COM 564: Research Methods for Professionals
Summer 2017 – Washington State University – Professor Graham Dixon
Research Methods for Professionals was one of the courses I looked forward to most, but also was most intimidated by. The course acquainted me with quantitative and qualitative research methods. These methods included surveys, focus groups, and experiements. Over the course of the semester I completed comprehensive projects that focused on each method. Below are descritpions of these projects and links to view them.
Research Critique
For this project I critiqued the Washington State Department of Health’s (DOH) strategic communications campaign to prevent tobacco use among teenagers. The “No Stank You” campaign targeted almost 900,000 young people aged 12-18 in Washington State. After the campaign was executed, multimodal research was conducted to provide the DOH with summative data demonstrating the campaign’s effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to provide the DOH with a thorough evaluation of the research conducted by the agency and recommendations for their next meeting.
MICHIE – COM564 Research Critique
Qualitative Research Case
The purpose of this assignment was to consider, design and critique an applied qualitative research project. I developed the study design, participant selection procedures and their recruitment, a research protocol and related information concerning study results. This research case built off of the “No Stank You” campaign explored in the research critique project.
MICHIE – Qualitative Research Case
Survey Research Case
The purpose of this assignment was to design a survey research project. My client for this project was a bookstore that was considering entering the Spokane market. My job was to design a survey the evaluated the feasibility of this decision. Tasks included proposing and developing all aspects of an applied survey. Materials developed included the study design and procedural guidelines, participants and sampling procedures, a questionnaire and related information. This was my favorite project of the class and was equal parts challenging and fun.
Final Research Case
This project combined everything learned in the class over the semester. The purpose of the final project was to design a comprehensive study for the College of Engineering and Architecture at Western State University. This study had two goals: first, identify messaging that will resonate with alumni and test the potential effectiveness of different fundraising appeals. Second, reveal alumni preferences in communication method and content, donation history, intention to donate, and demographics.
The final research case required me to propose and develop all aspects of a multiple method research project, including all research design and procedural guidelines, recruitment of participants and sampling procedures as necessary, a questionnaire or other forms of measurement and related information.
Feedback: Please click here to review this work.
Bill Michie 