of studies about a topic)

Types of UNACCEPTABLE Research:

- Any project involving children

- Any project involving interactions with people other than the two SME interviews and your classmates

- Any project that could possibly cause physical, emotional, or any other kind of harm to anyone for any reason

Note: You are not the final judge of what research will be allowed. Your instructor makes that determination based on the information you provide in your IRB form.

STEP 3. Before your final decision, think of the communication theories that most intrigued you. How will they apply to your project?

STEP 4 : Before your final decision, think of subjects that interest you, questions you wish to explore, or problems that need solving.

STEP 5. Put all of your thoughts from Steps 1 through 4 into the blender of your mind, and create a senior project worth your time and doable in the time allowed.

OPTIONS PROJECT OPTIONS COMPARISON CHART

OPTION 6: TRAINING PROPOSAL PACKAGE

Document Types: a proposal, a training package outline with lesson plan format for developers, an objectives list, a content test, a satisfaction survey, and a sample lesson.

Prerequisite Courses: SPCH 125, and any two of the following: SPCH 426, COMM 302, COMM 380, COMM 493, WRTG 393, or any HRMN courses

Documentation Style: Default: APA. Use the style required by the audience.

Audiences: For a specific and real organization: Proposal

Target: The decision maker (name and title required)

Training Target: The people who will be trained

Length: the proposal should be 1,000 to 2,000 words, the other documents will vary depending on the training topic.

The outline should be no more than two pages, but it must outline five lessons. The objectives, reflective task, content test, and satisfaction survey should each be single pages. The sample lesson length will vary considerably but should be tightly focused on a single part of the overall topic.

Special: To earn an A on this assignment, the lesson must have a multimedia component including motion and sound. If the lesson relies completely on word documents and static pictures, the highest grade will be a B.

Deliverables: a proposal with a references page listing 8 published resources, a training package outline for five modules showing the module outlines; a detailed lesson plan for one of the modules including a list of learning objectives, training content, a reflective task, a content test, a satisfaction survey, and a sample presentation of content. If your target audience would not want to see APA style in-text citations and a References list, discuss with your professor how to handle the requirement for 8 published resources.

Paper For Above instruction

The selection of a senior research project is a pivotal step in the academic journey of communication students. It requires careful consideration of personal skills, coursework, research methods, and theoretical interests. This paper explores the systematic approach students should take to choose an appropriate project aligned with their academic background and future goals, emphasizing the importance of understanding project options, research methods, theoretical frameworks, and practical considerations such as audience and resource availability.

Introduction

Embarking on a senior research project demands a strategic planning process rooted in self-assessment and knowledge of available options. The core premise is that students should leverage their expertise gained from prerequisite courses in communication to produce original research supporting an informed argument. This process begins with introspection about their skills and academic interests, followed by evaluating feasible research methods and theoretical applications, ultimately culminating in a project that is both meaningful and manageable within time constraints.

Step 1: Assessing Skills and Project Categories

The initial step involves identifying the area of communication that aligns with the student's coursework and skills—be it academic writing, technical writing, business communication, speech, media, or journalism. Reflecting on coursework experience ensures the project is grounded in familiar territory, facilitating confident execution and credible analysis. For example, a student with a background in media studies might prefer a project involving content analysis of television programming or social media trends.

Step 2: Choosing Research Methods

After narrowing the category, students must consider suitable research methodologies. Acceptable methods include interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs), surveys, text analysis, observations in public spaces, and meta-analyses of existing studies. It is critical to recognize restrictions; research involving vulnerable groups such as children or potentially harmful interactions is unacceptable. IRB approval is mandatory before engaging with human subjects, underscoring the need for careful planning and ethical consideration.

Step 3: Aligning Communication Theories

The third step involves selecting communication theories that resonate with the student’s interest or research question. For instance, a student fascinated by narrative persuasion might explore uses and gratifications theory in analyzing social media use, while someone interested in interpersonal communication might study leader-member exchange theory in organizational settings. Theoretical alignment enhances the depth and academic rigor of the project.

Step 4: Identifying Research Interests and Questions

Students should generate a list of potential research topics, questions, or problems based on personal interests or societal relevance. For example, exploring how misinformation spreads on Twitter or examining the effectiveness of corporate communication campaigns. These ideas serve as starting points for refining the research focus.

Step 5: Integrating Ideas into a Feasible Project

The final step synthesizes insights from the previous steps to design a project that is engaging, academically sound, and practically feasible. Students should consider scope, available resources, and timeline, ensuring the project aligns with their skills and interests while meeting academic standards. Proper planning encompasses outlining the project structure and preparing necessary documentation, especially for projects involving human subjects.

Option 6: Training Proposal Package

The alternative project option involves developing a comprehensive training proposal, including a detailed outline of lessons, objectives, assessments, and multimedia components. This project requires students to demonstrate mastery of communication theories and instructional design, tailored to a specific organizational audience. The deliverables include a proposal, module outlines, a lesson plan, and supporting materials, culminating in a training package ready for implementation.

Conclusion

Choosing an appropriate senior research project requires methodical introspection and strategic planning. Students must assess their skills, interests, and resources, align their ideas with suitable research methods and theories, and ensure feasibility within the academic timeline. Whether opting for original research or a practical training package, careful planning and ethical considerations are essential to produce a meaningful and successful final project that showcases their communication expertise and analytical skills.

References

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