Response to Artifact 3

Learning Outcome 2: Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to conduct

systematic inquiry skillfully.
To demonstrate my ability to conduct systematic inquiry, I will refer back to COM 150
Research and Methodology. In this course we had to develop a questionnaire intended to gather
research on a hypothesis or research question created by our team of three people. For this
assignment Katie Melendes, Lacy Harris and I created a questionnaire which gathered
information on Honest but Hurtful (HBH) messages. These are messages in relationships which
are intended to be truthful and helpful, but ultimately result in some form of emotional pain.
Specifically, we were hoping to discover if there is a difference in how these messages are used
in heterosexual relationships in comparison to homosexual relationships.
In order to create a successful questionnaire we had to develop an understanding of the
correct process of systematic inquiry. The first portion of the article attached shows how our
research team understands that surveys must be voluntary. The parameters which someone must
meet in order to take the questionnaire is clearly laid out and the participants know exactly what
to expect from the survey they are about to complete. Following this section, the questionnaire
looks at the demographics of the participants. Although this portion is not perfect (it could use a
few minor tweaks such as an other option under the question of sexual orientation), it shows
the base of knowledge I was building in only my third semester. The final two sections of the
questionnaire look at the participants opinions regarding HBH messages. This was done through
the use of Likert scales and short answer questions. The Likert scale section uses reverse coding
on some answers to ensure the participants cannot simply select strongly agree or disagree for
every answer. The phrasing of these questions shows how early on in my academic career I
developed an understanding of systematic inquiry, and it has only developed more as Ive
applied this knowledge to more advanced communication courses.