This online course is designed to enable students to understand and apply research methods drawn from Communications and Information Systems methodologies, for collecting data to answer research questions or test proposed hypotheses. The course includes instruction on data collections procedures for both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to construct feasible and purposeful research designs and outcomes. The primary focus is on methods most appropriate for students' needs, but a range of methods will be reiterated and covered in the following methodology courses: ISCM 8130 Introduction to Research Process for ISC, ISCM 8150 Advanced Research Design for ISC, ISCM 8240 Qualitative Research Methods for ISC, ISCM 8230 Quantitative Research Methods I for ISC, and 8250 Quantitative Research Methods II for ISC. Ethical issues in research are reinforced, and researcher assumptions, personal bias, and design limitations are addressed. The aim is to prepare students for writing Chapter 3: Methodology and finish data collection. 3 Credits