How can you use communication research to improve your decision making?

1 Identify your purpose

The first step in using communication research to improve your decision making is to identify your purpose. What is the problem or opportunity that you want to address? What are the goals and objectives that you want to achieve? What are the questions that you want to answer? By clarifying your purpose, you can narrow down your focus, define your scope, and align your research with your desired outcomes.

2 Choose your methods

The second step in using communication research to improve your decision making is to choose your methods. Depending on your purpose, you may use different types of communication research methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, content analysis, experiments, or observation. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to consider factors such as feasibility, validity, reliability, ethics, and resources when selecting your methods.

3 Collect your data

The third step in using communication research to improve your decision making is to collect your data. This involves designing and implementing your data collection instruments, such as questionnaires, interview guides, or observation protocols. You also need to ensure that your data collection is ethical, respectful, and compliant with the relevant regulations and standards. You should also check the quality and accuracy of your data before proceeding to the next step.

4 Analyze your data

The fourth step in using communication research to improve your decision making is to analyze your data. This involves applying appropriate statistical or qualitative techniques to summarize, organize, and interpret your data. You should also look for patterns, trends, relationships, and differences in your data that can answer your research questions and support your conclusions. You should also be aware of the limitations and assumptions of your data analysis and avoid bias or errors.

5 Report your findings

The fifth step in using communication research to improve your decision making is to report your findings. This involves presenting and communicating your results, conclusions, and recommendations in a clear, concise, and compelling way. You should also consider your audience, purpose, and context when choosing the format and style of your report, such as a memo, a presentation, a white paper, or a blog post. You should also provide evidence and citations to support your claims and demonstrate credibility.

6 Apply your insights

The sixth and final step in using communication research to improve your decision making is to apply your insights. This involves using the knowledge and understanding that you gained from your research to inform your decisions, actions, and strategies. You should also monitor and evaluate the impact and outcomes of your decisions and adjust them as needed based on feedback and new information. You should also reflect on your learning and improvement from the communication research process.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?