CPT-34806 Research for Effective Communication

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Individual Paper
Lectures15
Literature study
Tutorial18
Self-study
Course coordinator(s)dr. ir. S van Bommel
Lecturer(s)dr. ir. S van Bommel
Examiner(s)dr. ir. S van Bommel

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

CPT-12306 Introduction to Strategic Communication or CPT-23804 Introduction to Communication and Innovation Studies.

Contents:

Interventions involving communication, such as those in the field of health promotion, policy development and innovation, cannot be developed out of thin air. Strategic choices can only be made with the help of research: about the type of problem to be addressed; the objectives to be pursued; the stakeholders to be involved, etcetera. In this course, students learn what communication research for intervention entails. We zoom in on different types of communication research in terms of approach, objectives and methodology. The development of an individual research proposal in the area of communication for intervention is a central activity in the course, and one around which classes are centred. Students learn how to find out what research is required in connection with an intervention that has their interest, develop a problem statement and research questions, learn to find and use literature, develop a conceptual and theoretical framework, and take decisions about research approach, design and methodology.

Learning outcomes:

After having followed this course students should be able to:
- distinguish different roles of communication research for intervention;
- distinguish different forms of research and approaches to communication research for intervention;
- locate and use secondary sources for the purpose of communication research for intervention;
- formulate a research question and develop a theoretical framework for communication research in communication research for intervention;
- select appropriate methods for research in communication research for intervention.

Activities:

- literature study;
- lectures;
- workshops and discussions groups;
- writing a research proposal under supervision of the lecturers.

Examination:

Students will develop and individual research proposal which will count for 60% of the grade.
There will be three individual assignments which together will count for 40% of the grade.
Each component needs a minimum mark of 5.5 to pass.

Literature:

To be annouced.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Compulsory for: BCLCommunication and Life SciencesBSc5MO
Restricted Optional for: MCHCommunication, Health and Life SciencesMScA: Strategic Communication in Innovation5MO
MinorPeriod
Compulsory for: WUECLBSc Minor Communication, Research and Practice5MO