COMM 3710 Introduction to Quantitative Communication Research Fall 2013, Tue. & Thu. 9:10-10:30 a.m.

, LNCO 1110
Prerequisite: Quantitative reasoning requirement "QA" (See http://advising.utah.edu/topics/general-education-requirements.php) IMPORTANT!! Update Your E-mail Address and Register Your Clicker Immediately update your student record with a current e-mail address! The instructors will use a class e-mail function to send students important information to the e-mail address on file with the university. Immediately purchase your clicker device and register it on our class Canvas site: Under Module 1 on home page view, click link Clicker Registration Tool. On new page that opens, enter the bold 6-digit number on the back of your clicker printed below the bar-code. Prof. Julia Corbett Office: LNCO 2862, 581-4557 Office Hours: Tue 3:30-4:30, Thu 10:30-11:30 & gladly by appointment corbett.julia@gmail.com (do NOT e-mail me thru Canvas!) Teaching Assistant Miao Liu Office: LNCO 2930 Office Hours: Tu 10:30-12:30 miao.liu@utah.edu Teaching Assistant Jeremy Weaver Office: LNCO 2810 Office Hours: M &W 2-4 jeremy.weaver@utah.edu

Course Description A communication degree provides special expertise something above and beyond common-sense understandings of communication. This course exposes you to social science and behavioral quantitative research approaches to generating knowledge and is presented with practical examples that are relevant to students lives and workplaces. It is designed to give all communication students (and those from other majors) expertise in the basics of quantitative research. It is presented in three modules. Its important to remember that the three modules are cumulative; each module builds upon material presented in previous modules. If you do not grasp concepts presented in one module, it will seriously impact your ability to understand subsequent modules. Please seek help from the instructor or TA as soon as you experience difficulty! Course Objectives Module One: Quantitative Reasoning Using Numbers to Understand How World Works The first module introduces you to the language and process of social science inquiry and research. First, we explore the concepts of hypotheses and variables, essential in the other two modules. We examine the research process and investigate the concept of numbers and how "they mean, which is critical to the statistical decisions made in the other two modules. Next, well introduce descriptive statistics

measures of central tendency (such as the mean, median and mode) and the importance of dispersion and variability. You will learn to create and integrate charts and graphs in text documents. Well analyze and critique visual displays of data in scientific sources and in the media. This module concludes with an introduction to inferential statistics and sampling distributions that is, how we can use small random samples to make inferences and accurately generalize to a larger population. Module 2: Practical Application: Surveys & Experimental Research The second module builds on the foundational knowledge presented in module one by looking at statistics reported in the mass media, such as public opinion polling. We rely on public opinion to inform policymakers, to gauge sentiment, and to make business decisions. Next we learn the forms of reasoning in experimental (causal and conditional) and survey (correlational) research. During this module, students will design a piece of research, collect data, and create a master data set to use in the third module. Module 3: Statistical Decisions, Data Analysis, and Models The final module builds on the research design and statistics foundations presented in the first two modules. We begin by applying various statistical procedures to the data generated and collected by students in their previous assignments. With these data, we explore causal reasoning and group difference statistics (such as T-test) and continue with correlational reasoning. We will learn and apply several other advanced statistical procedures, including multiple regression and ANOVA, with the ultimate goal of building models of how communicative processes work.

Teaching and Learning Methods This course includes lecture, discussion, small group problem solving, and independent homework (includes answering questions, hand calculations, and analysis with Excel). Evaluation Methods and Criteria You must complete ALL assignments satisfactorily in order to receive a passing grade in this course. Each assignment contributes to your final grade as follows: Module One Assignment Exam One Homework 1 Homework 2 Homework 3 Exam Two Homework 4 Homework 5 Homework 6 Homework 7 Homework 8 Exam Three Total Points 40 10 10 10 40 10 10 10 10 10 40 200 pts. Percent 20% 5% 5% 5% 20% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 20% 100%

Two

Three

Exams All exams are multiple-choice. Bring a number-two pencil to all exams; you also will need a small calculator for exams two and three; you may NOT use a calculator on a cell phone. Late exams are not administered. If you must miss an exam for an official University-sanctioned activity or for an unforeseen emergency, you must receive the instructors approval, and you must take the exam before its scheduled date. Completed exams are the property of the instructor. Homework Assignments Detailed assignment descriptions and evaluation criteria will be provided in advance of assignment due dates. Assignments will be posted on Canvas; click on the link to obtain a copy. Because you are receiving an individual grade for each assignment, you must complete each assignment individually. Copying assignments (including working in groups) is a form of plagiarism and is not tolerated nor graded. Remember that each assignment is your best test run for the next exam; relying on others for your homework denies you the chance to test your understanding and prepare for the exam. Assignment not completed in the required form will not be graded. If an assignment has numbered portions, number the pieces in your assignment so they are easily located by the grader. Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date. A late assignment is accepted for FIVE SCHOOL DAYS after its due date with a penalty of 20% of the total points possible FOR EACH LATE DAY (excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays). In-class assignments cannot be made up. Extra Credit There will be almost daily assignments, polls, quizzes, and fun statistical trivia questions during class. Your responses will be collected via "clicker" technology. At the end of the semester, I will assess your overall performance on all activities and reward you with up to 10 extra credit points. No additional extra credit is available. Reevaluation Requests The burden of proof in any disagreement over evaluation of your performance rests with you. If you desire reevaluation of a grade for an assignment, exam or other activity, you must submit your request and rationale in writing to the instructor within one week of receipt of the original evaluation. In writing, identify the specific requested change and provide a reasoned argument and include evidence to support the change. Attendance The University expects regular and punctual attendance at every class meeting. Class activities and discussions constitute a major portion of the learning experience in this course. As such, missed classes cannot be fully "recovered" by reading the texts and borrowing class notes. An absence interferes with your learning and work performance; therefore attendance is expected for all class days. If you must miss a class, you are responsible for obtaining the material from a classmate, not the instructor or teaching assistants.

Students who miss class to participate in officially sanctioned University activities (e.g., band, debate, student government, athletics) can make up assignments and exams. Get a written statement from the department or program describing the activity and stating precisely the dates of your required absences from COMM 3710. Please submit these dates as early as possible in the semester. For more information: http://registrar.utah.edu/handbook/attend.php. The classroom design makes late arrivals particularly disruptive for other students. Allow for parking, traffic, and weather conditions so as not be discourteous to your fellow classmates. If on a rare occasion youre late, enter the classroom very quietly and sit in the back rows of empty seats, not on the aisle steps or back floor; this area must be kept free according to the fire code. Academic Honesty Strict standards of academic honesty are enforced. Cheating and plagiarism result in appropriate penalties, such as a failing grade on a specific exam or for the entire course. Remember that copying assignments is a form of plagiarism. Students have specific classroom rights as detailed in the Student Code (http://regulations.utah.edu/academics/guides/students/studentRights.php). In addition, the Code specifies proscribed conduct (Article V and VI) that involves cheating on tests, plagiarism, and/or collusion, as well as fraud, theft, etc. Students may receive sanctions for violating one or more of these proscriptions. You have the right to appeal any such sanctions. ADA The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD) http://disability.utah.edu/. CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations. All written information in this course can be made available in an alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services. Drop/Withdrawal and Other Important Dates to Remember Consult the Drop/Withdrawal Deadlines detailed in the University Schedule for important dates regarding adding, dropping, withdrawing, and registering for this class. http://www.sa.utah.edu/regist/calendar/datesDeadlines/deadlines.htm Required Readings & Clicker There is no textbook to purchase! :-) There are two sources for course readings: the class Canvas site and at Marriott Library through Electronic Reserve. If you have trouble accessing the materials, try the How to Guide http://campusguides.lib.utah.edu/course_reserves_guide. It provides a walk-through that will explain searching courses, filtering courses and finally how to access copyrighted material from off campus. If you have any questions, call the Marriott Library Reserve Desk at 581-4670. I also post many important handouts and supplemental readings linked directly to Canvas. The syllabus is updated throughout the semester, so check it frequently to make sure you have all the readings.

Each student is required to purchase a clicker (Turning Point Technologies) from the University Bookstore (or from another site). New clickers are $53, which you can sell back to the bookstore at semesters end for 50% of the new price ($26.50). Some used clickers are available for $40. Clickers will be used to check your understanding of course concepts, to participate in class surveys, and to record attendance. Based on your clicking you have the chance to earn 10 extra credit points!

Library Reserve Readings for All Modules with Complete Citations Baxter, L.E. & Babbie, E. (2004) The Basics of Communication Research. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. (Chap 9: Experiments, pp. 204-229) Bennet, J. O., Briggs, W.L., & Triola, M.F. (2001). Statistical Reasoning for Everyday Life. Boston, MA: Addison Wesley. (Visual Displays of Data, pp. 97-125 and 126-150) Coombs, W. T. & Holladay, S. J. (2010). An exploration of the effects of victim visuals on perceptions and reactions to crisis events. Public Relations Review, 37, 115-120. Frey, L.R., Botan, C.H., Kreps, G.L. (2000). Investigating Communication. Boston. Allyn and Bacon. (Chap. 12: Inferring from Data: Estimation & Significance Testing, pp. 315-323 and 323-335) Hocking, J. E., Stacks, D. W., & McDermott, S. T. (2003). Communication Research. (Third Edition). Boston: Allyn and Bacon. (Chap1: Exploring Information, pp. 5-23) Keyton, J. (2001). Communication Research. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield. (Chap. 10: Descriptive Statistics pp. 183-194, Chap. 11: Testing for Differences pp. 207-217, and Chap 16: Reading and Writing the Quantitative Research Report pp. 315-326). McTavish, D. & Loether, H. (1999). Social Research . Addison-Wesley. (Chap. 7: Survey Research, pp. 134-161). Mason, R. D., Lind, D. A., & Marchal, W. G. (1998). Statistics: An introduction. New York: Duxbury Press. pp. 399-420 (Chap. 13 Correlation Analysis), and pp. 429-445 (Chap. 14: Regression Analysis). Rosenberg, K.M. (1990). Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences. Dubuque, IA: Wm. C. Brown. (2nd half of Chap. 3: Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, pp. 55-66). Stacks, D.W., & Hocking, J. E. (1992). Essentials of Communication Research. Harper Collins. (1st part of Chap. 2: The Role of Theory in Communication Research, pp. 23-35). Watt, J.H., & Van Den Berg S. A. (1995). Research Methods for Communication Science. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. (Chap. 7: Measurement, pp. 109-122 and 122-132).

Course Schedule
This syllabus and schedule are subject to change as necessary to adapt to student performance, instructor error, and unexpected circumstances.

Pay close attention to authors and page numbers! Reserve readings at Marriott Library used by multiple instructors & may not be required for my class. One pdf may be split between lectures, etc. Refer to Citation list on previous page!
Module One: Quantitative Reasoning Using Numbers to Understand How World Works Date Tu 8-27 Th 8-29 Th 9-5 Tu 9-10 Th 9-12 Tu 9-17 Th 9-19 Tu 9-24 Tu 9-26 Tu 10-1 Th 10-3 Tu 10-8 Topic Orientation to Course Design & Policies Comm Research & Ways of Knowing Hocking et al. pp. 5-23 Reading Assignment

Comm Theory & Relationships between Stacks & Hocking, pp. 23-35 Variables Measures of Central Tendency Measures of Dispersion Describing & Visually Displaying Data Graphics in the Media Using Excel to Display Data Inferential Statistics Sampling Distributions & Significance Testing Bergstrom: Applied Statistics: Understanding Craps Review of Module 1 Exam 1 Watt & van den Berg, pp. 109-122, Keyton, pp 182-194 Rosenberg, pp. 55-66 Bennett et al., pp. 97-125 Bennett et al., pp. 126-150, & Canvas data-files Frey et al., pp. 315-323 Frey et al. contin., pp. 323335 Canvas data-files Homework 3 Due (visual data) Homework 2 Due (measures) Homework 1 Due (class survey)

Module 2: Practical Application: Design, Construct, Present Survey & Experimental Research Date Th 10-10 10-15 &17 Tu 10-22 Th 10-24 Tu 10-29 Th 10-31 Tu 11-5 Th 11-7 Tu 11-12 Chi-square Fall Break ! Polls & Standard Error The Research Report Measurement Reliability & Validity Experiments & Causal Reasoning Survey Research Review of Module 2 Exam 2 Canvas reading: standard error of percentage Keyton, pp. 315-326 (eg. journal article, TBD) Watt & van den Berg, pp. 122-132 Baxter & Babbie, pp. 204-229 McTavish & Loether, pp. 134161 Homework 6 Due (experiment, survey) Homework 5 Due (polls, standard error) Homework 4 Due (chi-square) Topic Reading Keyton, pp. 207-214 Assignment

Module 3: Make Statistical Decisions, Analyze Data, and Create Models Date Th 11-14 Tu 11-19 Th 11-21 Tu 11-26 Tu 12-3 Th 12-5 Tu 12-10 Th 12-12 T-tests ANOVA Class application Correlation Class application Multiple Regression Review of Module 3 Fri. 12-20 Exam 3 Mason et al., pp. 399-420 Canvas data-files Mason et al., pp. 429-445 Homework 8 Due (correlation) Topic Reading Keyton, pp. 214-217 handouts on Canvas Homework 7 Due (t-test, Excel) Assignment