A must-have volume for every communication researcher's library, The SAGE Sourcebook of Advanced Data Analysis Methods for Communication Research provides an introductory treatment of various advanced statistical methods applied to research in the field of communication. Written by authors who use these methods in their own research, each chapter gives a non-technical overview of what the method is and how it can be used to answer communication-related questions or aide the researcher dealing with difficult data problems. Students and faculty interested in diving into a new statistical topic—such as latent growth modeling, multilevel modeling, propensity scoring, or time series analysis—will find each chapter an excellent springboard for acquiring the background needed to jump into more advanced, technical readings.

The Sourcebook for Political Communication Research will offer scholars, students, researchers, and other interested readers a comprehensive source for state-of-the-art/field research methods, measures, and analytical techniques in the field of political communication. The need for this Sourcebook stems from recent innovations in political communication involving the use of advanced statistical techniques, innovative conceptual frameworks, the rise of digital media as both a means by which to disseminate and study political communication, and methods recently adapted from other disciplines, particularly psychology, sociology, and neuroscience. Chapters will have a social-scientific orientation and will explain new methodologies and measures applicable to questions regarding media, politics, and civic life. The Sourcebook covers the major analytical techniques used in political communication research, including surveys (both original data collections and secondary analyses), experiments, content analysis, discourse analysis (focus groups and textual analysis), network and deliberation analysis, comparative study designs, statistical analysis, and measurement issues.

The study of media processes and effects is one of the most central to the discipline of communication and encompasses a vast array of theoretical perspectives, methodological tools, and applications to important social contexts. In light of this importance—as well as the rapid changes in the media environment that have occurred during the past 20 years—this Handbook explores where media effects research has been over the past several decades, and, equally important, contemplates where it should go in the years ahead. COVERAGE Part I offers an overview of the field and conceptualizations of media effects, along with a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies used in the study of media effects. Part II focuses on prominent theoretical approaches to the study of media effects from a more societal perspective, tracing their historical contexts, theoretical developments, criticisms and controversies, and the impact of the new media environment on current and future research. Part III emphasizes the various factors that influence the critical functions of message selection and processing central to a host of mass media application contexts. Part IV reflects a dominant trend in the media effects literature—that of persuasion and learning—and traces related theoretical perspectives through the various contexts in which media may have such effects. Part V explores the contexts and audiences that have been traditional foci of media effects research, such as children, violence, body image, and race, addressing the theories most applicable to those contexts. Part VI highlights a concern central and unique to the communication discipline—message medium—and how it influences effects ranging from what messages are attended to, how we spend our time, and even how we think.

Communication research is evolving and changing in a world of online journals, open-access, and new ways of obtaining data and conducting experiments via the Internet. Although there are generic encyclopedias describing basic social science research methodologies in general, until now there has been no comprehensive A-to-Z reference work exploring methods specific to communication and media studies. Our entries, authored by key figures in the field, focus on special considerations when applied specifically to communication research, accompanied by engaging examples from the literature of communication, journalism, and media studies. Entries cover every step of the research process, from the creative development of research topics and questions to literature reviews, selection of best methods (whether quantitative, qualitative, or mixed) for analyzing research results and publishing research findings, whether in traditional media or via new media outlets. In addition to expected entries covering the basics of theories and methods traditionally used in communication research, other entries discuss important trends influencing the future of that research, including contemporary practical issues students will face in communication professions, the influences of globalization on research, use of new recording technologies in fieldwork, and the challenges and opportunities related to studying online multi-media environments. Email, texting, cellphone video, and blogging are shown not only as topics of research but also as means of collecting and analyzing data. Still other entries delve into considerations of accountability, copyright, confidentiality, data ownership and security, privacy, and other aspects of conducting an ethical research program. Features: 652 signed entries are contained in an authoritative work spanning four volumes available in choice of electronic or print formats. Although organized A-to-Z, front matter includes a Reader’s Guide grouping entries thematically to help students interested in a specific aspect of communication research to more easily locate directly related entries. Back matter includes a Chronology of the development of the field of communication research; a Resource Guide to classic books, journals, and associations; a Glossary introducing the terminology of the field; and a detailed Index. Entries conclude with References/Further Readings and Cross-References to related entries to guide students further in their research journeys. The Index, Reader’s Guide themes, and Cross-References combine to provide robust search-and-browse in the e-version.

Written in an accessible style using simple and direct language this guide takes students through the statistics actually used in most empirical research in communication and the social sciences. The text also includes a full set of data analysis instructions based on SPSS 12 and Excel.

Applied Communication Research Methods: Getting Started as a Researcher demonstrates how to apply concepts to research problems, issues, projects, and questions that communication practitioners face every day. Recognizing that students engage more directly with research methods when they experience research through hands-on practice, authors Michael Boyle and Mike Schmierbach developed this text to demonstrate the relevance of research in professional roles and communication careers. Along with its distinctive approach to research methods instruction, this text also serves as an enhanced glossary and a superior reference. Students can easily navigate key concepts and terminology, which are linked to practical exercises within the context of the instruction. In-unit activities and features provide numerous opportunities to delve further into topics covered in class, including: Research in Depth – examples of a concept being used in scholarly research Reflect and React – thought-provoking problems and issues that promote reflection and discussion Voices from Industry – Q&As with professionals working in communication industries End-of-unit activities – exercises that reinforce concepts and content Online resources, including sample syllabi, test banks, and more, are available on the companion website: www.routledge.com/cw/boyle.Applied Communication Research Methods is a concise, engaging work that today’s students and industry practitioners will embrace and keep on-hand throughout their careers.