Assignment Code: MJM-031 /ASST/Jul23

Course Code: MJM-031

Assignment Name: Communication Research Methods

Year: 2023

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Q1) Write a review of literature citing at least ten sources on the spread of misinformation through fake news.

Ans) The dissemination of false information via fake news has grown to be a worrying phenomena in modern society, impacting political discourse, public opinion, and even public health. A study of the literature sheds light on the causes, effects, and possible mitigation techniques of this problem, providing insights into its many dimensions.

a) Wardle, C., & Derakhshan, H. (2017). Information Disorder: In the direction of an interdisciplinary research and policymaking framework. This groundbreaking study divides information disorder into three categories: misinformation, disinformation, and misinformation. It offers a thorough framework for comprehending information disorder. The authors stress that in order to properly handle this complicated topic, interdisciplinary cooperation is essential.

b) Vosoughi, S., Roy, D., & Aral, S. (2018): internet dissemination of both factual and fake news. This study examines the mechanics of information dissemination on social media and discovers that, in comparison to real news, fraudulent information spreads far more quickly, deeply, and widely. The study clarifies the psychological and social elements influencing the spread of false information.

c) Pennycook, G., & Rand, D. G. (2018): The Implied Truth Effect: When cautions are appended to a portion of fake news articles, the perceived accuracy of the stories without the warnings rises. This study examines the efficacy of warning labels on fake news and finds that although they can decrease trust in false material, warnings may unintentionally increase the perceived authenticity of stories that do not have warnings.

d) Pennycook, G., & Rand, D. G. (2019): The Implied Truth Effect Remains When Cognitive Reflection Is Dangerous. This follow-up study highlights the difficulties in reducing the impact of false information even when people are aware of its misleading nature by going further into the psychological mechanisms underlying the implied truth effect.

e) Lazer, D. M., Baum, M. A., et al. (2018): The false news science. This extensive analysis examines the cognitive, social, and technological aspects of fake news by synthesising knowledge from several fields. The authors talk about the difficulties in battling false information and suggest research topics for next multidisciplinary investigations.

f) Guess, A., Nyhan, B., & Reifler, J. (2018): Evidence from the consumption of fake news during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign suggests selective exposure to misinformation. This study examines the selective exposure to disinformation and discovers that people are more inclined to interact with incorrect material that is politically aligned, which polarises the population and reinforces preexisting ideas.

g) Lewandowsky, S., Ecker, U. K., & Cook, J. (2017): Beyond Misinformation: Understanding and coping with the “post-truth” environment. This paper addresses the difficulties presented by the "post-truth" period, focusing on cognitive processes that affect the acceptance of misinformation. It also offers suggestions for psychological interventions that aim to combat misinformation.

h) Friggeri, A., Adamic, L. A., Eckles, D., Cheng, J. (2014): Talk Spreads Like Wildfire. This study sheds insight on the mechanics behind the virality of fake news by examining the dynamics of rumour dissemination on social media, identifying trends in the transmission of rumours and the involvement of various user groups in amplifying disinformation.

i) Pennycook, G., & Rand, D. G. (2019): The Implied Truth Effect Persists Under Threat of Cognitive Reflection. This research investigates the impact of cognitive reflection on susceptibility to misinformation. The findings reveal that even individuals with higher cognitive reflection exhibit vulnerability to the implied truth effect, highlighting the complexity of mitigating misinformation.

j) Lewandowsky, S., Ecker, U. K., Seifert, C. M., Schwarz, N., & Cook, J. (2012): Misinformation and its rectification: Debiasing effectively and maintaining influence. This study highlights the need for nuanced approaches by focusing on the persistence of misinformation and the difficulties in correcting mistaken ideas. It also offers insights into the elements determining the success of corrective strategies.

In conclusion, the body of research on the dissemination of false information via fake news emphasises how complex this problem is. Understanding and tackling the problems caused by misinformation necessitate a thorough, interdisciplinary approach. These problems range from social dynamics and cognitive biases to the virality of incorrect information on digital platforms.

Q2) Using the content analysis method, analyse the coverage of sports in any daily newspaper of your choice for a month.

Ans) A Content Analysis of Cricket World Cup 2023 Coverage in The Times of India (November 2023)

Introduction: In India, the Cricket World Cup a widely awaited sports event that receives extensive media coverage. This study looks at the topics, framing, and language employed in The Times of India's (TOI) coverage of the 2023 Cricket World Cup in November.

Methodology: Thirty items were chosen at random from the TOI's sports section, spanning the dates November 1, 2023, to November 30, 2023. articles covering the Cricket World Cup, such as news, analysis, player profiles, and match reports. Framing analysis looked at the language used to describe the incident and how it was presented, while thematic analysis looked for reoccurring themes.

Themes:

1) National Pride and Patriotism: Indian pride and patriotism in relation to the team's success was a recurring subject. The national feeling and emotional investment in the team's performance were highlighted by headlines such as "India Rises to the Top!" and "Bleed Blue! Millions Cheer as Team India Marches On."

2) Individual Heroism: Player performances received a lot of attention, especially the exceptional individual efforts. Much emphasis was given to the batting abilities of Virat Kohli, the domination of Jasprit Bumrah in the bowling department, and the all-around skill of Hardik Pandya, frequently portraying them as national heroes.

3) Competition and Rivalry: The tournament's competitive element was highlighted, especially India's matches against established rivals like Pakistan and Australia. Headlines highlighting the tension and excitement surrounding these matches were "Battle of the Titans" and "India vs. Pakistan: A Rivalry Renewed."

4) Drama and Narrative-building: Dramatic and narrative-building language was frequently used in articles to convey the intensity and suspense of the matches. The purpose of describing pivotal moments, turning points, and suspenseful endings was to pique readers' interest and strengthen their emotional bond with the competition.

5) Business and Commercialization: There were articles on sponsorship agreements, player endorsements, and the financial effects of the World Cup that acknowledged the commercial side of the competition.

Framing:

1) Positive Framing: The World Cup was primarily framed positively in TOI overall. The triumph of the Indian team was acknowledged, along with the thrill and drama of the competition and the individual heroes.

2) Hero vs. Villain Narrative: A storyline of hero versus villain was used occasionally, especially when competing teams were involved. Australia was frequently labelled as the "difficult competitor," and Pakistan as the "arch-rivals." The drama and anxiety surrounding some matches were heightened by this approach.

3) Focus on Victories and Success: The media tended to highlight India's successes and happy moments. Setbacks and losses were alluded to but not given as much focus, preserving the general upbeat atmosphere and sense of patriotism.

Language:

1) Evocative and Descriptive: In order to create vivid images of the games and players' performances, writers frequently used evocative and detailed language. It was common to use adjectives like "breathtaking," "electrifying," and "unforgettable" to describe the tournament's drama and excitement.

2) Emotional Appeals: Additionally, the language used evoked feelings in the readers by evoking patriotism, national pride, and the joy of a shared victory. Sentences like "unleashing the roar of the nation," "tears of delight," and "a billion hearts beat in unison" were meant to evoke strong feelings in the readers.

3) Technical Jargon and Commentary: For die-hard cricket fans, articles also included technical jargon and commesntary, analyzing specific cricketing strategies, player tactics, and key moments in matches.

Conclusion: Themes of national pride, individual heroism, rivalry, and narrative-building were major influences on The Times of India's coverage of the Cricket World Cup in November 2023. To captivate readers and acknowledge the accomplishments of the Indian team, the text was emotionally charged and presented in a good light. Although triumphs and happy moments continued to be the main focus, the coverage also acknowledged the event's business side and provided technical analysis for devoted followers.

Limitations: This study might not accurately reflect all of the coverage of the Cricket World Cup in TOI because it is based on a small sample of articles. It's also critical to remember that media coverage is arbitrary and open to influences from a range of sources unrelated to the events at hand.

Q3) Design a set of 15 questions for a child counsellor to look into the effects of gadgets on children during the COVID period. Interview five such child psychology experts and prepare a report on the analysis obtained from the interviews.

Ans) Set of 15 Questions for Child Counsellors Regarding Effects of Gadgets on Children during COVID:

a) In what ways has the COVID-19 pandemic affected children's behaviour and mental health in relation to their growing use of gadgets?

b) Which emotional or behavioural changes in kids are most frequently brought on by excessive gadget use, in your opinion?

c) Have you observed that prolonged screen usage has a greater impact on any particular age group? If so, how?

d) Which coping techniques or solutions have you found work well for dealing with children's addiction to or usage of gadgets?

e) What impact does children's usage of gadgets have on their relationships and social interactions, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic?

f) Have you seen any variations in the effects of technology use before and after the pandemic?

g) Are there any specific categories of content or applications that appear to have a greater influence on kids' mental health?

h) What part can parents or guardians play in helping youngsters avoid the harmful effects of excessive device use?

i) Have you observed any connections between children's use of gadgets and their cognitive or scholastic development?

j) How can parents, in your opinion, reconcile enabling their children to use technology for education with trying to keep it from having harmful impacts on them?

k) Do parents need to be aware of any warning signs or red flags to determine whether their child's use of gadgets is having a detrimental effect on their mental health?

l) What policies or programmes should schools put in place, in your opinion, to lessen the negative effects of too much screen usage on students?

m) How might the COVID-19 pandemic benefit children's mental health and development by making constructive use of technology?

n) Throughout the pandemic, have you noticed any cultural or socioeconomic aspects influencing how much technology kids use?

o) How can parents and other caregivers support their kids in keeping a positive relationship with technology both during and after COVID-19?

Framework for the Report

a) Introduction: Giving a brief explanation of the study's goals and the significance of learning about the impact of electronic devices on kids during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial.

b) Methodology: Give an explanation of the procedure that was used to interview the various child psychology specialists (Riya, Mohan, Manny, Suhana, Mohak).

c) Interview Analysis: Based on the fifteen questions posed, a synopsis of the most important ideas, viewpoints, and observations made by each expert should be provided.

d) Themes and Patterns: Determine whether there are any recurring themes, trends, or differences that emerge from the interviews concerning the influence that electronic devices have on the mental health of children during COVID.

e) Recommendations and Conclusions: In the aftermath of COVID, it is important to present recommendations from the experts regarding the mitigation of harmful impacts and the promotion of a healthy interaction between children and electronic devices.

By compiling information on the effects of gadgets on children during the COVID period from several child psychology experts, this framework can aid in structuring the report. Interviewing these specialists using the pre-planned questions can provide insightful data for the report and analysis.

Q4) Design three research problems along with their objectives and research questions on any of the following:

a. An economic problem of your choice.

b. A social problem of your choice

c. Mental health.

(All three research problems can be on the same subject or all can be on different ones).

Ans) The research problems along with their objectives and research questions are mentioned below:

a) Research Problem on Mental Health:

1) Problem: The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health

2) Objective: To investigate the relationship between social media usage and the mental health of adolescents, exploring the potential effects on well-being, self-esteem, and psychological distress.

3) Research Questions:

i) What is the relationship between teenagers' mental health and the amount of time they spend on social media?

ii) Which particular features of social media—such as comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO—have a major negative influence on teenagers' mental health and self-esteem?

iii) What is the impact of various social media platforms on the mental health of teenagers, and are there any variations according to factors like gender, financial level, or cultural background?

iv) Which coping strategies or treatments work best to lessen the detrimental effects of social media on the mental health of adolescents?

v) Does using social media have any advantages for teenage mental health, and if so, how may these be maximised while reducing the drawbacks?

b) Research Problem on Economic Issue:

1) Problem: The Impact of Remote Work on Economic Productivity and Workforce Dynamics

2) Objective: To assess the economic implications of widespread remote work adoption during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, examining its effects on productivity, labor market dynamics, and business operations.

3) Research Questions:

i) What effects has the COVID-19 pandemic's move to remote work had on overall productivity levels across different sectors and industries?

ii) What are the long-term effects of remote work on retention rates, company culture, and employee job satisfaction?

iii) What effects does remote work have on labour market dynamics, such as changes in skill demand and employment patterns across regions?

iv) What financial effects might working remotely have on companies in terms of reduced expenses, technological investments, and altered operational plans?

v) What laws or methods can maximise the advantages of working remotely while resolving possible obstacles to workforce sustainability and economic growth?

c) Research Problem on Social Issue:

1) Problem: Addressing Food Insecurity Among Vulnerable Communities in Urban Areas

2) Objective: In order to better understand the complex dynamics of urban food insecurity, it is important to pinpoint systemic problems, socioeconomic variables, and viable solutions that could reduce hunger and increase access to wholesome food.

3) Research Questions:

i) Which socioeconomic factors are the main causes of food insecurity among the most vulnerable groups living in metropolitan areas?

ii) What effects do structural problems like wealth inequality, poor infrastructure, and food deserts have on urban communities' ability to obtain wholesome food?

iii) What community-based policies, programmes, or initiatives are currently in place to alleviate food insecurity, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of these efforts?

iv) How do food preferences and dietary practises among disadvantaged urban groups get influenced by cultural, social, and demographic factors?

v) What creative methods or cooperative tactics involving local communities, NGOs, and the government may successfully address urban food insecurity while advancing sustainable food systems?

vi) Every research problem looks at relevant topics within its field in an effort to find answers, suggestions, or new perspectives on these difficult problems.

Q5) Prepare a case study manual explaining the procedural details for a case study to be conducted on the marketing efforts of a telecommunication company of your choice.

Ans) Case Study Manual: Marketing Efforts of Telecommunication Company L&T

Introduction: Procedures for carrying out an extensive case study on the marketing plans and initiatives of Telecommunication Company L&T are outlined in this case study manual. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the company's marketing campaigns and efforts in terms of their effects on brand positioning, customer acquisition, and retention.

Scope and Objectives:

a) Gaining a thorough comprehension of Telecommunication Company L&T's marketing goals, target market, and competitive landscape is crucial.

b) Conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the company's current marketing initiatives, channels, and methods.

c) Evaluate the impact that marketing campaigns have had on market share, brand perception, and new customer acquisition.

d) Gain knowledge of the company's marketing approach, taking into account its benefits, drawbacks, opportunities, and dangers.

e) The aim of this guidance is to offer recommendations for increasing overall efficacy and streamlining marketing strategies.

Research Methodology:

a) Data Collection:

1) Collect information from a variety of sources, such as financial statements, press announcements, marketing materials, corporate reports, and trade journals.

2) To learn more about the company's marketing plans and customer perceptions, interview marketing executives, stakeholders, and customers.

3) To get client input, preferences, and opinions about the business's marketing initiatives, use focus groups or questionnaires.

b) Data Analysis:

1) Make use of both qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques to assess the success of marketing initiatives, consumer responses, and market trends.

2) A SWOT analysis should be performed in relation to the organization's marketing plan in order to identify internal opportunities and threats as well as internal strengths and weaknesses.

3) The telecoms business L&T uses a range of campaigns, messaging techniques, and marketing mediums. Examine and contrast these different marketing methods' respective levels of success.

c) Case Study Structure:

1) Give a brief introduction to L&T Telecommunication Company, including its market position and the significance of marketing initiatives in the sector.

2) Marketing Objectives: Describe the target market, the company's goals for marketing, and its important performance metrics.

3) Campaigns and Marketing Strategies: Examine particular marketing programmes, projects, and plans that the business has put in place.

4) Results and Impact: Assess how marketing initiatives have affected revenue, customer acquisition, retention, and brand perception.

5) Opportunities and Difficulties: Determine the difficulties the business is having with its marketing initiatives and any room for growth.

6) Suggestions: Offer practical suggestions for improving marketing tactics, addressing shortcomings, and seizing opportunities.

d) Ethical Considerations:

1) Ensuring the confidentiality of vital company information is crucial while conducting interviews or collecting data.

2) It is crucial to recognise and appropriately cite all sources in order to uphold one's academic and professional integrity.

Conclusion: The goal of this case study on L&T's marketing initiatives is to offer crucial insights into the company's tactics, challenges, and opportunities in the fiercely competitive telecoms sector. The study aims to offer a thorough analysis that will aid in understanding effective marketing strategies and information that will impact strategic choices in the telecoms industry.