The file I’ve provided is the requirements of this essay, then here’s an initial structure of this pilot study, you can based on this to continue this work:
1. Introduction
Phenomenon: The role of memes in shaping online discourse surrounding the #ColumbiaUniversityProtest on Twitter.
Societal/Academic Relevance:
Address the use of memes during protests and social movements.
Discuss how humor can function as a tool for activism, critique, or coping mechanism.
Brief Literature Exploration:
Look for research on online protests and the use of social media.
Cite studies examining memes as a form of political expression (if available).
Research Questions:
How are memes used in the context of the #ColumbiaUniversityProtest?
What are the dominant themes, targets, and sentiments expressed through these memes?
How does humor function within these memes to support or critique the protest and its related issues?
2. Methodology
Method: Primarily content analysis, with potential for qualitative thematic analysis.
Rationale: Explain how this structured method allows for the identification of recurring themes and patterns within these memes.
Data Source: Twitter, focused on the #ColumbiaUniversityProtest hashtag.
Timeframe: Choose a specific period of heightened activity within the protest (e.g., a few key days surrounding an event).
Sampling: Consider using Twitter’s advanced search features to locate the most shared/engaged memes.
Coding Scheme:
Targets (Individuals, organizations, policies, etc.)
Sentiment (Supportive of the protest, critical, neutral)
Persuasive Techniques (emotional appeals, logical arguments, sarcasm)
Humor Techniques (exaggeration, wordplay, cultural references)
Ethical Considerations:
Public nature of Twitter, but be mindful of potentially anonymizing individuals represented in memes.
3. Pilot Analysis
Report on Implementation: Briefly explain how you applied your coding scheme.
Sample Characteristics: Describe your selected memes, their origin (retweets, original posts, etc.), and how they were selected.
Results of Analysis:
Discuss the major themes, targets, and humor techniques found.
Use visual examples (embed if the format allows) to illustrate your analysis.
4. Conclusion
Reflection on Method Suitability:
Was content analysis revealing in investigating meme usage within this specific protest context?
Were you able to capture nuances of humor and critique through your codes?
Limitations:
Discuss the rapid evolution of protest-related memes and the limitation of a small sample size.
Consider how your own perspectives or biases might influence the analysis.
Future Directions:
Suggest how this pilot could lead to a larger study of meme evolution throughout the protest.
Could you compare meme usage across different social media platforms involved in the protest?
