This report offers an interdisciplinary approach for conducting assessment on learning outcomes in undergraduate communication research skills where information literacy is embedded in the expected outcome. A Communication Studies department and the University Library piloted a two-year program to develop strategies for coordinated assessment that…

Responds to J. Sprague's 1992 criticisms of the program of research known as Power in the Classroom. Argues that both the covering law and the critical approach to studying power in the classroom are useful because they provide scholars and teachers with answers to distinct research questions. Identifies ways in which both epistemologies are…

Responds to an article in the same issue. Discusses four levels of scrutiny of the language of a research program: vocabulary choices; transformation of terms with the research process; style, syntax, tone, and organization of research reports; and translation of findings into recommendations and policy. Advocates productive dialogue in the…

Assesses, through a survey, whether instruction in research methods has filtered down to the undergraduate level. Finds that the introductory communication research methods course on the undergraduate level appears to be growing rapidly, and that there is general agreement about purpose, content, problems, and plans for it. (MS)

Focuses on applications of a widely cited empirical study in the communication field--A. Mehrabian and S. Ferris' 1967 study that inferred that communication is 7% verbal, 38% vocal, and 55% facial. Notes that these applications overlook important limitations which do not warrant formulation of a precise numerical formula. Discusses lessons…

Assesses whether and how qualitative methods are being taught in communication curricula. Finds general agreement about the units, specific topics, and activities that should be covered. Suggests that instruction at the graduate level is healthy, but it receives less attention at the undergraduate level than either quantitative methods or…

Describes the focus group interview as a technique for data collection for researchers interested in a variety of educational issues. Describes and discusses a series of steps for implementing the focus group interview technique. (MG)

This meta analysis examines the effect of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) upon college student performance, addresses the impact of various study characteristics upon effects, and explores how media richness theory may predict CAI performance gains. Findings indicate that student performance gains are larger for CAI than traditional…

Describes a procedure that communication departments, advisors, and graduate students can utilize to help students cope with the task and social pressures that accompany working on a dissertation. Suggests that being and having a dissertation partner supplements the advisor's role by providing task support and social support. (KEH)

Notes that undergraduate research can provide transformative educational experiences and profoundly impact the teaching of communication. Discusses the benefits of undergraduate research experiences and the challenges of teaching research methods in communication. Presents a structure for incorporating a capstone undergraduate research experience…

For those researchers who are also concerned with the quality of their teaching, this article describes a procedure for incorporating students as part of a research team and illustrates this procedure with a study designed to analyze conflict in interpersonal relationships. (PD)

Suggests that content analysis can provide answers about the types of messaging content and the longitudinal evolution of specialized codes in instructional computer-mediated communication (CMC). Shows that the uses and gratifications approach provides a perspective to ask questions about user motivations in instructional contexts, as well as the…

Suggests that small group researchers investigate message variables as a method of communication analysis. Provides examples of research-based behavioral objectives for small group communication classes. (MH)

Discusses assignments in discourse analysis and students' recurring methodological errors. (PD)