Showing papers on "Content analysis published in 2002"

Think about it This Way: Attribute Agenda-Setting Function of the Press and the public's Evaluation of a Local Issue:

Abstract: This study examined the attribute agenda-setting function of the media, which refers to significant correspondence between prominent issue attributes in the media and the agenda of attributes among audiences. An opinion survey on a local issue and a content analysis of a local newspaper revealed that, by covering certain issue aspects more prominently, the media increase the salience of these aspects among audience members. We also found an important outcome of attribute agenda setting, attribute priming effects. Findings indicated that issue attributes salient in the media were functioning as significant dimensions of issue evaluation among audience members. This study concluded that the media, by emphasizing certain attributes of an issue, tell us “how to think about” this issue as well as “what to think about.”

Chinese Language Media in the United States: Immigration and Assimilation in American Life

Abstract: The upsurge of Chinese language media—publications, radio, television, and the Internet—mirrors the linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity of the Chinese immigrant community, its vibrant ethnic enclave economy, and its multifaceted life in the United States. This article explores the causes and consequences of the ethnic media and its impact on the process of adaptation among Chinese immigrants. The data on which our study is based entail a content analysis of a selection of newspapers, television and radio programs, and websites, supplemented by telephone or face-to-face interviews. We attempt to answer a fundamental question: Does the ethnic media inhibit or promote the assimilation of immigrants into American society? We find that the Chinese language media not only connects immigrants to their host society, but also serves as a road map for the first generation to incorporate into American society by promoting the mobility goals of home ownership, entrepreneurship, and educational achievement.

Virtual Campaigning: Australian Parties and the Impact of the Internet

Abstract: This paper examines the impact of the Internet, specifically the World Wide Web (WWW) and e-mail on Australian parties in two key areas: (1) party communication: what exactly are parties using their Websites for? and (2) party competition: does the Internet lower the threshold for smaller parties to communicate their message compared with the traditional media? We examine these questions with two types of data--a questionnaire of party communication staff and content analysis of a representative sample of party Websites. Our findings show, first, that Australian parties have taken a fairly cautious approach to the new medium, using it primarily as an information storehouse rather than putting it to more innovative use. Second, while almost all Australian parties have a Web presence, there is a divide between those parties with parliamentary representation and those without in terms of their site quality and visibility on the Web. The study concludes by interpreting the findings in the context of research ...

Network and content analysis in an online community discourse

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to study interaction patterns among the members of a community of practice within the Dutch police organization and the way they share and construct knowledge together. The online discourse between 46 members, using First Class, formed the basis for this study. Social Network Analysis and content analysis were used to analyze the data. The results show that the interaction patterns between the members are rather centralized and that the network is relatively dense. Most of the members are involved within the discourse but person to person communication is still rather high. Content analysis revealed that discourse is focused on sharing and comparing information.

"Reading" "Methods" "Texts": How Research Methods Texts Construct Political Science

Abstract: This article reports on an interpretive content analysis of fourteen research methods texts. We read them as a genre—exploring their structural and rhetorical features—to address two questions: To ...

The media and public reaction to genetic research.

Abstract: THE MASS MEDIA ARE PRIMARY SOURCES OF HEALTH AND SCIence information for many Americans, including scientists and physicians. Discoveries of new disease-related genes have appeared regularly in the print and broadcast media. In our survey of the public’s perception of the media coverage conducted immediately following the announcement of the nearcompletion of the sequencing of the human genome in June 2000, over half of the respondents reported some exposure to media coverage of the event. Despite widespread media coverage, the public may not be well informed about genetic discoveries. Media stories may omit important facts that can lead to misconceptions among the public about the applicability of genetics research. For instance, media reports may neglect to mention that the discovery of major susceptibility genes for common diseases such as breast and prostate cancer probably pertains to only those patients with early onset and a strong family history of the disease in question. Moreover, mass media reports about the discovery of genes for rare diseases may inappropriately extrapolate the results to common diseases or fail to highlight the long lag time between the discovery of a disease-related gene and the development of tests and treatments for the disease. On the other extreme, media coverage that focuses on the negative aspects of genetic discoveries may lead consumers to fear their application. For example, the media commonly report on the dangers inherent in genetic research such as insurance or employment discrimination, and the possibility of genetic enhancement and “designer babies.” In our survey, the most frequently mentioned concerns about the sequencing of the human genome were privacy violations/ discrimination (15.7%) and cloning (13.5%). The concern about cloning is interesting in light of the results of our content analysis of all media coverage immediately following the announcement about the sequencing of the human genome, which revealed the complete absence of any discussion of the subject. Nevertheless, there have been widespread media reports of plans to attempt human cloning, which may have colored the way people interpret news about other genetic discoveries. Some social scientists have argued that such unbalanced coverage can lead the public to believe that traits, behaviors, and diseases are biologically determined. Others have attempted to refute this claim based on evidence that the media are no more likely to attribute disease to genetic causes now than they were 2 decades ago, despite recent increases in media coverage. The impact of media coverage of genetics on public behaviors, such as willingness to participate in genetic research, is less well understood. Nevertheless, population research will be necessary to evaluate genetic testing, prevent its misuse, and help to realize its benefits. Members of the public will need to be knowledgeable about the issues at stake in the Human Genome Project and in scientific and medical research in general in order to make well-informed and ethically sound decisions about their participation in genetics research, and the use of new genetic technologies. Since much of the public’s knowledge about genetics will probably continue to come from the media, it is important to understand the factors that influence how media reports are generated. Literature on genetics reporting suggests that the newsmaking process is complex and multifactorial. Research with positive results may get reported more than often than research with negative results. For example, stories reporting a gene associated with alcoholism got much more coverage than the stories that could not confirm the association. Biomedical scientists and journalists may also have different standards of newsworthiness, communication styles, and visions of the media’s role in reporting science news. Scientists generally do not consider research findings newsworthy until they are endorsed by peers as part of the peer review process. These different approaches may result in media reports that are confusing to the public. In order to improve reporting, researchers have been encouraged to educate news “gatekeepers” (such as editors and producers) about the true importance of a medical discovery, and scientists and science writers have been encouraged to make themselves available to each other, and to check press releases for accuracy and clarity. Whether these suggestions will be adopted, can improve the accuracy of media reports, or whether physicians can influence media coverage of genetics remains to be seen.

Producing Public Voice: Resource Mobilization and Media Access in the National Organization for Women:

Abstract: This paper investigates the resource mobilization and media access of the National Organization for Women (NOW). Using data from NOW's archive and from a content analysis of the New York Times, it tracks NOW's 1966–1980 media access. Two factors were key to NOW's media access. First, NOW mobilized the material resources—money, skills, technology, labor, and especially information—needed to serve as a news source for journalists. Second, NOW developed effective and reflexive media strategies by using its knowledge of the routines and discursive structures of news in its own media communications.

Why Do I Want to Teach, Anyway? Utilizing autobiography in teacher education

Abstract: This study was undertaken in order to get some sense of the role of life experiences in preservice and inservice teachers' conceptions of the purpose(s) and practices of education. Content analysis of narratives written by graduate students in education at one college was utilized to ascertain how they view the field and their (current or prospective) role as teachers. We found that the majority of students saw teaching as an opportunity to make a difference, and as reflective of who they were rather than as "just a job". This finding provided the opportunity to address the strengths and vulnerabilities of such an idealistic conception of teaching, and the corresponding possibilities vis-a-vis teacher educators' roles. We conclude by noting the study's limitations and making several recommendations for future action and research based on our findings.

Constructing the Meaning of Digital Television in Britain, the United States and Australia

Abstract: Much has been written about digital television. Mainstream reports range from a vague televisual utopia where one need never unplug oneself from the TV ever again to the social realities and practicalities of a consumer driven market. This study examines how the media constructs the meaning of digital television in Britain, the United States and Australia. Rogers' (1983, 1995) diffusion of innovation theory to assess the rate of diffusion the role that media communication (language) plays in this process. It uses a content analysis methodology to examine 1836 digital television articles, drawn from mainstream newspaper publications from 1996 to January 2002. Results from the analysis show a correlation between the extent of media coverage; the media's strategic, flexible and timed use of technological determinism—social construction language structures; and the degree and success of the diffusion of digital television in these research settings.

Children Working with Text in Science: Disparities with 'Literacy Hour' Practice.

Abstract: The National Literacy Strategy (NLS) provides a coherent plan of what and how children should be taught about non-fiction text. Nevertheless, the difficulties that children actually experience when using science texts are not fully addressed: in particular, the use and interpretation of the visual elements of science text is given limited attention in the prescriptions for teaching the 'Literacy Hour'. Such disparities identified by prior research and by a content analysis of the NLS Framework Document are considered alongside evidence of the difficulties encountered by a class of Year 5 pupils working with a range of non-fiction texts during science lessons. Pupils' text use is studied through observations and interviews with children, through interviews with their teachers and through a questionnaire about text use strategies. The findings suggest that (1) the pupils experienced considerable difficulty in making sense of the science content of non-fiction text, particularly in terms of interpretation of...

Sexism and the Social Work Curriculum: A Content Analysis of the Journal of Social Work Education

Abstract: Five themes of subtle and systemic sexism emerged in a content analysis of the Journal of Social Work Education, 1998-1999: discrepancies in pronoun usage, sexist language, inconsistent attention to gender as a variable or construct, and inattention to gender as a framework in understandingtopics. The analysis also discovered a preponderance of nongender language, which raises questions about the implicit messages of gender-blind language.

Source Use In a “News Disaster” Account: A Content Analysis of Voter News Service Stories

Abstract: This quantitative content analysis examines source use for an eleven-week period in a “news disaster” story. The frequency of similar stories, which explain to readers, viewers, and listeners how the media do their work, has grown in the past forty years, and media observers are unsure what the change means. In this study, source affiliations and themes are evaluated in a census of stories about errors made by the media in reporting election night returns for the 2000 presidential race. News workers and other media-affiliated sources initially dominated the stories. They commonly explained how the reporting errors occurred or related factual information about the coverage. These sources and themes effectively blocked other affiliated and unaffiliated sources from evaluating the media's performance until later.

Content Analysis: Review of Methods and Their Applications in Nutrition Education

Abstract: Content analysis is a set of qualitative and quantitative methods for collecting and analyzing data from verbal, print, or electronic communication with numerous applications in nutrition education research. Textual information from interviews, focus groups, and open-ended survey questions can be evaluated using content analysis. Selection of method(s) depends on the type(s) and length of material to be analyzed, results desired, and researchers’ preferences and technological capabilities.This article reviews options available to content analysts—from manual to fully computerized. Overcoming the challenges inherent in using these methodologies is recommended because of their usefulness in the information-based messaging discipline of nutrition education.

Measuring the Long‐Term Impact of a Community Conflict Resolution Process: A Case Study Using Content Analysis of Public Documents

Abstract: What are the enduring effects of community-based conflict resolution processes? According to the research reported here, lessons participants learn in conflict resolution processes disseminate to their communities; secondly, such dissemination can be measured by content analysis of participants' constituent organization newsletters. The authors illustrate their findings with a case study of the New Community Meeting conflict resolution model (NCM), implemented 1997-98 in an Oregon community to address business-environmental conflict over growth and sustainable development. Content analysis of business and environmental newsletters over 21 months, including before and after NCM, shows increasing positive and decreasing negative references to former adversaries over the period, together with advocacy for collaboration. The authors frame this study using social exchange theory, and conclude that this theoretical paradigm fits conflict resolution and consensus-building processes well.

News About the Other in Jordan and Israel: Does Peace Make a Difference?

Abstract: This article examines whether the inauguration of peace between countries has a significant effect on how the news media cover the other side. It is argued that, due to the nature of news, leaders will generally find it easier to mobilize the media for conflict than for peace. However, the actual role the media will play in such attempts can be understood by looking at the political and media environments in which journalists construct news about peace. A joint project was conducted involving both Israeli and Jordanian researchers. The methodology included in-depth interviews with journalists from both countries and a content analysis of newspaper articles published during three different historical periods. The findings demonstrate that although there was a temporary improvement in the media image of the other side, there was little evidence that peace had a significant and lasting influence on coverage. There were, however, some important changes in the prominence of certain news slots. The interviews w...

Civic Approach Not So Different from Traditional Model

Abstract: A story about homelessness that ran in the October 7, 2000 edition of the Charlotte Observer illustrates how this newspaper--firmly grounded in civic journalism--approached the coverage of this local community problem. (1) The article focused on a local church that was opening a soup kitchen to serve the homeless and other community members in need. The reporter interviewed church officers and volunteers as well as a few regular diners. The story ended by asking readers, "Want to go?" and listed the time and date of the dedication ceremony, gave directions to the church, provided contact information, included the hours of operation and called on readers to donate money and volunteer their time on behalf of the soup kitchen. The focus of the article was on how a local group was helping to alleviate the needs of homeless in their community. But beyond reporting community efforts to help, the newspaper actively invited readers to become involved in the solution. This approach is nothing new to proponents of the civic journalism model, who argue the press should provide readers with possible solutions to problems and engage them in taking an active role in their communities. This study is an exploratory case study of homeless coverage designed to examine whether the civic journalism approach to reporting on issues like homelessness differ from the traditional reportorial approach. This study uses content analysis to compare the coverage of homelessness between a newspaper well established in civic journalism, the Charlotte Observer, and another following a more conservative, traditional approach to news, the Indianapolis Star. Few studies have systematically examined the impact civic journalism has on the coverage of social issues, such as child abuse, domestic violence or homelessness. (2) Nevertheless, researchers have long recognized that coverage of particular social problems in the mass media and the way in which they are covered cannot only increase public awareness of a problem, but can also mobilize public support for certain solutions and affect policy making. (3) Moreover, many proponents of civic journalism have called for the media to use their power to bring certain social problems to light. For example, Hume has called for a "new paradigm of news" in which media organizations act to revitalize the communities they serve--using the voices of average citizens to guide their stories, covering issues citizens are most concerned about, taking a stand on critical social problems and offering solutions to the problems they cover rather than just focusing on the problems themselves. (4) Regardless of civic journalism's potential impact on the average of local social problems, much of the research assessing public journalism to date has been limited largely to campaign coverage--measuring what effect, if any, civic journalism has on voter learning and the coverage of elections. However, as some researchers have noted, ... civic journalism is about more than political campaigns ... There are local initiatives that address socially and politically contentious issues such as race relations, crime, education, community planning, and economic development. Before one can draw conclusions about the civic journalism movement, an evaluation of those initiatives is in order. (5) By selecting the issue of homelessness, this explanatory study is designed to examine the impact civic journalism might have on the coverage of a local social problem. The study compares homeless coverage in terms of story prominence, the types of sources used, the absence or presence of solution-oriented content and the absence or presence of mobilizing information. Related Studies Mass communications researchers have long recognized the media's role in communicating the relative salience of issues and events. …

Journalism and mass communication in Africa : Cameroon

Abstract: Part 1 Introduction Part 2 Discourse Chapter 3 Evolution of the Media in Cameroon Chapter 4 Public Perceptions of Cameroonian Journalists Chapter 5 Communication and the Empowerment of the People Chapter 6 Aesthetic Approach to Television Program Production Chapter 7 Effective Public Communication Chapter 8 Public Relations Practice in Cameroon Chapter 9 The Development of Book Publishing Part 10 Research Methods Chapter 11 Communication Research: An African Discourse Chapter 12 Using Survey Methods in Communication Research Chapter 13 Content Analysis and Its Uses in Africa Chapter 14 Beyond Cameroon: Model Content Analysis Chapter 15 The Growth and Development of Advertising

Sound Bites, Spin and Social Change

Abstract: The news media is an essential player in the policy making process. Social work students learning how to scrutinize, and influence, the complex world of social policy can benefit from an educational model that incorporates the media. This article first examines the theoretical framework for understanding the media's role in public policy formation. This framework is then used to construct a classroom exercise for analyzing the public discourse using basic content analysis of media texts. A case example drawn from a study of welfare reform and the media is described. By exploring how social problems are translated into public conversations, students can enrich their knowledge of social problem formation, and learn more effective rhetorical techniques and strategies for influencing the public debate.

A content analysis of complaints and compliments

Abstract: The research question focused on in this study is whether complaint and compliment contain different service quality attributes. A sample of 236 complaints and 69 compliments collected by a public transport company were analyzed by means of the critical incident technique. The results of previous research were confirmed and showed that perceived service quality attributes in public transport involve employee behavior, reliability, simplicity and design. It was further concluded that reliability of service causes frequently more complaints than compliments. How customers are treated by the employees was found to be more frequent in compliments.

Evaluating content counts

Abstract: This paper explores content and media evaluation applications for public relations research, and identifies the difference between advertising measures of value and public relations value. In discussing this concept, it also seeks to offer research which shows that press as well as the broader activities of public relations have a powerful ally in semiotics and reception analysis, one that can aid understanding of work in all aspects of PR practice. It argues that public relations is effective when it works in the cultural context and that measurement, research and evaluation have to feed from robust methodologies to be at their most effective.

The Role of Parents as Educational and Social Partners of Schools in the Czech Republic: legislation and media analysis

Abstract: The article presents results of the first stage of a three year research project on the role of parents as educational and social partners of the school in the Czech Republic. Basic questions are: What does the school consider parents to be and how is their position defined in the legislature? To what extent are parents influenced in their attitudes to school by the reflection of the contemporary school in the media? The methodological frame of this study includes application of the existing theoretical framework and methods like content analysis of the school legislature and documents, and analysis of selected media. Such analyses focus on how information about schools and school system is presented to parents and the general public. As far as legislative conditions are concerned, the results indicate that they do not define precisely parents' position towards the school and therefore it is only up to the good will of both sides - parents and teachers - to create their own definitions. As far as the media context is concerned, the picture presented by media is rather unfavourable towards school issues and teachers in particular which could make interactions between the school and parents not an easy matter. Educational Triangle: parents - child - teacher The significance of parents in daily school life and children's educational development is nowadays generally acknowledged in the Czech Republic. Although this trend does not have as long a tradition as in most western European countries, where it has been developing since the 1980s, its has achieved importance for quality assurance in school education. Parents are now considered a very important part of the educational triangle which consists of the child, teacher and parents. Parents are being increasingly discussed in terms of being a part of the school, acting for the school, and at the same time caring for their own child - thus taking the role of social

The application of computer content analysis in sexology: a case study of primary process content in fictional fetishistic narratives.

Abstract: This paper illustrates an application of computer content analysis in sexology. It compares a set of fictional fetishistic narratives published on a web site for rubber boot fetishists (n = 27) with a set of samples taken from general romance and love stories (n = 29). Using Martindale's Regressive Imagery Dictionary, it is shown that the fetishistic narratives contain a significantly higher proportion of primary process content and a significantly lower proportion of secondary process content than the romance and love stories. The subcategory of Icarian imagery is the main contributor to this effect. These findings appear to support previous theoretical views of fetishism as a regressive state and a "destruction of reality". Further content analysis studies of a wider range of fetishes may facilitate a typological categorization of fetishism.

Current Research Information as Part of Digital Libraries and the Heterogeneity Problem

Abstract: Keynote delivered at the CRIS2002 Conference in Kassel.-- 11 pages.-- Contains: Conference paper (PDF) + PPT presentation.

Super‐themes for PR evaluation

Abstract: This paper shows how new technologies open up significant research and development opportunities for the PR industry. It reviews public relations evaluation methodologies that can progress from evaluating media coverage of small numbers of “messages” to the development of systems for analysis of both objective and subjective texts. Applications include internal, external, research and media content. The paper looks to the next generation of analysis using International Standards Organisation (SGML) and web‐based technologies such as NewsML and XTM (both XML derivatives) in the processes of content and analysis, particularly as it can be applied to themes and topic analysis. The paper makes public for the first time the concept of corporate superthemes.

Argentine Psychological Research: A Review

Abstract: This article presents a summary report concerning Latin American investigators performing psychological research, with special reference to work conducted in Argentina. Articles published since 1990 in Interdisciplinary Journal of Psychology and Related Sciences and in the Bulletin of the Argentine Association of Behavioral Sciences serve as the basis for the review together with some ongoing investigations. It should be noted that a number of Argentinean studies are not included in this report due to the fact that they are unknown to the authors.

Issues and Trends in the College Student Affairs Journal: A 20 Year Retrospective.

Abstract: The College Student Affairs Journal began in 1979 as The Southern College Personnel Association Journal. Throughout its existence, the journal has sought to publish solid research that informs the practitioner. As outlined in its purpose statement, the journal: focuses on concepts, practices, and research that have implications and applicability for practitioners involved in student affairs work. Manuscripts based on research are welcome, if written for the practitioner. Also encouraged are updates on professional issues, "how-to" articles, briefs on campus programs, examinations of legislative issues, video or film reviews, dialogues and debates, literature reviews, opinion pieces, and projections of future trends (Submission guidelines, 2002). The journal is circulated to individual SACSA members and non-members, as well as colleges and libraries in all 50 states and other countries (R. Bowman, personal communication, 2002). With its emphasis on trends and issues of importance to student affairs professionals both within and beyond the southern region, it provides a valuable resource for professionals in the field, as well as a venue for professionals to share their insights, practical experiences, and research in student affairs. At it's 2002 mid-year meeting, the executive board of the Southern Association of College Student Affairs (SALSA) decided to increase the status of it's flagship publication, the College Student Affairs Journal from "regional" to "national." This decision was based on the national and international distribution of the journal and a system of blind review by a panel of experts. A decision to broaden the associate editor positions to include greater national representation further solidified CSAJ as a leading journal in the student affairs field (A. Marsh, personal communication, February 2002). To date there has been no content analysis has been undertaken of the journal itself. Therefore, this study was conducted to answer the following questions: 1) How has the format of the journal changed over the years?; 2) Who authors articles in the journal?; 3) What types of articles have been published?; 4) What topics and issues do the articles address?; 5) What, if any, trends are present in the content of the journal? Method Two methods were used to analyze the journal. First, all journal issues were examined to determine how the format of the journal has evolved. This included reviewing the layout, types of articles included, and editorship. Second, a qualitative method was used to analyze the content of the journal. The authors developed a coding system for categorizing articles by author demographics, type of institution the article addressed (if specific to an institutional type), methodology, and content of the articles. Each article was given codes for type of author, type of manuscript, and type of institution if they could be determined. The articles were usually assigned one or two codes for content. For example, an article focusing on the characteristics of commuter students might be coded as "student characteristics" and "special populations." Both authors read and coded articles independently, then compared their ratings. Disagreements were resolved by discussion resulting in 100% agreement. As the work progressed, additional codes were added as new categories emerged. The codes used for content were ultimately grouped into 4 categories for analysis of the data: Foundations and Values of the Profession; Organization and Administration in Student Affairs; Student Affairs Staff Roles and Characteristics; and Students. The final coding system was as follows: Authors: Administrators, Faculty, Counselors, Graduate Students, collaboration between two, and collaboration between three types; Institutional type: Public 4-year, Private 4-year, Public 2-year, or not specific to an institutional type; Article type: Position paper, Application, Historical, Survey, Quasiexperiment, True Experiment, Qualitative, Theoretical, Test Development; Content: Foundations and values of the profession: Theory (student development, organizational, counseling), Legal, Ethics, Trends (historical and future), Multicultural issues, Professional organizations, Research Organization and administration of student affairs: Marketing, Funding, Personnel (hiring, supervision, evaluation, salary), and Technology Student affairs staff roles and characteristics: Roles, Characteristics, Programs, Faculty Collaboration, Enrollment Services, Crises Students: Characteristics, attitudes / values, skill development, organizations, special populations (ethnicity, age, commuters, disabled, freshmen, etc), consumerism, satisfaction, involvement, development. …