Exploring Bright Research Topics in Mass Communication for Graduate Students

As a graduate student in mass communication, you might be at a crossroads, deciding on which school to apply to or even what research topics to pursue. This article aims to provide guidance and inspiration for choosing the perfect research topic that aligns with your interests and contributes to the field.

Choosing the Right Research Topic

The first step in selecting a research topic is to consider your passion and interests. Are you more intrigued by the day-to-day operations of public relations (PR), or are you interested in exploring the broader socio-political impacts of mass communication? By understanding what drives your enthusiasm, you can narrow down your options and focus on a topic that not only sparks your curiosity but also aligns with your career aspirations.

Classic PR Crises: A Timeless Research Subject

The Tylenol PR crisis of 1982 offers a timeless example of how PR can handle a major crisis. In this case, Johnson Johnson demonstrated exceptional handling by placing customer trust above profits. According to Axia, the company quickly issued a national media statement advising consumers not to consume the product. This action garnered significant praise from outlets like The Washington Post, which highlighted the company's exemplary disaster response.

The Rail Spillage in Ohio

Another modern-day example that can be a fascinating research topic is the rail spillage that occurred in Ohio. How did the PR experts react to this tragedy, and what strategies were employed to regain public trust? Analyzing these actions can provide valuable insights into contemporary PR practices.

Additionally, consider political campaigns and their PR strategies. For instance, if a candidate's behavior is perceived as negative, how do PR teams mitigate the damage and restore the candidate's image? Such topics are timely, relevant, and offer ample material for research.

Specializing by Interest Area

Depending on your specific area of interest within mass communication, there are numerous research topics to explore:

1. Moviemaking and Film Techniques: - Analyze certain aspects of film making, such as cinematography, editing techniques, or narrative structures. - Conduct a case study or content analysis on a film to test hypotheses about audience perception and film reception.

2. Political Campaigns: - Study the role of social media in political campaigning and its impact on voter behavior. - Explore the effectiveness of grassroots campaigning versus traditional media approaches.

3. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): - Investigate how companies handle environmental or social crises and the long-term impact on brand reputation.

Finding the Perfect Match

Ultimately, the key to selecting a research topic lies in your personal assessment of your interests and expertise. It is crucial to choose a topic that you find intriguing and engaging. Here are a few tips to guide you:

1. Self-Assessment: - Reflect on your academic and professional background. Identify areas where you feel most confident and comfortable. - Consider what topics you have already explored and what new areas you are eager to delve into.

2. Choosing Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research: - If you are more hands-on, qualitative research methods such as case studies and interviews might be more suitable. - If you prefer structured and numerical data, quantitative research methods such as surveys or statistical analysis might be more appealing.

3. Blending Research Methods: - Many research topics can benefit from a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. For example, a case study analysis can be complemented with survey data.

By carefully considering these factors, you can identify the perfect research topic that will not only contribute to your academic journey but also open doors to exciting career opportunities.