Diversity of Methodological Approaches in Social Sciences: Example of the Analysis of Media and Online Information

Research on pluralism in media and information uses interdisciplinary approaches to consider new economic constraints, journalistic production, networked technologies, online social interactions, new forms of discourse, consumer preferences, and information markets. This book presents and assesses methodological approaches such as qualitative analysis, network analysis, agent-based modeling, and sociosemiotics, pulling together methods based on network analysis, agent-based modeling, and sociosemiotics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 13 September 2023
Publisher: ISTE Ltd and John Wiley & Sons Inc

The study of pluralism in media and information is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field that requires interdisciplinary approaches to understand its complex dynamics. This research encompasses a wide range of factors, including new economic constraints, journalistic production, networked technologies, online social interactions, new forms of discourse, consumer preferences, and practices, as well as the specificities of information markets.

This book aims to present and evaluate various methodological approaches that have proven valuable in studying the transformations in media and information. Some of these approaches are well-established in social sciences, such as qualitative analysis through interviews, while others originate from different disciplines and remain relatively rare and innovative. By examining various dimensions of media and information pluralism, this book brings together methods from network analysis, agent-based modeling, sociosemiotics, as well as qualitative and legal approaches. Each of the five chapters introduces a specific method and its relevance for analyzing a particular research question.

The first chapter explores the use of network analysis to study the dynamics of media and information pluralism. It discusses the advantages and limitations of this approach, as well as the various methods and tools used to analyze networks, such as social network analysis, graph theory, and network simulation. The chapter also highlights the importance of considering the structural and relational aspects of networks in understanding the dynamics of pluralism.

The second chapter examines the role of journalistic production in shaping media and information pluralism. It explores the practices, norms, and technologies used by journalists to produce news and information, as well as the ways in which these practices contribute to the creation of different forms of pluralism. The chapter also discusses the challenges faced by journalists in navigating the complex landscape of media and information pluralism, such as the need to balance accuracy, impartiality, and diversity.

The third chapter focuses on networked technologies and their impact on media and information pluralism. It discusses the emergence of new platforms and technologies, such as social media, mobile devices, and the Internet, and their role in facilitating the spread of information and the creation of new forms of pluralism. The chapter also explores the challenges and opportunities associated with networked technologies, such as the potential for misinformation, the erosion of privacy, and the rise information.

The fourth chapter examines online social interactions and their role in shaping media and information pluralism. It discusses the ways in which individuals engage with media and information through online platforms, such as social media, blogs, and forums, and the ways in which these interactions contribute to the creation of new forms of pluralism. The chapter also explores the challenges and opportunities associated with online social interactions, such as the potential for misinformation, the spread of hate speech, and the emergence of new forms of social media addiction.

The fifth chapter examines new forms of discourse and their impact on media and information pluralism. It discusses the emergence of new genres, styles, and modes of communication, such as social media influencers, citizen journalism, and podcasting, and their role in shaping the way. The chapter also explores the challenges and opportunities associated with new forms of discourse, such as the potential for misinformation, the spread of hate speech, and the emergence of new forms of media literacy.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of pluralism in media and information. By bringing together information from various fields and perspectives, it offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of this field and highlights the need for further research and exploration. The book also provides practical guidance.

Weight: 603g
ISBN-13: 9781786309013