– NO PLAGIARISM
– FOR COMMUNICATION CLASS

We have read several research studies and discussed many theories throughout the semester. I would like for you to select a research article that was based on a theory that you found interesting this semester; it may be on any area of communication that has been discussed in this class. You will then provide a paper analysis on this research article based upon the guidelines below. For this paper only I am going to require a minimum of 4 pages, and the max will be 7 pages. It is much more in-depth. You will be graded on how thoroughly you analyze and dissect this paper. Don’t just do a surface analysis, really dig deep and consider all of the guidelines listed below.
You should use the library databases to find your articles. Please make sure you save a copy of the article and upload it as a second document with your paper.

THEORIES OPTIONS:
balance theory, dissonance theory, media richness theory, Cultivation Theory
Social Cognitive Theory, Critical Cultural Theory (Neo-Marxist), Social Responsibility Theory, Social Identity Theory, Identity Negotiation Theory

The article you use should be a communication related research article that comes from a scholarly journal. You may not use articles from “popular periodicals” (e.g.. Psychology Today, Advertising Age). If you have questions as to what constitutes a scholarly journal article please ask!
Section 1: Introduction: State the objectives of the article. In other words, what is the goal of the author(s) [hint: look for the research question(s) or hypothesis]. What is the article’s domain (topic area)? Does this article relate to anything you read in class? If so, which chapter or reading assignment?
Section 2: Summary: Briefly summarize the article (2-4 paragraphs; do not simply re-state the article’s abstract). Briefly summarize the important observations, conclusions, findings, and so-forth presented in the article. Include any important details relevant to individual findings, and to the rest of your review.
Section 3: Critique: I would like a brief overview of your opinion of the article. Do you think the study was worthwhile? What did you think of the logic and reasoning? Did it make sense? Were the findings surprising? Then, I would like a more formal, non-opinionated critique. Consider talking about the following areas:
Clarity: Was the purpose and argument clear? Do the researchers clearly develop a research question, proposition, or hypothesis examined in the article?
Theoretical Grounding: Is the researcher’s argument grounded in theory? Is it clear how the constructs (variables), which are examined in the research, were derived from theory? If this is a theory-building article, is the need for new theory adequately established?
Design of Research Investigation: Is it clear exactly how the study was conducted? Is the design of the research adequate for the study’s results?
Measurement: Are the measures used adequately described? Did they report reliability and validity if applicable?
Analysis: Is the analysis of data conducted properly and/or thoroughly? Do any quantitative data conform to the requirements of statistical tests used? Are any qualitative data adequately described and presented? How confident are you in the article’s results, and why?
Discussion and Conclusions: In discussing the results of the study, do the authors remain true to the actual findings of the study? Are the claims made in the conclusion of article actually supported by the data?
Limitations: What are the article’s shortcomings and limitations? Does the author(s) justify everything adequately? Was enough background information provided to understand the study?
Contributions: Do you think this added to the body of knowledge in the field? Did it build upon prior research and create something meaningful?