Introduction
The issue of racial justice has become a prominent topic in the media in recent years, as protests and calls for change continue to capture the public’s attention. As media outlets play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, it is important to understand the ways in which media portrayals of racial justice protests can impact public perception and attitudes toward the movement. This study aims to fill the gap in knowledge by exploring the relationship between media portrayals of racial justice protests and public perception and attitudes toward the movement. Through a mixed-methods approach, including in-depth interviews with participants and a survey of the general population, this research will provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of media on public perception. By examining the relationship between media and public opinion, this study can contribute to a greater understanding of the role that media plays in shaping public discourse and support for social movements.
Discussion
The research question is: “How do media portrayals of racial justice protests impact public perception and attitudes toward the movement?” I chose this question because it addresses the role that media plays in shaping public perception and attitudes toward important social issues. It can provide valuable insights into the ways in which media can either support or undermine social movements for justice (University of Minnesota Libraries, 2016). The best method for answering this question is a mixed-methods approach, using both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. This method is the best choice because it allows for the exploration of media portrayals and the analysis of their impact on public perception and attitudes through both in-depth interviews with participants. This method is best suited for a combination of the Scientific Method/Hypothesis Testing and an interpretive framework/grounded theory (University of Minnesota Libraries, 2016). The hypothesis testing aspect allows for the evaluation of specific hypotheses about the impact of media portrayals, while the interpretive framework allows for a deeper understanding of the meaning and context of these portrayals.
Potential pitfalls of this method include researcher bias, which can be mitigated through the use of multiple data sources and triangulation of findings. Additionally, the validity of the survey results may be impacted by selection bias or social desirability bias (Umamaheswar, 2020). Other methods, such as content analysis or focus groups, could also be used to answer the question, but the mixed-methods approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the issue by combining both qualitative and quantitative data.
There are ethical concerns in regard to this study, as the topic of racial justice and media portrayals can be sensitive and politically charged. It is important to obtain informed consent from participants, ensure confidentiality and anonymity, and be mindful of the potential impact of the research on public perception and attitudes toward the movement (Umamaheswar, 2020). The researcher should also consider the potential consequences of the findings for marginalized communities and the larger society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study aimed to understand the impact of media portrayals of racial justice protests on public perception and attitudes toward the movement. The use of a mixed-methods approach, including in-depth interviews and a survey of the general population, allowed for a comprehensive examination of the relationship between media portrayals and public perception and attitudes. The findings of this study suggest that media portrayals can have a significant impact on public perception and attitudes toward the racial justice movement, either reinforcing or challenging existing beliefs and attitudes.
References
Umamaheswar, J. (2020). Policing and racial (in)justice in the media: Newspaper portrayals of the “Black Lives Matter” Movement. Civic Sociology, 1(3). Web.
University of Minnesota Libraries. (2016). Chapter 1: Sociology and the Sociological Perspective. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing edition. Web.