5 Steps to Mastering

PR ResearchAccording to a REAL Public Relations StudentAccording to a REAL Public Relations Student

Step #1Become a Master of CommunicationBecome a Master of Communication

Research is the first step in executing an effective research campaign; therefore it’s no secret that communication is important to Public Relations Research. When conducting research, whether individually or on a team, communication is key.

Step #2Find your FOCUS

Tips to help your focus group go smoothly:

1. Make sure the participants are familiar with the purpose of your research.

2. Set deadlines that are feasible and convenient for your participants. Give them enough time to adjust their schedules.

3. Don’t waste your participants’ time. Have your moderator up-to-speed on what you plan to gain from the focus group.

Every one knows that gathering research isn’t the most fun Every one knows that gathering research isn’t the most fun part of the job, but it is one of the most important.part of the job, but it is one of the most important.

• Keep your search for info focused.Keep your search for info focused.– Find info that relates directly to your research.Find info that relates directly to your research.

• Don’t rely solely on electronic information.Don’t rely solely on electronic information.– It seems a bit archaic, but books and journals are not as bad as It seems a bit archaic, but books and journals are not as bad as

they seem. they seem. • Gather lots of information from a variety or sources.Gather lots of information from a variety or sources.

– When researching, more is better. You’ll be thankful during the paper When researching, more is better. You’ll be thankful during the paper writing.writing.

• Find sources that are scholarly and reliable.Find sources that are scholarly and reliable.– Don’t base your whole project on info you found on Don’t base your whole project on info you found on WikipediaWikipedia. .

Step #3Master Research GatheringMaster Research Gathering

Group work can be a a pain, but use these techniques to reduce your stress:

• Set team goals and expectations• Set checkpoints and deadlines to

monitor progress• Help each other, when needed.• Be willing to sacrifice time and

outside commitments.• Communicate with each other.

Mastering Group WorkStep #2

Over the years, Public Relations has gotten a bad reputation for the bad practices of a few. Being a master of ethics can be summed up in one sentence.

Mastering EthicsStep #5

-The Golden Rule

“Do unto others as you would

have others do unto you.”

Master it!Public Relations Research is all about execution.

Once you’ve mastered the 5 things I’ve addressed, the execution of your research study will be a lot easier.

Trust Me.Sincerely,

A PR StudentS. MeShae Hankerson

Georgia Southern University