Showing posts with label research methods. Show all posts
Showing posts with label research methods. Show all posts

Media and Communication Research Methods: An Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches Review

Media and Communication Research Methods: An Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches
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Media and Communication Research Methods: An Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches ReviewThis is a really straightforward and easy to understand book. Berger carefully and thoroughly goes over different methods used to create original research, both qualitative and qualitative. He carefully spells out the drawbacks each can have and outlines the important tactics that a researcher can use to insure the validity of their findings. Among the topics covered in this book are how research proposals generally work, interviewing, content analysis, historical analysis (quantitative), polling, statistical analysis, and testing (experiments) (qualitative). He also talks about different kinds of textual analysis and includes in here possibly the clearest explanation of semiotics I have ever come across. He has a plain, un-jargonized writing style and breaks apart text with cute illustrations and some admittedly lame "skits" (always between "him" and the "Grand Inquisitor" - you'll see. These are apparently supposed to be funny, but aren't.)
The chapters in this book are aided even further by never being so long as to be overwhelming. Berger doesn't mince words, but explains precisely and completely- and then switches to a new topic. Would that more authors would learn how to do this!
This was assigned reading for a graduate level class in which we prepared our thesis proposals. I think it should be mandatory reading for anyone considering embarking on original media research. I liked this book and though I would never have picked it up on my own- I am grateful that of all the choices there must be out there, my teacher chose this book.Media and Communication Research Methods: An Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches OverviewArthur Asa Berger employs his signature style - a practical focus, the use of numerous examples, a step-by-step approach, and humor - in his latest book, Media and Communication Research Methods. Combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods, this introductory text covers the topics thoroughly and is clearly written and fun-to-read. This book is ideal for beginning research students both at the graduate and undergraduate level because it is clear, concise, and accompanied by many detailed examples. - attention-grabbing dialogue begins each chapter and gives students insights into a particular research technique - the first two chapters answer the question "what is research?" and describe a library search and literature review - four chapters on textual analysis explain clearly semiotic analysis, rhetorical analysis, ideological criticism, and psychoanalytic criticism - four chapters on qualitative methods elucidate interviews, historical analysis, ethnomethodological research, and participant observation - four chapters on quantitative methods make contents analysis, surveys, experiments, and descriptive statistics easy to understand - the final two chapters will help students better understand research papers - the glossary at the end of the book defines numerous research concepts. With his thorough coverage of research strategies, his engaging writing style, and even his own illustrations, Berger has written a captivating book for communication research students.

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Fuzzy Thinking: The New Science of Fuzzy Logic Review

Fuzzy Thinking: The New Science of Fuzzy Logic
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Fuzzy Thinking: The New Science of Fuzzy Logic ReviewBuddhist math? C'mon.
First, let me say that fuzzy logic and fuzzy arithmetic are great tools. They're valued parts of the 'soft logic' kit that includes probability, interval arithmetic, Bayesian and Markov networks, and lots of other good stuff. Fuzziness involves many of the formal techniques used in probability and elsewhere, and gives a useful, alternative view of the systems it addresses.
The basic fuzzy idea is that most descriptions involve shades of gray, that few systems really match the black/white, on/off, either/or duality of standard formal logic. That's fine, I can get along with that quite well.
My problem, though, is that Kosko presents the fuzzy world-view vs. the traditional or "scientific" in exactly the black and white terms that he rejects. He also argues that fuzziness describes the world more effectively than "scientific" terms, that the rules of arithmetic, probability, and calculus are just games. They are played for their internal consistency, not because differentiation or factorials occur in nature.
That's true, and as a heavy math user I know enough to distinguish my models from reality. Two facts remain, though. First, the models very often do describe reality in ways that can be checked easily enough: the bridge doesn't fall down and the TV receives its signal. Both happen because the bad old exact arithmetic has some kind of correspondence (no, I don't know what) to the real world, giving real ability to predict real results. Second, fuzzy logic and fuzzy arithmetic are themselves mathematical formalisms, games like all the others. Once you get past the gee-whiz stage, there is mathematical content as rigorous as in any other field of study. It's not either/or, it's very often a different way to interpret the same self-consistent games people have played for years. It adds interesting rules to the game.
The great thing is that you really can use the new interpretations and tools along with the old ones. Fuzziness doesn't demolish the old structures, it bolsters them and adds capacity.
And you can get all these benefits without shrink-wrapped, bite-sized pieces of Eastern philosophy.
//wiredweirdFuzzy Thinking: The New Science of Fuzzy Logic Overview

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