Procedure
What is a content analysis?
A content analysis is a quantitative analysis of mass media content. In political science, media content analysis is the systematic, objective, (typically) quantitative analysis of message characteristics.[1] They have traditionally been conducted by human “coders.”
What kind of research question can I/should I ask?
Your research question should be descriptive in nature, aiming to describe what is going on. You are not required and are likely not able to make a causal claim about the effects of the media coverage you observe (this requires more data and advanced statistical analyses).
Usually, the best projects include some sort of comparison, such as comparing similarities and differences across two news outlets or comparing media coverage at one point in time to another point in time. Projects could also compare two or more candidates, issue areas, events, etc.
How do I “code”?
In this content analysis, coding is the process of taking speech (written, broadcast, or audio) and categorizing its attributes so that we can transform the information into quantitative data. This data helps to answer the research question of interest.
Systematically select your articles using your predetermined parameters (the sites or databases searched, the time frame, the search terms, how you used random selection to avoid selection bias, etc.)
Set up a spreadsheet to record the dates, sources, and headlines (or equivalent for broadcast). Then select the attributes you are coding. These could be frames, tone, sources, or any other attribute you are examining. For example, if you are examining the gendered coverage of candidates, you may be coding for attributes like references to appearance, paraphrasing vs. direct quoting the candidate, etc. You should then fill all of these codes in the cells in your spreadsheet for each of the 50 (or more) stories you selected.
Summarize your findings quantitatively and create at least one table or figure.[2]
Requirements
Paper Organization Structure
Your final project will include several distinct parts; thus you are strongly encouraged to use subheadings to organize your paper.
Introduction– Start by introducing your overall topic, then explain your specific research question and why it is important
Question– Your research question should be included in the introduction. You should also identify what news outlets you examined.
Literature review– Discuss what others have said about this topic and question. In this section, you must draw on OUTSIDE research, as well as any relevant course materials. For instance, if you were asking a question about how the media covered a certain hurricane, you would look at past research about how the media covers natural disasters.
All literature should be appropriately cited with either parenthetical citations or footnotes.
Research methods– In this section, you should discuss the specific details explaining how you conducted your content analysis. First, explain the sites or databases searched, the time frame, the search terms, how you used random selection to avoid selection bias, etc. You are required to code at least 50 news items. Next, explain your coding scheme in detail.
Findings/Results/Analysis– Discuss your findings. You should use both a quantitative summary and some illustrative examples. You are required to include at least one table or figure. Explain whether or not your data answered your question the way you expected.
Conclusion– Discuss what this analysis has taught you, what additional questions are raised by it, what you would do differently if you or other students were to perform the content analysis again.
Bibliography – Cite all of the research in your project. This should be done in one consistent format (I suggest APSA, APA, or MLA).
Appendix – This is an excel document including all of your coded articles and the data you collected in the coding process.
Formatting
Length: 8-15 pages (NOT including title page, Works Cited, etc.), Double-spaced
Format: Font size 12 point, Times New Roman font, Standard one-inch margins
Other: Include Title, name, date, and page numbers (no cover page or abstract is necessary)
Citations: Appropriate consistent citations are required. You may choose the style (I suggest APSA, APA, or MLA). Use either parenthetical citations or footnotes. Refrain from block quoting.
Style: Good organization, clear writing, accurate spelling, and proper grammar are all expected. I strongly encourage sub-headings to assist in the organization. I also suggest reading your paper out loud during the proofreading process.
