Reference Sources for Background Research
When you begin researching, consulting a reference book (like an encyclopedia or handbook) to get an overview of the topic is often quicker and easier than trying to gather background information from various articles and websites.
Reference books can provide definitions, descriptions and explanations and identify keywords and terms for searching for articles in databases or for books in the Catalog about the topic.
Entries in reference books often include a list of sources for further reading. In the early stages of your research, tracking down these cited sources will lead you to relevant books and articles and save you time.
Selected Reference eBooks
Many books are now available with online full text as ebooks. Listed below are some online reference books in the field of Communication. For links to more ebooks see Milner's Reference (General/Multi-Subject) page or search Milner's Catalog and limit the search to "Electronic."
SAGE Handbook of Social Media Research Methods [ebook]ISBN: 1473987210
The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods
Communication research is evolving and changing in a world of online journals, open-access, and new ways of obtaining data and conducting experiments via the Internet. Although there are generic encyclopedias describing basic social science research methodologies in general, until now there has been no comprehensive A-to-Z reference work exploring methods specific to communication and media studies. Our entries, authored by key figures in the field, focus on special considerations when applied specifically to communication research, accompanied by engaging examples from the literature of communication, journalism, and media studies. Entries cover every step of the research process, from the creative development of research topics and questions to literature reviews, selection of best methods (whether quantitative, qualitative, or mixed) for analyzing research results and publishing research findings, whether in traditional media or via new media outlets. In addition to expected entries covering the basics of theories and methods traditionally used in communication research, other entries discuss important trends influencing the future of that research, including contemporary practical issues students will face in communication professions, the influences of globalization on research, use of new recording technologies in fieldwork, and the challenges and opportunities related to studying online multi-media environments. Email, texting, cellphone video, and blogging are shown not only as topics of research but also as means of collecting and analyzing data. Still other entries delve into considerations of accountability, copyright, confidentiality, data ownership and security, privacy, and other aspects of conducting an ethical research program.
ISBN: 1483381447Publication Date: 2017
Selected Print Reference Books
Theories of Human Communication by Call Number: P90 .L48 2021ISBN: 9781478646679Publication Date: 2021-05-01
Theories of Human Communication by Floor 2 Course Reserves
Communication, Cultural and Media Studies: The Key ConceptsCall Number: P90 .H334642 2011 Reference Floor 2
Communication Research by Call Number: P91.3 .S7 2003 Reference Floor 2
Communication Research Measures II: a Sourcebook by Call Number: P91.3 .C623 2020 Reference Floor 2
Communication Research: Strategies and Sources by Call Number: P91.3 .R83 2010 Reference Floor 2
Communication Theories: Perspectives, Processes, and Contexts by Call Number: P90 .M479 2005 Reference Floor 2
Handbook of Gender, Sex, and MediaCall Number: P96.S5 H36 2012 Reference Floor 2
Handbook of Media and Communication Research: Qualitative and Quantitative MethodologiesCall Number: P91.3 .H35 2012 Reference Floor 2
Intercultural Communication: A Discourse ApproachCall Number: P94.6 .S36 2012 Reference Floor 2Also available as an eBook. Click Connect to eBook link in catalog record to view the eBook.
Media Career GuideCall Number: P91.6 .C85 2012 Reference Floor 2
Mediawriting: Print, Broadcast, and Public RelationsCall Number: P96.A86 W48 2012 Reference Floor 2
Ongoing Crisis Communication: Planning, Managing and RespondingCall Number: HD49 .C664 2012 Reference Floor 2
Sage Handbook of Public RelationsCall Number: HD59 .H267 2010 Reference Floor 2
