research methods

To help developing proficiency in assessing a real-world research design, each student is

required to complete a writing project, which functions as the final of this class. In specific, each student is required to read the article Measuring Media Bias: A Content Analysis of Time and Newsweek Coverage of Domestic Social issues, 1975-2000 (Covert and Wasburn, 2007) and write an approximately 1000-words report (see the word count in the left-bottom of MS Word) in typed, 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced, and 1” margins.

3

While the American Psychological Association (APA) format is required, the cover page and abstract are NOT necessary for this project. Type your name on the left-top of your paper and appropriately apply APA format regarding in-text citations and reference page.

• The paper needs to be saved in the word document (.docx) with a unified file name as last name/first name initial (e.g., the paper of John Smith will be SmithJ), and submit it as attachment to the instructor in a timely manner (see Class Schedule). No late assignment is accepted.

• In your paper, following questions MUST be reasonably addressed:

  1. What main flaws of prior research in media bias were mentioned by Covert and

     Wasburn? (Related topic “Errors in Personal Human Inquiry” see Chapter 1)

  2. How did Cover and Wasburm measure the concepts “conservative” and “liberal” in their research? (Related topic “Conceptualization” and “Composite Measures” see Chapter 4)

  3. How did Cover and Wasburn select samples for their research? (Related topic “Sampling” Chapter 6)

• The purpose of this assignment is to provide students an opportunity to present their knowledge in specific topics of research methods after almost one semester of study. A paper with clearly defined thesis/main idea, detailed and vivid discussion/argument, and strong organization will be highly appreciated. Extra references are not necessary for the purpose of this assignment. You are expected to read the article of Covert and Wasburn (2007) andintegrate with related course contents into a meaningful paper with detailed, clear, and vivid argument.