This practical, comprehensive work is widely regarded as the standard course text and practitioner reference on public relations research. Don W. Stacks explains the key role of research in all aspects of contemporary PR practice, from planning a program or campaign to making strategic changes and measuring outcomes. Step-by-step guidelines and tools are provided for using a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods to accomplish essential research objectives. The book clearly explains technical aspects of data collection and analysis for readers new to measurement and statistics. Every chapter features review questions and a detailed practice problem. A test bank, suggested readings, case studies, and PowerPoint slides are available to instructors using the book in their courses; see the preface for details.
Don W. Stacks, PhD, is Professor of Public Relations and Associate Dean for Faculty Research and Creative Support in the School of Communication at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. He served as program director from 1995 to 2009. He has written more than 150 scholarly articles and papers and has authored or coauthored seven books on communication topics. Dr. Stacks’s most recent awards include the Public Relations Society of America’s Outstanding Educator, the Jackson Jackson & Wagner Behavioral Science Prize, and the Eastern Communication Association’s Distinguished Research Fellow and Distinguished Teaching Fellow. He was recently elected to the first class of the Institute for Public Relations’ Research Fellows and was selected as a Senior Fellow of the Society for New Communications Research. Dr. Stacks has been an active communication consultant for over 30 years. His areas of expertise include organizational systems assessment, sociological/psychological organizational analysis, media relations, internal organizational communications, and leadership, as well as serving as a trained listening specialist.