There are not many textbooks available (if any) that can match [this book's] intelligence.

While many volumes discuss qualitative methods, only Qualitative Communication Research Methods focuses on the history and diversity of their use within the communication discipline. This volume is written by, for, and about communication scholars. It introduces readers from any background to every step of the qualitative research process, from developing research topics and questions, all the way through writing a final report. In addition to covering the scope of theories and methods currently used in qualitative communication research, this book also discusses important trends influencing the future of that research. Key features in this new edition include: - A more clear and direct writing style, suitable for use in both undergraduate and graduate courses. - Numerous practical examples and exercises designed to reinforce student learning of concepts. - A critical guide to the contexts of qualitative research. More than ever, qualitative researchers operate in institutional contexts that present new dilemmas. The book brings readers up to date on related ethical, political, and practical issues, including: the influences of globalization on the design and conduct of research; the appropriate use of recording technology in conducting fieldwork; the unique challenges and opportunities related to studying multi-media, on-line environments; and ongoing innovation and controversy surrounding genres and formats of qualitative writing. - An integrated "suite" of chapters on data-producing methods. In addition to updated discussions of participant-observation and qualitative interviewing, this edition includes a new chapter on the study of material culture and documents. Together, these three chapters help readers to learn how fieldwork methods can successfully combine in a flexible, integrated fashion. - Cutting-edge technological developments. The book informs and advises readers about the latest developments in technology for qualitative communication research. This discussion focuses on how "new" media - such as e-mail, texting, cell phone video, and blogging - not only form topics of research, but also the means of recording, analyzing, and textually "representing" data.

This works adopts a multidisciplinary approach to corporate communication, including management communication, public relations, organizational behavior and change, marketing communication, and advertising. The many-faceted approach adopts the perspective of a practicing communications professional, emphasizes corporate branding, and focuses on an integrated approach to communication.

This essential textbook provides a clear and authoritative introduction to qualitative and quantitative methods for studying media and communication. Written by two highly experienced researchers, the book draws on a wide range of media and communication research to introduce students to the relative strengths of the different research approaches. Beginning with an overview of the changing contexts and trends in media and communication research approaches, the book demystifies 'research' and the 'research process' by offering practical and accessible guidance on how to design, plan and carry out successful research projects in media and communication. This is an indispensable text for all students of media and communication studies, particularly those undertaking their own research projects or taking modules in research methods.

Conducting research can be one of the most fascinating--and intimidating--tasks for students and scholars. A relevant and accessible guide to quantitative research, Quantitative Research Methods for Communication: A Hands-On Approach offers an innovative and insightful look at this complex subject. Drawing on their extensive research and teaching experience in the field of communication, authors Jason S. Wrench, Candice Thomas-Maddox, Virginia Peck Richmond, and James C. McCroskey have compiled their diverse, acclaimed work into one comprehensive volume. In clear, straightforward language, the authors encourage students to take an active, hands-on role in the learning process, giving them the tools they need to locate, conduct, collect, and present their research. Students are not only introduced to new skills, but they also have the opportunity to immediately apply these skills in research scenarios. Beginning with a brief history of social science research, the text incorporates the following resources: * An introduction to the fundamentals of communication research, from library skills to basic mathematical concepts * An examination of the three most common techniques used in communication research: survey, content analysis, and experiment * A sophisticated analysis of sampling and hypothesis testing * A step-by-step introduction to statistical tools * Guided research assignments based on actual data-driven research questions * In-depth analyses of articles that feature statistical tests * A guide to presenting research findings, from delivering research papers at conferences to submitting original research for publication The text integrates rich pedagogical features throughout, including chapter objectives, case studies, data sheets, and lists of key terms. The accompanying CD-ROM offers many helpful tools, including ten articles originally published by the Eastern Communication Association and a Student Workbook. An invaluable resource for gathering and processing information in the twenty-first century, Quantitative Research Methods for Communication equips students with the skills--and confidence--to produce their own cutting-edge research.

This text presents strategies for selecting, refining, and researching communication topics, placing special emphasis on using library resources to search for literature. It demystifyies the research process by teaching students library skills, scholarly writing, and acquainting them with the latest research technology tools.

"In the increasingly crowded field of books on qualitative research, Thomas R. Lindlof has produced a gem, marked by its clarity of writing, depth of analysis, and maturity of thought. Well-founded arguments are advanced in lively experiences and good advice. Readers receive a solid combination of knowledge and practice. This one stands out." --James A. Anderson, Department of Communication, University of Utah At last, a research methods book specifically designed for the communication field! Qualitative Communication Research Methods offers an up-to-date review of the best work being done in this area: naturalistic inquiry, interpretive paradigm, ethnomethodology, symbolic interactionism, ethnography of communication, cultural studies, sampling, and linearity, to name some of the topics covered. No other text provides such a comprehensive treatment of the full range of qualitative communication research. Thomas R. Lindlof also provides numerous examples of published work in the field, illustrating how studies are designed, carried out, written, evaluated, and applied to theory. Qualitative Communication Research Methods is written in a style accessible enough for students, yet comprehensive enough for scholars. An essential volume for students or scholars in the fields of communication and popular culture who want to use qualitative methods in their work.

The Handbook of Qualitative Research Methods in Marketing offers both basic and advanced treatments intended to serve academics, students, and marketing research professionals. The 42 chapters begin with a history of qualitative methods in marketing by Sidney Levy and continue with detailed discussions of current thought and practice in: research paradigms such as grounded theory and semiotics; research contexts such as advertising and brands; data collection methods such as projectives and netnography; data analysis methods such as metaphoric and visual analyses; presentation topics such as videography and reflexivity; applications such as ZMET applied to Broadway plays and depth interviews with executives; and special issues such as multi-sited ethnography and research on sensitive topics.

This volume offers a comprehensive and straightforward coverage of doing qualitative research. The central purpose of this book is to instruct inexperienced researchers in ways of collecting, organizing and making sense of qualitative data.