Digital Media and Research Integrity in Communication Research in Nigeria
Keywords:
Digital, Media, Research, Integrity, CommunicationAbstract
Background: The influx of digital media communication into the research sphere in Nigeria today is largely directed towards creating new scenarios and paradoxes, which necessitates that researchers be equipped to address them effectively.
Objective: The study explored the digital landscape, data collection methods, ethical considerations, challenges, and ethical dilemmas facing communication researchers in Nigeria.
Method: This research employs a descriptive survey design. The specific participants for this study consist of 400 postgraduate students from higher education institutions in Delta State who have access to digital media. The snowball sampling technique was utilised, which is fast and non-discriminative in collecting data from all communities. From 400 respondents who received the data collection instrument, 392 entries were filled correctly and analysed.
Result: The investigation revealed a striking variety in the demographic profile of 392 postgraduate students. The variations were noted in the differences in gender, age, marital status, and educational discipline. The article highlights the necessity of ethical considerations in research using digital media, which stresses such aspects as the protection of personal information, the relevance of the information, the necessity of transparency, and the use of real data. The findings show that digital media platforms, for example, social media networks and online news portals, are widely utilised for data collection by researchers. Besides, issues associated with the acquisition of digital data, like misinformation, data privacy, and ethical difficulties, are recognised by the study in the digital researcher's field.
Conclusion: The advent of digital media and the attainment of research integrity communication significantly reshaped how communication research is conducted, bringing both opportunities and challenges.
Contribution: This study has raised ethical issues that need to be considered when using digital media platforms for communication research.
Recommendations: Drawing on ethically acceptable research, collaboration alongside digital literacy will be the right tools for stakeholders to handle the difficulties that come with the era of digital communication in Nigeria. In the end, this will ensure that communication research continues to be good, relevant, and socially applicable in our society.
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