Morally abusive content: freedom and responsibility

Morally abusive content: freedom and responsibility

1: Purpose and Significance of the Study
In the first chapter, clearly state what the purpose of the study is and explain the study’s
significance. The significance is addressed by discussing how the study adds to the
theoretical body of knowledge in the field and the study’s practical significance for
communication professionals in the field being examined.
2: Review of the Literature
The purpose of the study should suggest some theoretical framework to be explained further
in this chapter. The literature review thus describes and analyzes previous research on the
topic. This chapter, however, should not merely string together what other researchers have
found. Rather, you should discuss and analyze the body of knowledge with the ultimate goal
of determining what is known and is not known about the topic. This determination leads to
your research questions and/or hypotheses. In some cases, of course, you may determine that
replicating previous research is needed.
3: Methodology
This chapter describes and justifies the data gathering method used. This chapter also
outlines how you analyzed your data. Begin by describing the method you chose and why
this method was the most appropriate. In doing so, you should cite reference literature about
the method. Next, detail every step of the data gathering and analysis process. Although this
section varies depending on method and analysis technique chosen, many of the following
areas typically are addressed:
–description of research design internal validity external validity –description of population
and description of and justification for type of sample used or method for selecting units of
observation –development of instrument or method for making observations (e.g., question
guide, categories for content analysis) pre-test reliability and validity of instrument or
method –administration of instrument or method for making observations (e.g., interviews,
observation, content analysis) –coding of data –description of data analysis statistical
analysis and tests performed identification of themes/categories (qualitative or historical
research)
4: Findings
This chapter addresses the results from your data analysis only. This chapter does not
include discussing other research literature or the implications of your findings. Usually
you begin by outlining any descriptive or exploratory/confirmatory analyses (e.g., reliability
tests, factor analysis) that were conducted. You next address the results of the tests of
hypotheses. You then discuss any ex post facto analysis. Tables and/or figures should be
used to illustrate and summarize all numeric information. For qualitative and historical
research, this chapter usually is organized by the themes or categories uncovered in your
research. If you have conducted focus groups or interviews, it is often appropriate to provide
a brief descriptive (e.g., demographic) profile of the participants first. Direct quotation and
paraphrasing of data from focus groups, interviews, or historical artifacts then are used to
support the generalizations made. In some cases, this analysis also includes information from
field notes or other interpretative data (e.g., life history information).
5: Discussion
The purpose of this chapter is not just to reiterate what you found but rather to discuss what
your findings mean in relation to the theoretical body of knowledge on the topic and your
profession. Typically, students skimp on this chapter even though it may be the most
important one because it answers the “So what?” question. Begin by discussing your
findings in relation to the theoretical framework introduced in the literature review. In some
cases, you may need to introduce new literature (particularly with qualitative research).
This chapter also should address what your findings mean for communication professionals
in the field being examined. In other words, what are the study’s practical implications?
Doctoral students also should discuss the pedagogical implications of the study. What does
the study suggest for mass communication education? This chapter next outlines the
limitations of the study. Areas for future research then are proposed. Obviously, the thesis or
dissertation ends with a brief conclusion that provides closure. A strong final sentence
should be written.