Developing the Communication
Research Proposal
Bridging Theory and Practice
Possible areas of science
communication research
Environmental Communication
Risk Communication (Process Analysis)
Crisis Communication (Process Analysis, Case Study)
Organizational Communication
Perception Study (Baseline Study)/Participatory Action
Research
KAP Study
Media Research
Effects Study
The Research Process
Selection of problem
Review of existing research and
theory
Statement of the problem/research
question
Determination of the appropriate
methodology and research design
Data collection
Analysis and interpretation of data
Writing and presentation of results
Selecting a Topic: Finding North
Relevance – can contribute to a body of knowledge and
inform policy
Doable within the period allowed to do research, affordable,
accessible respondents, realistic sampling frame/samples
Something that is interesting to you as a researcher
Search from professional journals (authors suggest topics for
further investigations while editors build issues and themes
related to the articles), periodicals, newspapers, magazines,
blogs
Determining Relevance of a Topic
1. Is the topic too broad?
2. Can the problem really be investigated?
3. Are the data susceptible to analysis?
4. Is the problem significant?
5. Can the results of the study be generalized?
6. What costs and time are involved in the analysis?
7. Is the planned approach appropriate to the project?
Review of Literature
1. What type of research has been done in the area?
2. What has been found in previous study?
3. What suggestions do other researchers make for further
study?
4. What has not been investigated?
5. How can the proposed study add to our knowledge of the
area?
6. What research methods were used in previous studies?
Building the theoretical framework
1. The theory/set of theories where the research is
derived, linked, or anchored
2. The theory that is derived from the research
(grounded theory)
3. Theories “enable a disciplined way to think about a
domain of social reality” (Jensen, 2002 in Lindlof &
Taylor,2011, p. 79)
text production
TEXT
text consumption
DISCOURSE PRACTICE
SOCIOCULTURAL PRACTICE
Fairclough’s three-dimensional model of discourse analysis
Theoretical framework in analyzing the commons in climate
change coverage (using Garett Hardin’s tragedy of the
commons and Elinor Ostrom’s collective action for governing
common-pool resource)
Building the conceptual framework
1. Shows the relationships between concepts
of the theory or theories used/variables in
the research
2. Concrete
A conceptual framework for discourse analysis of the
representation of the commons in climate change coverage
by Business Mirror
Building the Operational Framework
Shows how the research will be operationalized using specific
theories and concepts
Operational framework for discourse analysis of the representation of
the commons in climate change coverage by Business Mirror
Formulating the research question
1. Interesting
2. New and has not been fully studied
3. Can add to new knowledge
4. Feasible
5. Original
Formulating the research question
1. Clear and specific
2. In question form
3. State limitations
4. Define terms
Formulating the research objectives
1. What do you want to achieve through research
2. Specific
3. Achievable
4. State how the problem will be answered
Determining the methodology and
research design
Quantitative
Qualitative
Use of mixed methods
Qualitative approach: The interpretive paradigm
(naturalism, hermeneutic empericism, constructivism)
In studying topics of symbol use, sensemaking, and choice
making, the “human sciences” are inherently different from
the natural sciences
Realities are unique, plural, simultaneous, and local
phenomena. They are accomplished between human
beings through their symbolic practices of expression and
interpretation. Social realities are thus emergent and
collaborative in nature.
Research should seek to achieve deep understanding of
human actions, motives and feelings. It should illuminate how
humans use cultural symbol systems to create shared
meanings for their existence and activity
Qualitative approach: The interpretive paradigm
(naturalism, hermeneutic empericism, constructivism)
Knowledge of social reality emerges from the fundamental
interdependence that exists between researchers and those
they study. Researchers do not use methodological
instruments. They are the instrument.
Knowledge claims made by researchers are inevitably
positioned and partial. As a result, they should reflect on–
and account for – the contingency of their claims.
Researchers generate credible knowledge claims through
prolonged immersion in actual social settings and extensive
interaction with other participants. Intimate familiarity with
local meanings and practices is considered a requirement for
successful explanation.
Qualitative approach: The interpretive paradigm
(naturalism, hermeneutic empericism, constructivism)
Researchers should use verbal and narrative means to collect
data and to present evidence for their claims.
Researchers should preserve the subjective experience of
social actors in explaining how their performances are
meaningful.
Researchers should develop theory inductively. This means
that they repetitively test their tentative explanations against
knowledge gained from ongoing interaction with group
members. Explanation should create increasingly
“expansionistic” understanding of phenomena, both within
and across the sites of their occurrence.
Qualitative Research in
Communication
Applied communication (name, explain, and make
improvements on how clients listen, interact, read, write, and
mediate messages)
Group communication
Health communication
Intercultural communication (interaction between and
among different cultural groups)
Interpersonal communication (personal relationships and
episodes of interactions as situated accomplishments of
speech and nonverbal communication; depict personal
identities as products of language use and culture)
Qualitative Research in
Communication
Language and social interaction (“the smallest of language, gesture, or
vocal expressions affect meaning making and can shape socially
consequential outcomes.” (Tracy & Haspel, 2004 in Lindlof and
Taylor,2011,p. 21) > conversation analysis; discourse
analysis;ethnographyt
Media and Technology Studies
Organizational communication
Performance studies (how performers interpret culturally authored
scripts, how they influence and collaborate with audiences in
constructing cultural identities
Rhetoric (critique of media, institutions, and discourses that constitute
and govern public culture
Strategic Communication (informing and influencing stakeholders)
Source: Lindlof, T,R. and Taylor, B.C. (2011). Qualitative Research Methods. 3rd.
ed. Sage Publications Ltd.
Some broad topic ideas for research
Media Research: Media Coverage of Climate Change
Media Research: Media Coverage of Science and Technology
(Content Analysis/Frame Analysis)
The Filipino Scientists in Basic Education Learning Resources
(Textbooks, Audio-visuals, etc.)
Risk Communication: Are we ready for the BIG one?
Effects Study: Pinggang Pinoy Campaign
Effects Study: Impact Assessment of the NSTW Celebrations
(2011-2015)
Some broad topic ideas for research
Perception Study: Moving for SPACE (Diwata-1, PhilSA)
Science Communication and Policy/Communicating Science
to Policy-Makers (Perception Study, Strategic Communication
Initiatives, etc.)
Effects Study: STARBooks and Students’ Access to Learning
Resources
Organizational Communication: Project
NOAH/Communicative Behavior of Filipino Scientists
Effects Study on (Selected) STEM Advocacy Programs for
Students
Media Research: Media Coverage of Climate Change
Some broad topic ideas for research
Use of nuclear science research/nuclear energy (perception
studies, baseline studies)
Social Media Affordances and Science Advocacy (Nutrition
and Public Health, STEM careers and scholarships, science
education, disaster preparedness, technology transfer, etc.)
