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Communication Studies

A research guide for students in the field of Communication Studies.

Tips for Reading Scholarly Articles

Abstract:

  • Provides a concise summary of the research study, including the main objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
  • Look here to quickly identify the primary goal and key findings of the study.

Introduction:

  • Presents background information on the topic and explains the significance of the research question.
  • Discusses the theoretical framework or theories that guide the research.
  • Look here to understand the foundation of the study and the research questions being addressed

Literature Review:

  • Summarizes and synthesizes previous research related to the topic.
  • Helps contextualize the current study within the existing body of knowledge.
  • Look here to understand how the current study builds upon or differs from prior research.

Method:

  • Describes the research design, participants, procedures, and measures used in the study.
  • Provides enough detail for other researchers to replicate the study.
  • Look here to identify the specific methodology employed in the study, such as surveys, interviews, or experiments.

Results:

  • Presents the main findings of the study, often using statistical analyses, tables, and figures.
  • Reports the outcomes of hypothesis testing or research questions.
  • Look here to find the key data and results that address the study's objectives.

Discussion:

  • Interprets the results and discusses their implications in light of the research questions and previous literature.
  • Addresses potential limitations of the study and suggests directions for future research.
  • Look here to understand the broader significance of the findings and how they contribute to the field of knowledge.

Conclusion:

  • Summarizes the main points of the study and reiterates the key takeaways.
  • May discuss practical applications or recommendations based on the findings.
  • Look here for a concise overview of the study's conclusions and their relevance to real-world contexts.