COMM 361 Research Assignment
Scavenger Hunt (100 points)
This exercise gives you an opportunity to engage in some research, which is a key public
relations activity, and to face some of the challenges a public relations practitioner is likely to
meet when gathering facts.
To complete this exercise, first select any five questions from the list below. Then find and verify
the answers from any sources you deem appropriate. Finally, write a short paper (1-5 pages,
double-spaced and typed) in which you: 1) provide a detailed answer for each question, 2)
describe how you went about getting each answer, 3) explain how you verified the validity of
each answer, and 4) provide a summary of what you learned from the exercise about gathering
information.
Questions:
1. Who first used the term "public relations" and when? (Watch out – this one is trickier than
it appears!)
2. How many public relations firms are located in Orange County?
3. What is a Keeshond, and what does one look like? Be specific.
4. Where can you visit the world's tallest "structure?"
5. Who invented the Furby, and where was it invented?
6. Is a power toothbrush more effective than a manual toothbrush?
7. How many U.S. homes have televisions? How many have VCRs?
8. What are the expected life spans of the average male and average female in the U.S.?
9. What public relations journals does the CSUF library carry?
10. What is your CSUF e-mail address? Describe the login process.
Once you get the answers to your questions, reflect on your experience of gathering the
information. Was it easy to get this information? What steps did you take to get it? What does
the overall experience tell you about conducting research?
Format: Your report should begin with a brief introduction, then include a list of each question
you chose to answer quoted verbatim. Your answer should appear immediately below each
question. Summarize your experiences and what you learned about doing research at the end of
the piece.
Grading: Your grade will be based on 1) the accuracy and thoroughness of your answers, 2) your
careful verification of the information (quality of sources, using multiple sources, etc.), 3) your
depth of analysis and insights about the process of gathering information, and 4) the quality of
your writing (including spelling, grammar, and punctuation).
Helpful Hint: The Web is only part of a well-designed research strategy. Don't rely solely on it if
you wish to maximize your points on this assignment.
