Milestone 1
The class research project challenges you to plan a content analysis, collect data, and report the findings in collaboration with your peers. You and your group will approximate (i.e., Im not asking you to do everything that usually is done in research) academic research related to a specific games and society topic. The project will unfold in three milestones and each milestone will require individuals to contribute concrete work towards the final project. The final deliverable for the project will be submitted in Milestone 3 as a presentation that summarizes the groups research.
For Milestone 1, every person in the class will pitch an idea for a content analysis project on one of two general themes. The topic you select will establish the group we place you in and will serve as the foundation for subsequent milestones. Choose the topic you find more interesting, but also one that you can commit to learning more about within the context of video games (i.e., if you cannot tolerate viewing violent content in video games whatsoever, its probably better for you to opt for the other topic).
For Milestone 1, you will propose an idea for a content analysis based on an article you read and your current level of understanding about content analysis as a method. You may find it helpful to return to the lecture on content analysis in Week 2s materials for this assignment. Be sure to ask questions on the discussion boards! You will also submit responses to a brief series of questions that will help your instructors identify 2-3 team leaders for each group who will have a few additional (primarily organizational) responsibilities.
Milestone 1 Steps
Your first step will be to identify the specific topic to focus on for the research project: you must choose between sexualization and objectification or violence and aggression.
Your second step will be to read a chapter that contains a summary of studies and ideas related to your topic so that you begin to have a sense of what problematic outcomes may be related to specific types of content.
