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Doing Media Research
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Doing Media Research



January 2025 | 312 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

What is media research and how is it done? This book offers detailed introductions and practical guidance for all aspects of media research, from developing a research question and choosing sources to interpreting media texts, applying qualitative and quantitative methods, conducting interviews, and much more.

You will encounter:

  • A 'Fundamentals' section covering eight big topics like 'what is method?'
  • A global perspective reflected in case studies of media research in Asia, Africa and South America
  • Practical examples on topics from crafting a thesis statement to conducting an analysis and presenting the outcomes
  • Integrated discussion of contemporary issues like the ethics of social media research

This essential companion will empower any media student to tackle their research with confidence and skill. 

 
Section I: Fundamentals
 
Chapter 1. What is research?
 
Chapter 2. What is an idea?
 
Chapter 3. What is a media research topic?
 
Chapter 4. What is a research question?
 
Chapter 5. What is a theoretical framework?
 
Chapter 6. What is method?
 
Chapter 7. What is analysis?
 
Chapter 8. What is ethical research?
 
Section II. The research process
 
Chapter 9. Choosing sources and collecting data
 
Chapter 10. Picking apart and piecing together: interpreting media texts
 
Chapter 11. Sorting and counting: structured analysis of media content
 
Chapter 12. Asking and listening: researching with producers, audiences and users
 
Chapter 13. Mapping and visualizing: illustrating ideas and exploring data
 
Section III. The writing process
 
Chapter 14. Genres of research writing
 
Chapter 15. Argumentation
 
Chapter 16. Responsible citation
 
Chapter 17. Giving and receiving feedback

This book is more than a guide—it is an invitation to explore, question, and understand the media shaping our world. Doing Media Research encourages students not only to learn about research methods but to experience the joy of discovery through hands-on inquiry. It is an essential companion for anyone seeking to make sense of today’s complex media environment.

Dr Normaizatul Akma Saidi
Accounting, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan
May 22, 2025

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