JOU 4121 - Journalism Research
Catalog description:
Introduction to the methods of research commonly used by newspapers and magazines and typical types of studies -- readership/circulation, typography/makeup, readability/accuracy. Emphasis is on evaluating research, including how studies are conducted, their validity and reliability, and the appropriate use of statistics.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None.
Student goals for the course:
- To give students, primarily those who intend to become writers and editors, an understanding of how the management-based newspaper/magazine research process works, its potential usefulness as well as its limitations.
- To develop a basic understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of traditional research methods – surveys, content analysis, focus groups – as well as newer techniques like on-line data collection.
- To make students better interpreters of statistics and data by giving them hands-on experience with statistical procedures.
Assignments:
- Class survey project, including shared interviews and data analysis.
- Individual reports on the survey
- Final examination over readings
Semesters this course is offered: Fall
The Campaign for the University of Florida