Strategic Communication Research Methods provides students with the knowledge and tools they will need to use and conduct research effectively in their careers. While theory and methods are emphasized throughout, the focus on cultivating transferable skills and the relevant application of knowledge reinforce the book's practicality. Students learn why research is critical in professional contexts, the various approaches for conducting communication research, how to evaluate research effectively, and how to conduct their own research. Chapters cover the research process, sampling, ethics, observation, data analytics, surveys, interviews and focus groups, experiments, and how to analyze and present research results. Throughout, dynamic practice activities and real-world examples actively engage students and support the applied approach. The second edition builds on the strengths of the previous edition by including a new chapter on digital data analytics and big data, as well as expanded information on analyzing qualitative and quantitative data. Throughout the book, contemporary research and examples provide students with the most current information in a way that resonates. Straightforward, accessible, and highly practical, this text helps students recognize the valuable role of research in the development and assessment of communication strategies.
Pamela J. Lannutti (Ph.D., University of Georgia) is a professor and the director of the Center for Human Sexuality Studies at Widener University. Dr. Lannutti is the author of the award-winning Experiencing Same-Sex Marriage: Individuals, Couples, and Social Networks and past editor of Communication Quarterly. Her research has appeared in top communication and interdisciplinary journals. Marianne Dainton (Ph.D., The Ohio State University) is a professor emerita of communication at La Salle University. Dr. Dainton is the author/coauthor of Group Communication for Professional Life, Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life, and Advanced Interpersonal Communication: Managing Communication Goals.
"Overall, this textbook is incredibly valuable to new generations of students who may or may not know much about what strategic communication professionals do. It makes research that could otherwise be quite heavy and intimidating very approachable and even enjoyable. I think the focus on shorter chapter length plus activities really helps support these goals; this book is not teaching students that they have to be *perfect* at research in order to dive in. They just have to be open and curious!" Amanda K. Kehrberg, Arizona State University "This text holds a pretty unique position in the market. There are only a few strategic communication texts, and I think there's a pretty good argument that this one is the best undergraduate text for students who may not be predisposed to enjoy this topic." Chuck Lubbers, University of South Dakota "Great examples used throughout; very readable, not dry. ... Very practical approach - how this will be applied in our work, why it is necessary and how it can help; respect for theory-driven research, but also for applied research. I found [the book's] overall message in the first chapter nicely mirrored my approach to selling [students] on research and showing how powerful it can be (or destructive if skipped)." Juliet L. Stantz, DePaul University What I liked about this text is that it is about strategic com research. It was easy for me to read and the use of color and bolded highlights in the text made it super easy. The writing is clear and students understand it. ...Overall, the entire text is simple and easy to use. Even as I went back through the text to write my comments, I was surprised by how much info was packed into easily digestible chunks. ...[T]here's an elegance to the simplicity that I appreciate, and I think my students do, too." Katrina Neely Farren-Eller, Loras College "[The Dainton & Lannutti text] breaks concepts down into easily understandable, bite-sized pieces. It covers most all information necessary for student learning but doesn't make it overly complicated and complex. The book is an easy read for students and provides good examples and activities for better understanding." Lee Bush, Elon University "The writing is inviting, and the examples are relevant and relatable. ... I appreciate the informational boxes to summarize and order supplemental content. The information is timely with recent and relevant examples used to highlight learning concepts. The writing/language is likely to be understood by upper undergraduate students. The end of the chapter "Practice activities" are excellent instructional resources." Alicia M. Mason, Pittsburg State University
