COMM 3360 Communication Research Methods: Mixed Methodology
One of COMM3330, COMM3340, or COMM3360 is required for the Communication Major. This course is an interdisciplinary exploration of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies essential for understanding human communication. The course begins by examining the meaning and process of communication research across different traditions, providing students with a foundational understanding of research paradigms. Through a step-by-step approach, students will learn research design, data collection, analysis and interpretation, and research conclusion techniques. Emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of research processes, the course bridges the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications. In addition to lectures, students will engage in workshops to practice analysis methods learned in class, fostering hands-on experience and skill development. We will analyze various articles across disciplines and methodologies to examine the best (and the worst) practices in conducting and presenting research. This course is vital for succeeding in writing-intensive courses.
Course overview
- Department
- Communication
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Fall, Every Spring
Requirements fulfilled
- Communication: Communication Research Methods (one course of three) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Communication: Electives (four courses, 12 credits): any 3-credit class offered by the department; COMM5589 Internship Practicum may count once (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.03 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.27 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 4
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Ali Erol | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 1–3 hrs/week | 23 of 31 |
| Spring 2026 | Ashley Duggan | 3.3 | 3.1 | 3.3 | 3.4 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 1–3 hrs/week | 9 of 12 |
| Spring 2026 | So Yun Ahn | 2.9 | 2.9 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 1–3 hrs/week | 19 of 24 |
| Fall 2025 | Ali Erol | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 1–3 hrs/week | 35 of 42 |
| Fall 2025 | So Yun Ahn | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.5 | — | 11 of 13 |
| Spring 2025 | Ali Erol | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 1–3 hrs/week | 52 of 59 |
| Spring 2025 | Ashley Duggan | 3.6 | 3.9 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4–6 hrs/week | 16 of 20 |
| Fall 2024 | Ali Erol | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.5 | ≤ 1 hr/week | 9 of 19 |
| Fall 2024 | Celeste Wells | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4–6 hrs/week | 30 of 38 |
Data freshness
Instructors
Sections
- Section 01
- Section 02
- Section 02
- Section 03