Strategic Communication Research Methods

Strategic Communication Research highlights the importance of research in professional communication settings and provides students with the practical information and knowledge they will need to effectively consume and produce professional research within their careers. While theory and methods are emphasized throughout, the text features a unique focus on the cultivation of transferable skills and the relevant application of knowledge. Students learn why research is critical in professional contexts, a variety of approaches for conducting communication research, how to effectively evaluate research, and how to conduct their own research. Dedicated chapters cover the research process, sampling, ethics, observation and data analytics, surveys, interviews and focus groups, analyzing data, presenting results, and more. Throughout, dynamic practice activities and real-world examples actively engage students and support the applied approach. Straightforward, accessible, and highly practical, Strategic Communication Research helps students recognize the valuable role of research in the development and assessment of communication strategy. The text is ideally suited for applied methods courses in communication research, public relations, and marketing communications, as well as any course with emphasis in strategic communication.