School of Humanities and Communication Arts

Unit Learning Guide School of Humanities and Communication Arts

Communication Research

Unit Number: 101041 Teaching Period: SPRING 2012 Unit Weighting: 10 credit points Unit Level: Level 1 Unit Co-ordinator: Raymond Archee Teaching Staff: Raymond Archee, Myra Gurney, Navin Doloswala First Point of Contact: Raymond Archee [email protected] 0413 149 824

Student Consultation Face-to-face consultations can be arranged by email. Email teaching staff above for an appointment time.

General Student consultation times are: Ray Archee : 1-3 Mon; 3-4 Wed

Student Communication Students must use their UWS student e-mail address in all correspondence with the Unit Coordinator and Tutors.

Attendance Requirements Attendance is expected at all the tutorials in which you are registered. Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of classes.

Records will be taken for verification purposes.

Lectures and tutorials are an essential part of your learning. Students have the responsibility to keep up with the unit content by attendance at lectures and tutorials. No accommodation will be made or consideration will be given to students who do not attend regularly except in the case of illness or misadventure.

Non-attendance due to illness or misadventure or other, legitimate reasons should be documented and submitted to the Unit Coordinator. Essential Equipment and/or Resources Students need to have access to a computer where the Internet can be used to logon to E-learning at UWS and the vUWS website for this unit. It would be useful to have Adobe Acrobat Reader which can be downloaded from the link at E-learning at UWS http://www.uws.edu.au/students/onlinesupport. Additionally. a portable HD is recommended, or at least two USB drives need to be used for saving and moving data to and from School computers. A private copy of the basic SPSS for Windows program would also be beneficial. There are computer labs for student use on each campus as well as provisions for students to access online materials at each of the campus libraries.

Student Feedback on Unit Surveys Student Feedback on Unit Surveys will be distributed in Week 13 Changes and Improvements to the Unit as a Result of Student Feedback The University values student feedback in order to improve the quality of its educational programs. As a result of student feedback, the following changes and improvements to this unit have recently been made:

• Research Proposal and Research Report requirements have been simplified • New Flash tutorials for SPSS teaching and learning have been created • Data set for practice and analysis has been updated • New material has been added which uses applied research to illustrate relevant research concepts • Coordinator has instigated independent evaluation procedures of the unit

Expectations of Student Conduct Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of classes. Students are advised to submit a doctor’s certificate to cover any absence from class and contact the unit coordinator by email.

Students are expected to spend the equivalent of eight (8) hours out of class time per week on reading and completing activities and tasks for this unit. This does not include preparation of assessments. Participation in this unit requires that students will come to class having read the Web-based readings, Captivate tutorials and examples. Assessment also requires completion of weekly exercises. All assessment items and tutorial exercises are available on the unit’s vUWS site.

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 2 of 19 Students should be familiar with the University of Western Sydney’s O H, S & R Policy which can be viewed at http://apps.uws.edu.au/uws/policies/ppm/policies.phtml#OHS The University of Western Sydney Occupational Health, Safety and Risk policy states that it is the responsibility of employees, students, contractors, visitors and others to ensure this policy is carried out and to regard accident prevention and safe working as a collective and individual responsibility.

Unit Details

Position of this Unit in the Course This unit is a 1st year unit and forms part of the key program. It is an introduction to both the rationale and software used in mainstream empirical research. It introduces students to the reasoning, tools, critical appraisal, writing genres and ethical constraints of research in the Communication field.

UWS Graduate Attributes

1. Commands multiple skills and literacies to enable adaptable lifelong learning 2. Demonstrate knowledge of indigenous Australia through cultural competency and professional capacity 3. Demonstrates comprehensive, coherent and connected knowledge 4. Applies knowledge through intellectual inquiry in professional or applied contexts 5. Brings knowledge to life through responsible engagement and appreciation of diversity in an evolving world

Course Graduate Attributes: Bachelor of Communication The UWS Bachelor of Communication attributes are: 1. Commands a full range of skills and literacies independently and collaboratively by means of self-directed study across communication and media generally and in the context of vocational specialization. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of and sensitivity to cultural and intercultural issues, especially those of Indigenous Australian 3. Demonstrates comprehensive, coherent and connected knowledge of systems and technologies through contemporary and emergent communication. 4. Applies knowledge through intellectual inquiry in the professional or applied environment of Communication industries and practice. 5. Brings knowledge to life through ethical as well as responsible engagement and appreciation of diversity in an evolving world. Unit Learning Outcomes The Unit’s Learning Outcomes specifically support the above Course Attributes: 1, 3, 4, 5.

At the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Critically review research literature, use argument and logic, and write a basic survey; 2. Use the basic functions of SPSS - data entry, variable setup, data analysis, and interpretation of results; 3. Write a social research report - Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, References, Appendices; 4. Demonstrate an understanding of research ethics.

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 3 of 19 Student Workload Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of classes. Students are advised to submit a doctor’s certificate to cover any absence from class and contact the unit coordinator by email. Students should be familiar with the University of Western Sydney’s O H, S & R Policy which can be viewed at http://apps.uws.edu.au/uws/policies/ppm/policies.phtml#OHS The University of Western Sydney Occupational Health, Safety and Risk policy states that it is the responsibility of employees, students, contractors, visitors and others to ensure this policy is carried out and to regard accident prevention and safe working as a collective and individual responsibility.

Schedule Learning and Teaching Activities:

Date Semester Topic Weekly Activities Week 30 July 2012 1 What is communication research? Discussing Learning Guide. Examining the What is SPSS? Using the library’s different genres of communication research. journal databases. Opening SPSS for Windows. 6 August 2012 2 Research Basics: ethics of Why is ethics so important to researchers? research The UWS Human Ethics Process. 13 August 2012 3 Research Methods: surveys and How do you write a good questionnaire? interviews. SPSS previewed. The kissing survey. Evaluating social science. YouTube tutorials perused. 20 August 2012 4 Research Criticism: structure of Examination of the parts of the research the research report report. Writing an Introduction, incl. a good literature review 27 August 2012 5 Research Basics: argument and Classifying, writing, and evaluating an logic argument. Writing the Method section. 3 September 2012 6 Research Methods: media Examination of media and content analysis. research Writing the Results section. 10 September 2012 7 Research Criticism: evaluating How do you criticise communication communication research research? Writing the Conclusions or Discussion section. 17 September 2012 8 Introduction to SPSS analysis Inputting the kissing survey data. Labelling variables. Running a SPSS job 24 September 2012 9 Intra-Session Break 1 October 2012 10 Public holiday on Monday 1 October 8 October 2012 11 Intermediate SPSS procedures Analysing the kissing survey. Using tables and graphs. 15 October 2012 12 Understanding statistical tests Understanding means, correlations, t-tests, ANOVA. 22 October 2012 13 Qualitative methods How are qualitative methods the same/different? 29 October2012 14 Internet research How is Internet research different? New content, old methods? 5 November 2012 15 STUVAC

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 4 of 19 Assessments

Assessment Requirements

Assessment Length (eg number of words in written assignments) Percentage of total component assessment for the Duration (eg duration of oral presentations, quizzes) unit for this piece of Other parameters (eg how group-work will be assessed) assessment

1. Research Proposal 20%

2. Research Report 40%

3. Exercise Portfolio 40%

TOTAL 100%

Final marks and grades are subject to confirmation by the School and College Assessment Committee, which may scale, modify or otherwise amend the marks and grades for the unit, as may be required by University policies.

An overall mark of at least 50% is required to pass the unit. Students who fail to submit one or more assignments will be receive an AF fail grade. Final marks and grades are subject to confirmation by the School and College Assessment Committee which may scale, modify or otherwise amend the marks and grades for the unit, as may be required by University policies. Alignment of Teaching Activities with Unit Learning Outcomes

Course Attributes Learning Outcome Learning Assessment Activities Activities

1, 3, 4 Critically review research literature, use Tutorials/Online Proposal and argument and logic, and write a basic survey demonstrations weekly exercises 3, 4 Use the basic functions of SPSS - data entry, Tutorials /Online Portfolio exercises, variable setup, data analysis, and Flash research report interpretation of results demonstrations 1, 3, 4 Write a social research report - Introduction, Tutorials/ Online Submission of Method, Results, Discussion, References, Flash examples proposal and Appendices research report 2, 5 Demonstrate an understanding of research Tutorials/ Practice Submit ethics ethics. using NEAF application website

Submission of Assessment Tasks Assignments submitted electronically and in hard copy must be accompanied by a copy of the Assignment Cover Sheet. Note that, in some case, the tutor may not be the marker for the given assignment. 1. All assignments are due in class or in assignment boxes by the dates advised unless advised otherwise by the unit coordinator. 2. Assignments will only be accepted electronically as evidence of submission but will not be marked until a hard copy of the assignment has been received. 3. Students are required to keep an electronic copy of all written work submitted and to be able to produce this if requested by the tutor or unit coordinator. USB flash drives are not recommended for back-up of data. A portable hard drive is the only reliable back-up facility.

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 5 of 19 Return of Assessment Material Your tutor will return assignments in class as soon as they are marked. If there are no classes (in the case of an end of session assignment), work may be collected from the unit coordinator at the commencement of the following semester. Any work not collected within 3 months will be forwarded to Records Management for destruction. Students are advised to submit copies of written work, and retain original files for reference. Alternatively, an appropriately sized, self- addressed, stamped envelope can be attached to your assignment and your marked assignment will be returned to you via post after the finalisation of grades for the unit. Resubmission Resubmission can take place at the discretion of the Unit Coordinator where there are extenuating circumstances. Late Submission Work submitted late without prior consultation with the Unit Coordinator will not be accepted. A student who submits a late assessment without approval for an extension will be penalised by 10% per day up to 10 days, i.e. marks equal to 10% of the assignment’s weight will be deducted as a ‘flat rate’ from the mark awarded. For example, for an assignment that has a possible highest mark of 50, the student’s awarded mark will have 5 marks deducted for each late day. Saturday and Sunday each count as one day. Assessments will not be accepted after the marked assessment task has been returned to students who submitted the task on time. Extension of Due Date If students need to apply for a short extension of time to complete an assessment item, they should complete the Application for Extension of Time for Assignment form available on the Unit’s website (vUWS) or from the School Office. This form needs to be submitted before the due date of the assignment. Students should complete Sections A and C, then submit the form to their Unit Co-ordinator/Advisor, who will complete Section B. If the extension is approved, the student should leave Sections A and B with the Unit Co-ordinator/Advisor, and attach Section C to their assignment when they submit it. An application for an extension does not automatically mean that an extension will be approved Special Consideration for the whole or part of teaching session For special consideration for part or the whole of the teaching session, the application should be submitted to the Unit Coordinator as soon as the student is aware that he/she has extenuating circumstances that will affect studies for the session. Application for Special Consideration is available on UWS Website http://policies.uws.edu.au/view.current.php? id=00205 Special Consideration for one assessment task Where special consideration is sought for circumstances involving more than three consecutive days or more than five days within a teaching period, students should complete a Special Consideration Application, available from the UWS website or a Student Centre.

Applications for Special Consideration to request accommodations in the nature or date of submission of a specific assessment task must be submitted to the Unit Coordinator (with a copy to the lecturer, where applicable) no later than 5.00pm on the 2nd working day after the due date of the assessment (working days are defined as Monday to Friday, not including public holidays).

An application for Special Consideration does not automatically mean that it will be granted. http://policies.uws.edu.au/view.current.php?id=00205

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 6 of 19 Assessment 1: Research Proposal

Due Date Wed 5 Sept, 2012, by 3pm, in class or in unit assignment box in Building BB.

Aims/Objectives • To learn and practise skills of professional communication research design • To review academic databases, select relevant articles and summarise and evaluate findings Assessment Description You will be asked to select a topic of interest for later investigation via a research report. Identify and review similar research papers found in the literature in the field using the academic databases and summarise your findings and proposed method in a research proposal.

Assessment Requirements You need to identify a research project - read what the literature says, design a research instrument and propose to undertake the study. If you are using human participants, surveys can only be done with friends and family. Web research using content analysis is an easy alternative for highly controversial topics. Suggested headings – Introduction, Proposed Method, References, Appendices. The Introduction should include a lengthy (at least 50% of words) literature review of significant recent research in the area. A demonstration Ethics application MUST be included as Appendix 1. A draft survey or observational instrument should be included as Appendix 2. The proposal should include: • Relevant Title • Introduction Section including Overview, Literature Review, Need for Investigation, Aims and Justification steps • Proposed Method Section • Reference list, alphabetised in APA format with hanging indents • Ethics application, abbreviated or via NEAF website • Appendix with draft survey Length should be around 1500 words, excluding survey, ethics application and references. A minimum of 8 scholarly References (not Internet sources). Assessment Criteria The Research Proposal is the first half of an entire report. Students should make sure to focus on topics that are researchable, and have been researched by others. Strange, unusual or off-beat topics may seem attractive, but students will find them challenging to research because of the lack of previous study in that area. The Ethics application is mandatory, and needs careful attention and perseverance.

The review of previous literature is more than a collection of summaries of other research in the field. Good literature reviews are critical, exhaustive and argumentative. Students will be instructed on how to construct a good survey, and how to avoid unhelpful questions. The survey itself is a limiting factor in what a student can achieve in their research aspirations. Thus pilot studies, peer reviews and instructor advice needs to be undertaken and acted upon.

Students whose proposals fail to meet minimum standards will be permitted to resubmit to receive a Pass grade.

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 7 of 19 Marking Criteria Marking Criteria for Assignment 1: Research Proposal (learning outcomes 1, 3 & 4) Low scores R to P Average scores P+ to C High scores D to H 1. Organisation: The proposal should be well researched and organised into a logical and coherent structure which is interesting and relevant to an academic audience. The proposal should observe APA referencing, and professional presentation in terms of fonts, headings, and numbering..  Material is not particularly well  Proposal is generally clear and  Proposal is clear, logical and organised, and is not linked and well organised with a clear organised. difficult to follow. opening which addresses the  Research topic is novel and  Poor or inadequate use of question and uses the suggested engaging suggested structure appropriately structure.  Student demonstrates a high level  Proposed research topic poorly  Well chosen, if unoriginal of understanding of the main chosen research topic arguments and themes within a  Has areas which are unclear and  A few minor points may be field of research. require further explanation and confusing or not relevant.  Excellent choice and are not well integrated.  Adequate understanding of the number/variety of reference  Little or no use of relevant field of research displayed material which is used to support additional academic sources. through references. the proposal presented.  Cursory or missing reference to  Good opening and conclusion  Material is integrated and main points of main reading. Basic or which allows audience to themes are thoroughly discussed no evidence of understanding understand theme of proposal. with evidence from reading and main theme or question being  Adequate draft survey additional sources. addressed  Adequate ethics application  Excellent draft survey  Small number, poorly chosen or  Excellent ethics application missing reference list  Poor or missing survey  Poor or missing ethics application

2. Content: Appropriate, interesting content that is well researched and appropriate for the audience. It should describe an existing academic field of research and attempt to extend that research.  Cursory or missing reference to  Content attempts to engage with  Excellent choice of background points of main readings. research question academic material from a variety  Basic or no evidence of  Supporting material is mostly of academic sources which are understanding main theme or relevant and drawn from popular used to support the argument question. or average level academic presented.  Material is poorly chosen, too sources  Main themes clearly discussed simple or too difficult for the  Material chosen is interesting and supported by evidence from the audience, irrelevant or shows only appropriate for the audience reading and additional academic a basic understanding of the  Some insights drawn which reflect sources. subject matter. a reasonable understanding of the  Support material chosen is of a  Material is a series of non subject matter. high level, is well chosen for the integrated points academic audience.  Insights drawn are linked to main themes and reflect a sophisticated level of understanding of the subject matter.

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 8 of 19 Assessment 2: Research Report

Due Date Wed 7 Nov, 2012, by 3pm, in unit assignment box in Building BB.

Aims/Objectives • To input collected data into the program SPSS • To analyse research data by producing tables and graphs using SPSS • To highlight and interpret findings within graphs and tables • To present the research, discuss and make conclusions using the social science report format conventions • To demonstrate academic writing, editing and written presentation skills in a professional document

Assessment Description The final report extends the original Research Proposal assignment into a full report by adding Abstract, Results, and Discussion sections. Assessment Requirements Your main task is to write up the final two sections of the social science report. You should also revise, improve and update the Introduction, Method and Reference sections submitted in your Research Proposal, then add:

 Results – you must include tables and graphs taken from SPSS output and converted using Word and Excel. Every chart must be highlighted for significant findings and explained or interpreted in light of previous research or novel insight.  Discussion – you should aggregate your findings and then discuss these findings with respect to your Aims and Objectives which were outlined in the Research Proposal. Answer your Aims here. Reflect on the relevance/ relationship between your findings and research on the topic identified and discussed in the Literature Review in the Research Proposal. Talk generally about your contribution to the field and to possible research that can arise from your findings.  Additionally you will need to structure an Abstract which enables the lay reader to understand your report’s findings and include additional References and Appendices.

Length of two extra sections should be around 1500 words, but please add your proposal to create a full report. Your report must also include the following components:

 appropriate title  page numbering  headings, subheadings and a decimal numbering system  reference list using APA style  properly constructed and labelled graphs, and tables in APA format  professional presentation – assignments should be either side-stapled or bound (no plastic sleeves)

Assessment Criteria Students have already submitted the first half of the report in the Research Proposal. The submission of the Results, Discussion and Abstract sections finalises the report. Students should combine all parts together and submit as one polished report. The style and substance of the report should resemble professional and academic reports found in the research databases. Thus students should concentrate on producing: a good literature review, a well-tested survey, a reasonable number of returned surveys (we suggest a minimum of 20), using both descriptive statistics, and statistical tests, and producing good APA tables and/or graphs. The literature review is not simply a set of summaries of other research, but an argument as to why the research needs to be performed.

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 9 of 19 The only appropriate way to analyse a lengthy survey is to use a program such as SPSS. Thus, your decision to adopt SPSS procedures is not an optional one. There is no alternative such as using Survey Monkey or some other free or even pay for service method. We have had students who have wasted time, energy and money trying to avoid using SPSS, and failed.

The basic descriptive techniques we will show you are mandatory, and will help you analyse any survey. The various SPSS tests are optional, but if used, will display your skill level, willingness to learn, and definitely assist your own understanding of your chosen topic of research.

Tables and graphs are mandatory requirements for the Results section.

Marking Criteria Marking Criteria for Assignment 2: Research Report (learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4) Low scores P- to P Average scores P+ to C High scores D to H 1. Background research: At least eight (8) appropriately referenced and cited background secondary sources are used to inform and support the report purpose.  Insufficient number of secondary  At least eight (8) sources used but  More than eight (8) well chosen or only non referenced anecdotal sources may either not be resources (both academic and sources used appropriately academic or from general) used to support purpose  References not from a variety of unreliable sources of the report both academic and general  APA referencing and citation  All citations used correctly, all sources or only from commercial attempted but may have either quotations attributed internet sources omissions or inconsistency of  All secondary information  Secondary material not properly style appropriately and accurately cited cited or referenced using APA  Attempts to use secondary using APA referencing and style. Quotations not attributed. material to support argument of citation style  Overuse of poor secondary the report  Research used to support material which is not well argument and purpose of paper in integrated to support the purpose a well integrated, sophisticated of the report manner 2. Content: Presents and analyses charts appropriately. Addresses report’s Aims. Uses unit’s conventions and case studies to analyse and frame the content. Information and arguments should be presented in a clear and logical manner in accordance with scholarly conventions of report writing.  Content is mostly general and has  Content is reasonably well chosen  Content extremely relevant, timely little or no relation to the specific to meet stated purpose of the and well chosen and appropriate purpose or issue report. May have included some for stated purpose  Content is not of appropriate irrelevant or superfluous material  Background material used to depth to meet purpose  Content uses some background clearly support and frame the  Content is mostly descriptive with material to analyse as well as argument little or no attempt at analysis describe issue or problem  Content shows a sophisticated  Content does not reflect  Content attempts to relate understanding of the theoretical appropriate theories studied in the problem to relevant theory issues and this is reflected in a course  Content is of appropriate depth to well thought out argument  Content not well organised. No meet most of the stated aims  Logical, clear and consistent clear and logical order of ideas  Content is reasonably well organisation of ideas and and information. Poorly written or organised with a logical flow of information which shows an chosen headings and information and ideas designed to understanding of the position of subheadings achieve purpose and convince the reader  Some sections missing or readers.  Each section of the report is irrelevant to purpose  Basic use of statistical procedures necessary and relevant  Little or no use of statistical  Adequate tables and graphs  Advanced use of statistical procedures  Report meets word length procedures  Poor or missing tables and graphs  Excellent tables and graphs  Report does not meet word length  Report meets or exceeds word length 3. Correct use of required report conventions: Required elements (listed above) are used correctly and appropriately to communicate information, ideas, structure and arguments to the reader  Few of the required report  Report uses most of the required  All of the required report conventions (title page, table of elements correctly with some conventions are used correctly contents, executive summary etc) minor errors and appropriately are included and/or are used  Report attempts to use headings  Relevant and interesting title correctly and subheadings and a  Headings and sub headings are

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 10 of 19  Headings and subheadings either numbering system to clearly well written, parallel and are omitted or are not descriptive, communicate structure descriptive and accurate accurate  Headings reasonably descriptive  No missing parts of sub-sections  Internal numbering system not and accurate but some may not  Decimal numbering system is used or used poorly to reflect be well written used consistently to accurately internal organisation  Attempt to use a decimal reflect report structure  Tables/graphics not included numbering system consistently  Graphs and tables are well where necessary or used throughout to reflect internal chosen, appropriate, labelled, inappropriately organisation and structure sourced and their relevance  Graphics not properly labelled,  Relevant graphics are included, discussed in the text sources cited or discussed in text labelled and their relevance  References are accurately set out  Reference list missing, not set out discussed in text using APA conventions. All using APA style, or lists  Reference list or bibliography references listed are referred to references not referred to in text mostly set out using APA and their relevance discussed in conventions. All references listed the text are referred to in text 4. Appropriate use of professional writing and editing conventions:  Poor or colloquial word choice,  Reasonably well written, audience  Clear, well written sentences overuse of jargon or abstract appropriate word choice, minimal which have few redundancies or language. Language may be use of jargon or abstract clichés, and are more concrete inappropriate for audience language. than abstract  Sentences too long, unclear  Reasonable sentences which are  Appropriate use of passive voice and/or hard to read and poorly not too long, unclear or hard to and nominalisation constructed read  Sophisticated level of language  Paragraphs not well constructed  Paragraphs reasonably well used which is appropriate for the or missing, lacking transitions and constructed with transitions and audience variety variety  Spelling punctuation and grammar  Little evidence of proofreading,  Reasonable evidence of correct editing as shown by poor or proofreading, with few mistakes in  Sentences and paragraphs show inaccurate grammar, spelling and grammar, spelling and variety, good transition and punctuation punctuation structure  Writing may be accurate but lack  Writing edited with few mistakes sophistication of expression

Assessment 3: Exercise Portfolio

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 11 of 19 Due Date Wed 14 Nov, 2012, by 3pm in the unit assignment box in Building BB.

Aims/Objectives • To have students engage more closely with weekly themes and issues through a series of self-paced research, statistical and writing exercises • To use primary and secondary academic research skills to gather material • To demonstrate professional writing, editing and written presentation skills in a professionally presented document

Assessment Description Weekly writing, statistical and research exercises will be posted on vUWS. These are based around the class materials and readings and aim to consolidate the themes and skills of the unit.

Assessment Requirements Throughout the unit, you will be completing a range of different research and other exercises which should be completed using Word, Excel and SPSS. Many of these will be done in class, while others will require additional research. You should save these weekly and submit them as an exercise portfolio:

Your portfolio must include a:

 contents page  a variety of exercises, not just the simple ones - a minimum of five (5) substantive exercises.  Plus the SPSS output from an additional two different SPSS procedures (no more, since these are tested in the Report.) While quality rather than quantity is important, the best marks will usually be awarded to students who submit the maximum exercises possible.

Very important: All portfolio exercises must be your own work and cannot be done in conjunction with a fellow student unless indicated by the question. It is your responsibility to ensure that others do not copy your work. Any student presenting exercises found to be identical to that of another student will be penalised.

NOTE: Assignments should be either side-stapled or bound and include a table of contents and have numbered pages. No plastic folders. Marking Criteria Marking Criteria for Assignment 3: Exercise Portfolio (learning outcomes 1,2,3, & 4) Low scores P- to P Average scores P+ to C High scores D to H 1. Depth and level of engagement with a range of exercise questions: carefully researched and thought out answers with good examples. Choice of a range of exercises  Only the minimum number of  Exercises submitted are varied  A wide variety of exercises in exercises attempted or only with some of the more complex excess of the minimum number easiest exercises submitted exercises attempted which may are submitted which show a  Answers given are too short exceed the minimum number superior level of engagement with and/or superficial and do not required many aspects of the course show more than superficial  Answers show a reasonably good  Answers show a thorough grasp engagement with the question grasp of principles and student of the principles and excellent  Writing ‘style’ exercises are poorly has used good secondary choice of secondary support done indicating that student has sources to engage with the material not grasped research writing question  SPSS exercises are extremely principles taught  SPSS exercises are mostly well well done showing a sophisticated  Missing SPSS exercises attempted, although some errors grasp of SPSS principles have been made

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 12 of 19 2. Writing and presentation: well written, and carefully edited and referenced answers presented in a professional portfolio which includes a table of contents, numbered pages.  Exercises are poorly edited with  Exercises are reasonably well  Exercises are well written and numerous grammar, punctuation written and edited with perhaps edited with only minor errors in and spelling errors minimal grammar, punctuation grammar and punctuation  Answers are mostly quotes and spelling errors  Answers synthesise and properly paraphrases or unattributed  Answers integrate and reference reference well chosen secondary material from secondary sources secondary research material to research material  Sources not consistently support their own answers and  All sources are correctly attributed using APA referencing reflections referenced using APA conventions  Sources are mostly correctly conventions  Portfolio not well presented or laid referenced using APA  Portfolio is professionally out. It may lack proper page conventions presented with a table of contents, numbering, headings or a table of  Portfolio reasonably well page numbering, correct contents presented and set out with a headings, headers/footers contents page, page numbering and headings

Learning Resource Information

Texts The Key texts for this unit are:

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 13 of 19 No text book. Additional texts Archee, R., and Gurney, M. (2012, in press). Communicating as Professionals (3rd ed) Melbourne, Cengage Learning. Berger, A.A. (2000). Media and Communication Research : an introduction to qualitative & quantitative research approaches. Belmont, CA: Sage. Bryman, A. (2004). Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Fink, A. and Kosecoff, J. (1998). How to Conduct Surveys: a Step by step Guide. Sage Publications.

Healey, J.F; Boli, J.; Babbie, E.R. and Halley, F. (1998). Exploring Social Issues : Using SPSS for Windows 95. Pine Forge: Sage.

Mann, C. and Stewart, F (2000). Internet Communication & Qualitative Research : a Handbook for Researching Online. Sage.

Miles, T.H. (1990) Critical Thinking and Writing for Science and Technology San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Rea, L.M. (1997). Designing and conducting survey research : a comprehensive guide. San Francisco : Jossey-Bass Publishers.

Reinard, J.C. (2006). Communication Research Statistics. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Rubin, R.B. (1999). Communication Research: strategies and sources. Belmont, CA : Wadsworth Thomson Learning.

Stern, P.C., & Kalof, L. (1996). Evaluating social science research. New York: Oxford University Press.

Journals: (do a ‘title’ search in the library catalogue for the specific journal name. You can also use online electronic databases such as ‘Expanded Academic’ – check with the Library if you need assistance)

Australian Journal of Communication

Electronic Journal of Communication

Technical Communication

Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly

Behaviour and Information Technology

Small Group Behaviour

Journal of Business Communication

IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 14 of 19 Use of vUWS

vUWS is an essential component of this unit. It is used for resources (e.g. workshop notes, Flash tutorials, weekly exercises and instruction, and announcements. Students are expected to login to the unit’s vUWS site at least weekly.

Key Weblinks

All of your tutorial material will need to be accessed through vUWS, with library readings, websites, and library databases available online.

Literacy Resources

Links to academic literacy resources are available on vUWS

Referencing Requirements

The Referencing Style required for this unit is APA Full details of referencing systems can be found at “Citing Resources”: http://library.uws.edu.au/citing.php A full range of resources for searching and citing references can be found at “Training and Support”: http://library.uws.edu.au/training.phtml

Do NOT use Survey Monkey or other Web-based services in this unit. We do not know of any free services, which allow you to properly use SPSS at a later date.

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 15 of 19 Links to Key UWS Policies and Information Affecting Students

Key Policies and Information Affecting Students http://www.uws.edu.au/learning_teaching/learning_and_teaching/office_of_the_pro-vice- chancellor/key_policies_and_information_affecting_students

Student Support

http://www.uws.edu.au/currentstudents/current_students/getting_help/support_services_for_students

Course and Unit Rules http://www.uws.edu.au/students/stuadmin/enrolments/enrolmentrequirements

This site provides information on pre-requisites, co-requisites and other matters concerning how your course is structured.

Current Students http://www.uws.edu.au/currentstudents/current_students

Student Administration http://currentstudents.uws.edu.au/students/stuadmin

e-learning http://www.uws.edu.au/students/onlinesupport

Forms http://pubsites.uws.edu.au/student/forms

E-learning Support Site

It is a student’s responsibility to ensure that prior to starting any E-Learning activities for this unit, you familiarise yourself with introductory resources available on ‘E-Learning Student Support’ site . You can access the site by logging into vUWS at https://vuws.uws.edu.au/ and clicking on E-Learning Student Support Site link under ‘My vUWS Sites’.

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 16 of 19 School Policy for vUWS use: Courtesy and Respect Online

In the interests of promoting the welfare and safety of students and staff at UWS, please ensure that you conduct yourself with courtesy and respect while in vUWS. This applies to all online communications such as tutorials, discussion groups, chat rooms, email correspondence, blogs, journals and so on.

A unit vUWS site is an online teaching and learning environment at UWS. The rules are the same as in lectures, tutorials and seminars. Keep in mind that vUWS is a public space and your comments in online discussions and chat rooms can be read by other students and academic staff. Your blog and journal entries in vUWS may be read by your lecturer or tutor. The unit coordinator may allow students to read each others’ blog or journal entries as a way of reflecting on the learning material and process or for assessment purposes.

• It is very easy to be polite, courteous and friendly.

• Avoid bad, offensive or discriminatory language.

• Respect the point of view of other students, lecturers, tutors and the unit coordinator.

• Be aware of cultural differences and cultural sensitivities.

• Humour or sarcasm does not translate well from the real world to the virtual world.

• Avoid capitals, or it will seem like you’re SHOUTING.

• No-one wants to be misunderstood. Write clearly and concisely so that you will not be misinterpreted in terms of your intention and meaning. Keep posts and emails short and simple. Re-read your message before you hit send.

• Respect the privacy of other students, lecturers, tutors and the unit coordinator.

• Respect the online literacy levels of other students.

• Remember that you can communicate face-to-face with others as well (recommended if you are not certain what you write may offend others).

The rules of copyright and plagiarism apply in vUWS. If you use someone else's ideas, cite them appropriately. Giving other students the answers to assessment questions or online quizzes in online discussions, chat rooms or emails risks an Academic misconduct allegation.

The rules of Academic and Non-Academic misconduct apply in vUWS.

Non-Academic misconduct in vUWS includes but is not limited to: harassing, vilifying, abusing or threatening students or staff, bullying or disparaging students or staff, inappropriate conduct. Problems, complaints or concerns should be directed to the unit coordinator, privately by email, telephone or in person. You can read more about the UWS Student Non-Academic Misconduct Policy at: http://policies.uws.edu.au/

Your unit coordinator, lecturer or tutor will provide more detailed guidelines for the appropriate use of vUWS in your unit.

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 17 of 19 What is Academic Misconduct? Academic Misconduct may involve one or more of the following:

Plagiarism

Plagiarism involves submitting or presenting work in a unit as if it were the student's own work done expressly for that particular unit when, in fact, it was not. Most commonly, plagiarism exists when:

a) the work submitted or presented was done, in whole or in part, by an individual other than the one submitting or presenting the work;

b) parts of the work are taken from another source without reference to the original author; or

c) the whole work, such as an essay, is copied from another source such as a website or another student's essay.

Acts of plagiarism may occur deliberately or inadvertently

Inadvertent plagiarism occurs through inappropriate application or use of material without reference to the original source or author. In these instances, it should be clear that the student did not have the intention to deceive. The University views inadvertent plagiarism as an opportunity to educate students about the appropriate academic conventions in their field of study.

Deliberate plagiarism occurs when a student, using material from another source and presenting it as his or her own, has the intention to deceive. The University views a deliberate act of plagiarism as a serious breach of academic standards of behaviour for which severe penalties will be imposed.

Collusion

Collusion includes inciting, assisting, facilitating, concealing or being involved in plagiarism, cheating or other academic misconduct with others.

Cheating

Cheating includes, but is not limited to:

a) dishonest or attempted dishonest conduct during an examination, such as speaking to other candidates or otherwise communicating with them;

b) bringing into the examination room any textbook, notebook, memorandum, other written material or mechanical or electronic device (including mobile phones), or any other item, not authorised by the examiner;

c) writing an examination or part of it, or consulting any person or materials outside the confines of the examination room, without permission to do so;

d) leaving answer papers exposed to view, or persistent attempts to read other students' examination papers; or

e) cheating in take-home examinations, which includes, but is not limited to:

f) making available notes, papers or answers in connection with the examination (in whatever form) to others without the permission of the relevant lecturer;

g) receiving answers, notes or papers in connection with the examination (in whatever form) from another student, or another source, without the permission of the relevant lecturer; and

h) unauthorised collaboration with another person or student in the formulation of an assessable component of work.

For the full definition of academic misconduct and the consequences of such behaviour, students are advised to read the Misconduct - Student Academic Misconduct Policy in its entirety available at UWS Policies: http://policies.uws.edu.au/index.php

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 18 of 19 Assignment Cover Sheet

School of Humanities and Communication Arts

Student Name Student Number Unit Name and Number Tutorial Group Tutorial Day and Time Session / Semester Lecturer/Tutor Title of Assignment Length Due Date Date Submitted Campus Enrolment

DECLARATION

I hold a copy of this assignment if the original is lost or damaged.

 I hereby certify that no part of this assignment or product has been copied from any other student’s work or from any other source except where due acknowledgement is made in the assignment.

 No part of the assignment/product has been written/produced for me by any other person except where collaboration has been authorised by the subject lecturer/tutor concerned

 I am aware that this work may be reproduced and submitted to plagiarism detection software programs for the purpose of detecting possible plagiarism (which may retain a copy on its database for future plagiarism checking)

Signature: …………………………………………………………………………………………….

Note: An examiner or lecturer/tutor has the right not to mark this assignment if the above declaration has not been signed)

101041 Communication Research Spring 2012 Learning Guide and Unit Outline Page 19 of 19