Sampling Methods and Sample Populations in Quantitative Mass Communication Research Studies: A 15-Year Census of Six Journals |
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Authors: | Joseph Erba Brock Ternes Piotr Bobkowski Tara Logan Yuchen Liu |
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Institution: | 1. William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Kansas;2. Sociology/Anthropology Department, SUNY–Cortland |
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Abstract: | This study evaluated the sampling methods and sample populations used in all U.S.-based survey and experimental mass communication studies published between 2000 and 2014 in six major journals (N = 1,173). Most studies used nonprobability samples, and more than half used student samples. Experiments used more nonprobability and student samples than surveys. Funded studies used more probability and nonstudent samples than nonfunded studies. Implications of results pertaining to population validity and interpretations of findings for mass communication research are discussed. |
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Keywords: | Experiment Mass Communication Research Research Funding Sample Population Sampling Survey |
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