January 30

Hey class,

This week in class we discussed;

Characteristics of Research

What all Communication Scholars have in Common

The Model of Research

Paradigms

Basic vs. Applied Research

Theories

 Building

 Evaluating

For posting this week, let's continue to work on our conceptual and operational definitions. I would like you to pose a question of a relationship between two variables. Then give conceptual and operational definitions for both variables.

Ex- Due to the problem solving needed in modern video games, gamers are more likely to excel in mathematical skills than non gamers.

Variable 1- Gamers

Conceptual- Individuals who engage in the act of playing electronically simulated games  

Operational- Individuals who admit to playing an average of 5 or more hours a week of video games on any platform

Variable 2- Mathematical skills

Conceptual- The comprehension of the logical nature and structure of geometry, logic, probability, algebra, and statistics.

Operational- Any individual who scored above 650 on the mathematics section of the SAT or 19 on the ACT's

January 22

Good work in class today. I really enjoyed our class discussions on "what is wrong with this study."  Today in Class, we discussed;

Characteristics of Bad Research

Different Epistemologies

     Personal Experience

     Intuition

     Authority

     Tradition, Custom, & Faith

     Magic, Superstition, & Mysticism

Two different types of Research

     Proprietary

     Scholarly

Research

For this weeks posting, I would like you to select one of the above Epistemologies and give an example from your own life. In class, I used the example of personal experience and my belief that everybody is Catholic. Try to come up with your own unique experience. Remember to leave your name after your posting so I can give you credit.

Welcome

Welcome to Dr. Bolt's Blog. I know I'm not officially a doctor yet but I figured I should get the domain name before somebody else :) This blog is dedicated to the students of Communication Research Methods. Together, we will use this forum to grow in our understanding of the scientific method implemented in quantitative research methods. I welcome you all and look forward to meeting with you.