political activity and information gathering among college students through late night comedy

8/13/2019 Political Activity and Information Gathering Among College Students Through Late Night Comedy

1/38

Running head: POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND INFORMATION GATHERING 1

Politial Ati!it" and In#o$%ation Gathe$ing A%ong College &tudent' th$ough Late Night

Co%ed"

(e##$e" D) Conti*ano + Chel'ea ,) Ell'-o$th

.ueen' /ni!e$'it" o# Cha$lotte


2/38


Tale o# Content'

A't$at 2g) 3Int$odution and ,a4g$ound 2g) 5

Pu$2o'e and &igni#iane 2g) 6

Lite$atu$e Re!ie- 2g) 7o Deline o# T$aditional Media

o The Dail" &ho-

o The Cole$t Re2o$t

o The /'e' and G$ati#iation' Theo$"

H"2othe'e' and Re'ea$h .ue'tion' 2g) 13815&a%2le

2g) 15

Methodolog" 2g) 16

Pilot &tud" 2g) 16Finding' + Di'u''ion 2g) 17

Conlu'ion 2g) 09&tud" Li%itation' 2g) 09Reo%%endation #o$ Futu$e &tudie' 2g) 01

Re#e$ene' 2g) 06

A22endi 1 8 Tale' 2g) 0;A22endi 0 < Con'ent Fo$% 2g) 31

A22endi 3 < &u$!e" 2g) 30

A22endi 5 < Politial In#o$%ation .ui* 2g) 36


3/38


A't$at

=ith the in$ea'e in 2o2ula$it" o# late8night o%ed" tele!i'ion 'ho-'> 'igni#iant

$e'ea$h ha' een onduted on the $elation'hi2 et-een the late8night tele!i'ion o%edie' and

the 2olitial ati!it" and 2olitial 2a$tii2ation o# !ie-e$') Thi' 2a2e$ di'u''e' the o$$elation

et-een the a%ount o# late night o%ed" tele!i'ion -athed and the a%ount o# 2olitial

2a$tii2ation a%ong t$aditional unde$g$aduate 'tudent') The 2a2e$ al'o di'u''e' the o$$elation

et-een the a%ount o# late night o%ed" tele!i'ion -athed and the a%ount o# 2olitial ati!it"

a%ong t$aditional unde$g$aduate 'tudent') The $e'ea$he$' onduted a 'u$!e" -ith 69

$e'2ondent' u'ing Li4e$t 'ale' to %ea'u$e the $e'2ondent?' 2olitial ati!it"> 2olitial

2a$tii2ation> and a%ount o# late night o%edie' -athed)


4/38


Politial Ati!it" and In#o$%ation Gathe$ing A%ong College &tudent' th$ough Late8Night

Co%ed" Tele!i'ion

Int$odution and ,a4g$ound

In the %id't o# the 0910 P$e'idential Ca%2aign> tele!i'ion $e%ain' a !ital outlet o#

2olitial in#o$%ation8gathe$ing #o$ A%e$ian iti*en') Ho-e!e$> %an" tele!i'ion 'ho-'>

e'2eiall" ne-' net-o$4'> a$e going th$ough nu%e$ou' hange') At thi' ti%e> %an" ollege

'tudent' ha!e tu$ned a-a" #$o% t$aditional ne-' net-o$4' and ha!e 'ta$ted to tu$n to-a$d' %o$e

late8night tele!i'ion and o%ed" 'ho-' #o$ thei$ 2olitial in#o$%ation) In $eent "ea$'> late8night

o%edie' 'uh a' The Dail" &ho- and The Cole$t Re2o$t ha!e 'een d$a%ati in$ea'e' in

ollege 'tudent !ie-e$'hi2 and 2o2ula$it")

Thi' 'tud" -ill ea%ine ho- and -h" ollege 'tudent' u'e late8night tele!i'ion o%edie'

li4e The Dail" &ho- and The Cole$t Re2o$t in o$de$ to gain 2olitial in#o$%ation)

/nde$'tanding -he$e and ho- 'tudent' a$e gaining in#o$%ation aout 2oliti' i' i%2o$tant 'ine

go!e$n%ent 2la"' an et$e%el" la$ge $ole in e!e$"da" li#e) College 'tudent' u'e %an" %o$e

di##e$ent %ediu%' to otain in#o$%ation toda" than the" ha!e e!e$ u'ed in the 2a't) The %ediu%

that the" ho'e to ae'' ha' di##e$ent -a"' to on!e" in#o$%ation to !ie-e$'> -hih

'u'e@uentl" gi!e' the !ie-e$' di##e$ent #o$%' o# in#o$%ation) In#o$%ation i' on!e"ed in %an"

di##e$ent 't"le' a' -ell> -ith late8night o%edie' o##e$ing a !a$iet" o# a22eal #o$ thei$ !ie-e$')

College 'tudent' a$e no longe$ $e't$ited to -athing The Dail" &ho- and the Cole$t

Re2o$t u't on the tele!i'ion> 'ine the 'ho-' a$e al'o no- a!ailale to e 't$ea%ed on the

inte$net) =ith oth o# the 'ho-' a!ailale online> %an" 'tudent' a$e ale to -ath the 'ho- on

the o%2ute$ th$ough the inte$net at thei$ o-n hoo'ing> and the" a$e not ditated " an" 'et

'ho- ti%e' o$ ai$ing') The /'e' and G$ati#iation Theo$" 'tate' Bthat 2eo2le 'elet and u'e a


5/38


%ediu% o!e$ othe$' to g$ati#" '2ei#i need' and 2u$2o'e'> Cha + Chan> 0910> 2)070)

=hethe$ ollege 'tudent' a$e -athing late8night o%edie' on tele!i'ion o$ the inte$net no longe$

%atte$' a' the" a$e 'till a'o$ing in#o$%ation and ente$tain%ent #$o% the 'ho-')

Thi' $e'ea$h i' eing onduted eau'e ou$ 2ee$' ha!e een 'ea$hing #o$ in#o$%ation

aout 2olitial andidate' and a%2aign' th$ough late8o%ed" tele!i'ion) In light o# the

De%o$ati National Con!ention eing held in Cha$lotte> a' -ell a' the $eent P$e'idential

Eletion> 2olitial ati!it" at .ueen' /ni!e$'it"> and a%ong ollege 'tudent' a$ound the /nited

&tate'> i' at an et$e%el" high le!el) =ith the a"8oo%e$ 2o2ulation ontinuing to age> the

"ounge$ ollege8age de%og$a2hi i' eo%ing a 2i!otal !oting g$ou2 that i' ta$geted du$ing

eletion ti%e) A' -e -itne''ed du$ing the 099 eletion a%2aign o# ,a$a4 Oa%a> ta$geting

the "oung audiene' an e 2i!otal #o$ !a$iou' 2olitial andidate')

Pu$2o'e and &igni#iane o# &tud"

The 2u$2o'e o# thi' 'tud" i' to unde$'tand -he$e and ho- and -h" ollege 'tudent' a$e

#inding in#o$%ation aout 2oliti') Thi' i' 'igni#iant eau'e -ith the t$aditional 2$int %edia in

'tee2 deline and %an" %ao$ tele!i'ion net-o$4' $ating' in 'igni#iant deline a' -ell> it i' !ital

that $e'ea$he$' unde$'tand -hat outlet 'tudent' a$e hoo'ing to gathe$ 2olitial in#o$%ation) The

$e'ea$he$' #eel that it i' !e$" i%2o$tant to 'tud" the $elation'hi2 et-een late8night o%edie'

and 2olitial ati!it" " 'tudent' a' -ell) It i' al'o i%2o$tant to 'ee i# the$e i' an" 'o$t o#

$elation'hi2 et-een ollege 'tudent' gaining in#o$%ation #$o% 'o%ething that i' %eant to e

ente$taining a' o22o'ed to 'o%ething that i' %eant to in#o$%) =ith the d$a%ati in$ea'e in late8

night tele!i'ion 2o2ula$it"> the$e i' 't$ong e!idene o# a o$$elation et-een late8night o%ed"

!ie-ing " 'tudent' and thei$ le!el' o# 2olitial ati!it" and 2a$tii2ation)


6/38


Lite$atu$e Re!ie-

,a"% 0996 -$ite' that the ounda$ie' et-een ne-' and ente$tain%ent> and et-een

2uli a##ai$' and 2o2 ultu$e> ha!e eo%e di##iult i# not nea$l" i%2o''ile to di'e$n) Late8

night o%ed" 'ho-' 'uh a' The Dail" &ho- -ith (ohn &te-a$t> lie' at the $u o# thi'

de!elo2%ent)

A' $e#e$ened " ,a"% 0996> a 0990 Pe- Re'ea$h Cente$ 'tud" $e!ealed that the

audiene' #o$ %o't tele!i'ion ne-' 'ho-' d$o22ed on'ide$al" et-een 13 and 0990) Mo$e

'2ei#iall"> it -a' #ound that 2eo2le et-een the age' o# 18to80 -e$e -athing le'' tele!i'ion

ne-' $oada't') =hile the 'tud" #ound that "oung 2eo2le -e$e tu$ning a-a" #$o% on!entional

ne-' %edia> it al'o #ound that the" -e$e tu$ning %o$e to-a$d' late8night tele!i'ion and o%ed"

'ho-' in'tead) The 0995 Pe- 'u$!e" #ound that 01 o# 2eo2le 2olled #$o% age' 18to80 'a"

the" $egula$l" lea$n aout ne-' and 2oliti' #$o% o%ed" 'ho-' li4e The Dail" &ho-) In hi'

o-n $e'ea$h 0996> ,a"% #ound that tho'e 2eo2le -ho a$e onl" 2a''i!el" inte$e'ted in 2oliti'

a$e %o$e li4el" to -a$% u2 to 2$e'idential andidate' #$o% the o22o'ition 2a$t" -hen the" 'ee

tho'e andidate' on ente$tain%ent8a'ed tal4 'ho-') ,a"% note' that thi' ou$' eau'e 'o#t8

ne-' 2$og$a%'> 2a$tiula$l" ente$tain%ent tal4 'ho-'> ha!e le'' o# an Bedge than ha$d ne-')

=hen o%ed" 'ho- ho't' '2ea4 to 2$e'idential andidate'> di##iult @ue'tion' $ega$ding 2oli"

and 2olitial 't$ateg" o#ten gi!e -a" to #$iendl" '%all tal4 and ente$taining anedote')

Cou2led -ith the $i'e o# late8night o%edie'> t$aditional ne-' outlet' ha!e 'een thei$

$ating' a$e no- in 'tee2 deline) Ao$ding to a $eent 0910 Pe- Re'ea$h Cente$ &u$!e" on

$ediilit" $ating' #o$ 13 %ao$ ne-' o$gani*ation'> all 13 ne-' outlet' ha!e 'een d$o2' in thei$

$ating 'ine the %o't $eent 'u$!e" in 0919) &ine 0990> the 'u$!e" $e!ealed that e!e$" 'ingle

%ao$ ne-' outlet li'ted ha' 'een a doule8digit d$o2 in $ediilit") That i' the #i$'t ti%e that ha'


7/38

Running head: POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND INFORMATION GATHERING ;

e!e$ ha22ened 'ine the annual 'u$!e" -a' 'ta$ted) The Pe- 'u$!e" al'o 'ho-' that the

elie!ailit" $an4ing' #o$ indi!idual ne-' o$gani*ation' ha!e de$ea'ed hea!il" " Re2ulian

-athe$') Onl" t-o o$gani*ation'8 Fo Ne-' and loal TV ne-' -hile u't 03 o# A%e$ian adult' a$e "ounge$ than 39) Late8night

2$og$a%%ing> li4e Leno o$ Lette$%an> i' al'o 2o2ula$ a%ong "oung 2eo2le 55 o# adult' aged

1 to 0 $e2o$t !ie-ing thi' 2$og$a%%ing JJ'o%eti%e'?? o$ JJ$egula$l"??)

&te-a$t?' Dail" &ho- i' ee%2la$ o# o%ed" ou$nali'%> 2o4ing #un at 2olitiian'>

$e2o$te$'> and !a$iou' 2a$ti'an ne-' outlet' ali4e) Ao$ding to ,a"% 0996 " 0997> al%o't 1

in 6 1 o# A%e$ian' $e2o$ted -athing the Dail" &ho- at lea't 'o%eti%e'> a notieale

in$ea'e #$o% u't 11 in 0990) &te-a$t and hi' 2$odue$' ha!e o#ten laeled thei$ -o$4 a' B#a4e

ne-'> and in'i't that thei$ agenda i' u't to %a4e 2eo2le laugh) Ho-e!e$> tho'e lael' #ail to

a4no-ledge the in$ea'ingl" i%2o$tant $ole that the 'ho- i' 2la"ing on 'e$iou' 2olitial

o%%uniation) Fo$ ea%2le> the 'ho-?' nightl" inte$!ie- 'eg%ent $egula$l" #eatu$e' %e%e$'

o# the national 2olitial> legi'lati!e> and ou$nali'ti e'tali'h%ent) ,a"% e!en note' that &enato$

(ohn Ed-a$d' ho'e The Dail" &ho-> out o# all 2o''ile tele!i'ion outlet'> a' the %edia !enue

#$o% -hih to announe hi' andida" #o$ the 0995 De%o$ati 2$e'idential no%ination) Othe$


8/38

Running head: POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND INFORMATION GATHERING

2$e'idential ho2e#ul' ,o Ke$$e"> Di4 Ge2ha$dt> Denni' Kuinih> and (o'e2h Liee$%an

a22ea$ed in 0993 Ho-a$d Dean and Ca$ol Mo'ele" ,$aun a22ea$ed in (anua$" 0995 and

De%o$ati andidate (ohn Ke$$" a22ea$ed on Augu't 05> 0995) A' a $e'ult o# the 2$og$a%?'

2$o%inene> The Dail" &ho- ha' een att$ating an in$ea'ing a%ount o# attention #$o% oth

ou$nali't' and 'hola$' ali4e)

,a"% 0996 highlight' th$ee 2$i%a$" #ou' 2oint' o# the Dail" &ho-) The #i$'t i' the

'ho-?' inte$$ogation o# the ontent o# the ne-' %edia> the B$eal ne-' that a$gual" i' #ailing it'

de%o$ati #untion) The 'eond i' a 2olitial B2unh8line that i' de!elo2ed) Although the

2olitiall" o$iented one8line$ u'e' the ne-' #o$ it' in'2i$ation> it' #ou' u'uall" #all' on the

2e$'onal -ea4ne''e' and ha$ate$ #la-' o# the 2$i%a$" 2olitial ato$' #eatu$ed on the 'ho-)

The thi$d #ou' 2oint i' the 'ho-' inte$!ie- 'eg%ent) A' ,a"% note'> the dail" inte$!ie-

'eg%ent that #ollo-' o##e$' 'uh an alte$nati!e %odel o# 2uli a##ai$' 2$og$a%%ing) =hile it i'

%odeled in the t$adition o# the late8night ele$it" inte$!ie-> the di'u''ion 'eg%ent di##e$' #$o%

it' 2$edee''o$' in i%2o$tant -a"') In #u$the$ ont$a't to the t$aditional late8night tal4 'ho->

&te-a$t?' a22$oah i' neithe$ 2u$el" ente$tain%ent o$iented no$ o!e$l" ao%%odating) Fo$

ea%2le> the inte$!ie-' %a" touh on tale' #$o% hildhood o$ othe$ endea$ing anedote'> ut

li4e the $e't o# the 2$og$a%> the" a$e a h"$id #o$% that lend' laughte$ and 2o2 ultu$e -ith a

-illingne'' to engage -ith di##iult i''ue')

The Dail" &ho- ha' $eei!ed 'e!e$al Peaod" A-a$d' in $eognition o# it' ont$iution'

to $oada't ou$nali'%> and '2eiall" #o$ o!e$age o# eletion' in 0999 and 0995 Gaine'>

099;) A' Eliot Gaine' -$ite'> the Dail" &ho- i' not aout 'e$iou' 2oliti' a' %uh a' it i' aout

u$$ent 'oial di'ou$'e> and the 'tated intent o# the 'ho- i' to ente$tain> not in#o$%) &te-a$t and

the -$ite$' o# the Dail" &ho- lai% to e ente$taining #a4e ne-' $e2o$te$') Thei$ -$iting>


9/38

Running head: POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND INFORMATION GATHERING

ho-e!e$> de%on't$ate' logi and ontinuit"> and 2$o!ide' the ontet that in#o$%' the audiene

aout u$$ent 'ituation') =hile the" %a" not intend to di$etl" a##et 'oial hange> the hu%o$ on

the 'ho- 2$o!ide' an a22ealing -a" to di'u'' di##iult and nationall" $ele!ant i''ue') The

na$$ati!e ontinuit" on't$uted #$o% $e$oada't' o# ne-' 'to$ie'> told -ith the intent to

ente$tain> i$oniall" in#o$%' the audiene o# the 'igniane o# e!ent' -ho'e %eaning' -ho a$e

o#ten o'u$ed in on!entional $oada't ou$nali'%)

,au%ga$tne$ and Mo$$i' 099 note that &te2hen Cole$t> -ho ea%e an et$e%el"

2o2ula$ o%2onent unde$ (ohn &te-a$t on The Dail" &ho-> ha' no- ta4en on a !e$" in#luential

$ole> and 'ho-> o# hi' o-n) The ent$al 2a$t o# Cole$t?' ha$ate$ i' hi' o%edi a22eal> and hi'

e2liit $eetion #o$ the need o# #at' -hen engaging in 2olitial deate) ,au%ga$tne$ and

Mo$$i' 099 #ou' on Cole$t?' in$ea'ingl" 2o2ula$ $and o# 2olitial hu%o$> and ho- that

hu%o$ an a##et 2olitial attitude'> '2ei#iall" in "oung 2eo2le)

Though &te2hen Cole$t -a' o$iginall" #eatu$ed on The Dail" &ho- -ith (on &te-a$t>

Cole$t?' on8tele!i'ion 2e$'onalit" di##e$' g$eatl" #$o% hi' #o$%e$ ho't) /nli4e &te-a$t> Mo$$i'

099 -$ite'> -ho 2la"' the $ole o# a o%%on8'en'e o'e$!e$ -ho hu%o$ou'l" 2oint' out the

a'u$d in 2oliti'> Cole$t e''entiall" 2a$odie' the ne- $eed o# 'el#8indulgent> on'e$!ati!e

ne-' 2e$'onalitie') A' ,au%ga$tne$ + Mo$$i' 0997 note> the ent$al 2a$t o# Cole$t?' ha$ate$>

and thu' the 'ho-?' o%edi a22eal> i' hi' e2liit $eetion o# the need #o$ #at' in engaging in

2olitial deate and a''e''ing 2olitial a$gu%ent') Thi' a22$oah 2a$odie' the h"2e$82a$ti'an tone

o# %an" t$aditional 2olitial tal4 'ho- 2$og$a%') In the a'e o# The Cole$t Re2o$t> ,au%ga$te$

+ Mo$$i' -$ite> the e2liit ta$get o# al%o't all o# Cole$t?' JJ$itii'%'?? a$e lie$al De%o$ati

leade$' and in'titution') Hi' o%%enta$" atte%2t' to d$a- attention to the idea that 't$it

adhe$ene to the 2a$t" line %a" e #ooli'h)


10/38


Meddaugh 0919 -$ite' that one o# Cole$t?' %ain in'ight' and 4e"' to hi' tele!i'ion

2$og$a% i' a'ed on tetual inte$2la" et-een the 'aid and un'aid> a on!e$gene o# $heto$ial

'ituation and hi'to$ial $ealit") No-he$e i' thi' %o$e a22a$ent than in one o# the Cole$t Re2o$t?'

2$i%a$" 'eg%ent'> Bthe =o$d> -he$e Cole$t?' o%%enta$" i' ao%2anied " 'tate%ent'

2$oeted on'$een> 2$e'u%al" un4no-n to Cole$t> ut !ie-ed " the audiene) G$ounded in

u$$ent e!ent'> the 'u'tane o# Bthe =o$d ehoe' 'to$ie' o!e$ed in the %ain't$ea% 2$e'':

2oliti'> the ou$t'> #o$eign 2oli" and othe$ national e!ent') The 't"le> ho-e!e$> '2in'

on!entional ou$nali'% in $e!e$'e> u'ing i$on" to unde$%ine and $iti@ue the 'tated tet)

Cole$t?' tele!i'ion 2e$'ona doe' not !e$ali*e hi' a''ault $athe$> i$on" i' hi' 2$i%a$"

%ode o# deli!e$") Multila"e$ed> i$on" $e@ui$e' the 2a$tii2ation o# the audiene to $eogni*e

inon'i'tenie' a%ong the 'tated di'ou$'e> intonation> and !e$al ue') To Meddaugh 0919>

Cole$t?' $ole a' a %edia $iti i' not unde$'tated at all) &he -$ite' that the Cole$t Re2o$t %a4e'

!aluale ont$iution' to it' 2$atie " a4no-ledging ne-' a' $e2$e'entation $athe$ than

$ealit") In hallenging the $ational 2$atie' and no$%ati!e !alue' o# t$aditional in#o$%ation

indu't$ie'> the Cole$t Re2o$t o2e$ate' oth a' a $iti o# the 2$e''> a' -ell a' a uni@ue 'ite o#

%edia lite$a" eduation)

Du$ing the -ee4 o# Otoe$ 00ndth$ough 07th> oth the Dail" &ho- 0)9 %illion and the

Cole$t Re2o$t 1)6 %illion -e$e the t-o highe't8!ie-ed o%ed" 'ho-' on net-o$4 tele!i'ion>

ao$ding to a TV $ating' t$a4ing -e'ite TV " the Nu%e$'> 0910) ,oth late8night o%ed"

'ho-' al'o 2laed in the to2 ten #o$ total !ie-e$' #o$ that -ee4 out o# all 'ho-' on net-o$4

tele!i'ion> -ith the Dail" &ho- o%ing in a' the #i#th8$an4ed 'ho- and the Cole$t Re2o$t

o%ing in $an4ed 'ith) Not onl" a$e the'e 'ho-' the t-o %o't 2o2ula$ late8night o%ed" 'ho-'>

ut the" a$e al'o a%ong the %o't 2o2ula$ 'ho-' on all o# tele!i'ion) ,eau'e o# the 2o2ula$it" o#


11/38


%en li4e &te2hen Cole$t and (on &te-a$t and thei$ $e'2eti!e tele!i'ion 'ho-'> the 2olitial

o%i' and 'ati$i't' o# toda" a$e eing ta4en %o$e 'e$iou'l" than e!e$ e#o$e> and thei$ a22eal

and in#luene ontinue' to '2$ead)

The /'e' and G$ati#iation' Theo$"

The /'e' and G$ati#iation' Theo$" -a' de!elo2ed in o$de$ to 'tud" ho- 2eo2le u'e

%edia in gene$al> and in thi' 'tud"> tele!i'ion in 2a$tiula$) Kat* et al) 1;3 -$ote that the u'e'

and g$ati#iation' theo$" 2$o2o'e' that audiene %e%e$' 'ee4 in#o$%ation o$ ontent

'eleti!el"> o%%en'u$ate -ith thei$ need' and inte$e't') The autho$'? u'e' and g$ati#iation'

theo$" 'ugge't' that %edia u'e$' 2la" an ati!e $ole in hoo'ing and u'ing the %edia that the"

-ill e e2o'ed to) In %an" in'tane' the audiene -ill ha!e had 2$e!iou' e2e$iene -ith the

%edia the" hoo'e) In tu$n> the'e u'e$' ta4e an ati!e 2a$t in the o%%uniation 2$oe'' and a$e

goal8o$iented in thei$ %edia u'e) The" a$e '2ei#iall" 'ee4ing out and hoo'ing the %edia the"

u'e) =ith 'uh a !a't a$$a" o# %edia a!ailale> audiene' -ill t"2iall" u'e the one' that e't

#ul#ill thei$ need') A '2ei#i %ediu% -ill e u'ed %o$e o#ten -hen the ei'ting %oti!e' to u'e it

lead' to %o$e 'ati'#ation #o$ the audiene)

The /'e' and G$ati#iation' theo$" al'o a''u%e' that 1 %a'' %edia u'e i' goal8di$eted>

and the audiene %e%e$ i' an ati!e %edia u'e$ 0 the lin4 et-een '2ei#i %edia hoie' and

need g$ati#iation' i' e'tali'hed " audiene' u2on d$a-ing #$o% thei$ o-n onlu'ion' and 3

the %edia o%2ete -ith othe$ 'ou$e' #o$ 2otential need 'ati'#ation Kat* et al> 1;3) The

autho$' al'o ite #i!e %ao$ need atego$ie' #o$ %edia on'u%e$') The #i$'t atego$" i' ogniti!e>

-he$e the on'u%e$ a@ui$e' in#o$%ation and 4no-ledge) The 'eond i' a##eti!e> -he$e the u'e$

on'u%e' %edia #o$ e%otional 2u$2o'e'> 2lea'u$e> and #eeling') The thi$d i' 2e$'onal integ$ati!e>

-he$e on'u%e$' enhane thei$ $ediilit" 'tatu') The #ou$th atego$" i' 'oial integ$ati!e> -hih


12/38


in!ol!e' the u'e$ inte$ating -ith #a%il" and #$iend'> and the #i#th atego$" i' ten'ion $elea'e)

Thi' atego$" in!ol!e' the u'e$ u'ing %edia to e'a2e $ealit" and to di't$at the%'el!e' #$o%

thei$ e!e$"da" li#e) In toda"?' tehnologiall"8ad!aned -o$ld> the /'e' and G$ati#iation'

Theo$" ha' %aintained a high8le!el o# $ele!an") Hund$ed' o# thou'and' o# 2eo2le a$e u'ing

%edia #o$ di##e$ent $ea'on'> and -ith 'o %an" %edia outlet' a!ailale at thei$ #inge$ti2'> 'tud"ing

thei$ %edia 'eletion 2$oe'' and u'ti#iation o# u'age i' 4e")

Politial Kno-ledge

A' Hollande$ 0996 -$ite'> an enlightened iti*en$" $e%ain' one o# the #oundation' o# a

'ue''#ul and th$i!ing de%o$a"> and "et the /)&) 2uli i' $elati!el" unin#o$%ed aout thei$

2olitial -o$ld) De'2ite ad!ane' in eduation and an e2loding nu%e$ o# a!ailale ne-'

'ou$e'> 'hola$' ha!e di'o!e$ed no o$$e'2onding in$ea'e in 2olitial 4no-ledge) Hollande$

note' that o#ten inte$2e$'onal on!e$'ation' no- $el" on the #itional tele!i'ion ontent in

addition to ne-' a' 2eo2le %a4e 'en'e o# thei$ 'oial and 2olitial -o$ld) Late8night o%ed"

2$og$a%' an hel2 in#luene 2e$e2tion' o# 2olitial ato$' o$ ho- 2eo2le 2$oe'' 2olitial

in#o$%ation

H1: The %o$e late8night tele!i'ion o%edie' that ollege 'tudent' -ath> the %o$e 2olitiall"

ati!e the" a$e)

Inde2endent Va$iale: The a%ount o# late8night o%edie' -athed " 'tudent')

De2endent Va$iale: A%ount o# 'tudent 2olitial ati!it")

Con'titutional De#inition: Politial ati!it" 0995 i' one2tuall" de#ined a' the 'ha$ing 2olitial

o# elie#'> 'u22o$ting andidate'> and inte$ating -ith othe$' on 2olitial i''ue') Late8night


13/38


o%edie' 0997 a$e de#ined a' ente$tain%ent that t$eat' 2olitial ne-' -ith 'ati$e> 'a$a'% and

'la2'ti4 o%ed") The lite$atu$e u'e' The Dail" &ho- and The Cole$t Re2o$t a' the %ain

'ou$e' o# late night o%ed" tele!i'ion)

O2e$ational De#inition: Politial ati!it" -ill e %ea'u$ed " gauged " $e'2on'e' to th$ee

Li4e$t 'ale 'tate%ent' aout 2olitial 2$ote't'> identit" -ith a 2olitial 2a$t"> and !oting

2a$tii2ation) Re'ea$he$' -ill %ea'u$e 'tudent' !ie-ing o# The Dail" &ho- and The Cole$t

Re2o$t " ho- %ea'u$ing o#ten 'tudent' -athe' eah 'ho- on a -ee4l" a'i')

H0: The %o$e late8night tele!i'ion o%edie' that ollege 'tudent' -ath> the %o$e 2olitiall"

in#o$%ed the" eo%e)

Inde2endent Va$iale: The a%ount o# late8night o%edie' -athed " 'tudent')

De2endent Va$iale: The a%ount o# 2olitial in#o$%ation a ollege 'tudent a'o$' #$o% the

tele!i'ion 'ho-')

Con'tituti!e De#inition: Politial in#o$%ation 0995 i' de#ined a' eing in#o$%ed o# a'i i!il>

2olitial> and u$$ent e!ent' in#o$%ation)

O2e$ational De#inition: Politial in#o$%ation -ill e %ea'u$ed " the $e'2ondent?' 4no-ledge o#

loal> national> and inte$national 2olitial e!ent> and a 2o't8@ue'tionnai$e @ui* on 2olitial #at'

aout the /nited &tate')


14/38


R.: Doe' the %o$e ti%e ollege 'tudent' '2end -athing late8night o%edie' in$ea'e li4elihood

the" a$e -athing the 'ho-' #o$ ente$tain%ent

Inde2endent Va$iale: The a%ount o# ti%e ollege 'tudent' -athe' late night o%edie')

De2endent Va$iale: The li4elihood the 'tudent i' -athing it #o$ ente$tain%ent 2u$2o'e')

&a%2le

The $e'ea$he$' ho'e to u'e a non82$oailit" 'a%2le #o$ thi' 'tud") Fi#t" t$aditional

unde$g$aduate 'tudent' #$o% .ueen' /ni!e$'it" o# Cha$lotte -e$e $ando%l" 'eleted #$o% the

'tudent 2o2ulation) The a!ailale 'a%2le i' a olletion o# $eadil" a''e''ale 'uet'> ele%ent'>

o$ e!ent' #o$ 'tud" =i%%e$ and Do%ini4> 0996> 2)0) Thi' 'a%2le i' al'o a 2u$2o'i!e 'a%2le>

-hih inlude' $e'2ondent'> 'uet'> o$ ele%ent' 'eleted #o$ '2ei#i ha$ate$i'ti' o$ @ualitie'

and eli%inate' tho'e -ho #ail to %eet the'e $ite$ia =i%%e$ and Do%ini4> 0996> 2g) 5) &ine

the $e'ea$he$' -e$e loo4ing #o$ '2ei#i 2a$tii2ant' -ho -athed the tele!i'ion 'ho-'> the

@ue'tionnai$e #eatu$ed a !e$al #ilte$ @ue'tion a'4ing i# 2a$tii2ant' -athed late night o%edie')

Thi' #ilte$ @ue'tion e##eti!el" eli%inated 2a$tii2ant' -ho do not %eet the $e'ea$h $ite$ia) The

$e'ea$he$' ho'e to u'e an a!ailale 'a%2le due to $e'ea$h ti%e on't$aint' and eau'e the

'a%2le %et the $e@ui$e%ent' o# the 2o2ulation)

Methodolog"

Fo$ thi' $e'ea$h> the $e'ea$he$?' %ethod o# data gathe$ing -ill e th$ough a #ae8to8#ae

'u$!e" u'ing a 2a2e$ @ue'tionnai$e) 69 t"2ed @ue'tionnai$e' -ill e di't$iuted to .ueen'

/ni!e$'it" o# Cha$lotte t$aditional unde$g$aduate 'tudent' th$oughout $ando% loation' on the

'hool a%2u') ," di't$iuting 'u$!e"' to $ando% 'tudent' at $ando% 2lae' on a%2u'> the

$e'ea$he$' -ill t$" to en'u$e di!e$'e 'a%2le o# the 'tudent 2o2ulation) The age' o# the'e


15/38


2a$tii2ant' $anged #$o% 1805> and inluded all and an" ethni a4g$ound') Re'ea$he$' a'4ed

the 2a$tii2ant' a 2$eli%ina$" #ilte$ @ue'tion on late8night o%ed" 'ho-' to dete$%ine i# the"

ould 2a$tii2ate in the 'u$!e") The #ilte$ @ue'tion -a'> BDo "ou -ath The Cole$t Re2o$t o$

The Dail" &ho- Re'ea$he$' ga!e the 'u$!e" to the 2a$tii2ant' and allo- the% a #i#teen

%inute 2e$iod to #ill the 'u$!e" out and $etu$n it o%2leted)

A @ui* -a' inluded #o$ the 2a$tii2ant' to ta4e a#te$ the 'u$!e" -a' o%2leted to

%ea'u$e ho- 2olitiall" in#o$%ed the" a$e) ," handing the 'u$!e" out #ae8to8#ae the

$e'ea$he$' gua$anteed a high $etu$n $ate on the 'u$!e") The 2$oailit" o# the 2a$tii2ant' eithe$

not o%2leting the 'u$!e" on ti%e o$ not o%2leting it at all -ill e g$eatl" $edued a' -ell) The

$e'ea$he$' -ill al'o a'4 a #e- @ue'tion' at the end o# the 'u$!e" 2e$taining to the 2a$tii2ant?'

ethniit"> age> la''> and gende$) Thi' data -ill a''i't the $e'ea$he$' in 'tud"ing thei$ 'a%2le

and %aintaining i# the 'a%2le i' $e2$e'entati!e o# the 'hool?' enti$e 2o2ulation)

Pilot &tud"

,e#o$e the 'u$!e" -a' di't$iuted the $e'ea$he$' onduted a 2ilot 'tud" to en'u$e the

au$a" o# the @ue'tionnai$e) Fi!e 'tudent' -e$e $ando%l" 'eleted to 2a$tii2ate in the 2ilot

'tud") The $e'2ondent' -e$e all t$aditional unde$g$aduate' and the" all #ull" o%2leted the

'u$!e"') Ho-e!e$> the $e'ea$he$' $eali*ed the 'u$!e"' needed to e $etu$ned i%%ediatel" u2on

o%2letion> 'ine t-o $e'2ondent' too4 'e!e$al da"' to $etu$n the 'u$!e"')

The 2ilot 'tud" al'o had 'o%e e$$o$' -ith the @ue'tionnai$e) The @ue'tionnai$e had a

nu%e$ o# g$a%%atial e$$o$' and #o$%at i''ue'> -hih on#u'ed the $e'2ondent') The Li4e$t

'ale in the @ue'tionnai$e had to e adu'ted to %aintain on'i'ten" th$oughout e!e$" @ue'tion

in the 'u$!e") One the $e'2ondent' $etu$ned the 2ilot 'tud" 'u$!e"'> the $e'ea$he$' oded the

$e'ult') The 2ilot 'tud" 'u22o$ted that the$e -a' a 2o'iti!e o$$elation et-een 'tudent' -athing


16/38


late8night o%edie' and 2olitial 4no-ledge) Fou$ o# the #i!e $e'2ondent' 'o$ed highl" on the

2olitial 4no-ledge te't> and eah -athed one to t-o hou$' o# The Dail" &ho- and The Cole$t

Re2o$t on tele!i'ion eah -ee4)

The 2ilot 'tud" al'o 'u22o$ted the 'eond h"2othe'i'> -ith a 2o'iti!e o$$elation et-een

'tudent' -ho -athed %o$e late8night o%edie' al'o in$ea'ing thei$ 2olitial ati!it") The

'u$!e" did not 2$o!ide enough data to 'u22o$t the $e'ea$h @ue'tion ho-e!e$> and #u$the$

$e'ea$h th$ough the #ull 'u$!e" -a' the$e#o$e nee''a$")

Finding' and Di'u''ion

The $e'2on'e $ate o# the 'u$!e" -a' 199 2e$ent 'ine all o# the 'u$!e"' -e$e $etu$ned

and o%2leted) O# the 69 .ueen' /ni!e$'it" unde$g$aduate 'tudent' 'u$!e"ed> 07 -e$e %ale'

-hile 05 -e$e #e%ale') The age $ange #o$ the $e'2ondent' -a' 1805> -ith the a!e$age age o# 09)

The$e -e$e 07 'enio$ la'' 2a$tii2ant'> 10 unio$'> 'o2ho%o$e'> and 3 #$e'h%en 'u$!e"ed)

To %ea'u$e ho- o#ten 'tudent' -athed late8night tele!i'ion o%edie'> The Cole$t

Re2o$t and The Dail" &ho-> a #i!e82oint Li4e$t 'ale -a' u'ed) &ine e!e$" 2a$tii2ant -athed

eithe$ o# the 'ho-'> the '%alle't nu%e$ o# hou$' -athed -a' one8hal# hou$ u2 to 'i hou$') 75

2e$ent o# the 2a$tii2ant' 'aid that the" -athed et-een to 1 hou$' o# late8night o%edie'

2e$ -ee4) Onl" a #e- 2a$tii2ant' -athed %o$e than t-o hou$'> -hih -a' the highe't nu%e$

o# hou$' -athed on the 'ale)

The @ue'tionnai$e a'4ed the a%ount o# ti%e late night o%edie' -e$e -athed #o$ the

2a't -ee4) 69 2e$ent o# 'tudent' 'aid the" -ath 10 to 1 hou$ o# late8night o%edie' 2e$ -ee4)

=hen a'4ed ho- %an" hou$' 2e$ -ee4 the 'tudent' -athed the Cole$t Re2o$t> ;5 2e$ent o#

$e'2ondent' 'aid the" -athed 10 to 1 hou$ 2e$ -ee4) =hen a'4ed ho- %an" hou$' 2e$ -ee4


17/38

Running head: POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND INFORMATION GATHERING 1;

the 'tudent' -athed the Dail" &ho-> 75 2e$ent an'-e$ed that the" -athed 10 to 1 hou$ 2e$

-ee4)

The @ue'tionnai$e al'o a'4ed @ue'tion' aout i# the" ha!e lea$ned aout A%end%ent One

that -a' $eentl" 2a''ed in No$th Ca$olina) The a%end%ent -a' a ont$o!e$'ial i''ue in the 'tate

and %an" 'tudent' -e$e ati!e in $ai'ing a-a$ene'' o# it and lea$ning aout it a$ound the 'tate)

The @ue'tionnai$e 'ho-ed that onl" th$ee 'tudent' an'-e$ed the" ha!e not lea$ned aout the la-)

=hen 05 'tudent' an'-e$ed the" ha!e lea$ned a lot aout the i''ue) &tudent' 'ee% to e #ai$l"

in#o$%ed aout loal i''ue')

In addition to a'4ing aout loal o$ 'tate le!el i''ue'> the $e'ea$he$' a'4ed 'tudent' i#

the" had lea$ned aout P$e'ident Oa%a?' health a$e 2lan) Thi' -a' al'o anothe$ ont$o!e$'ial

i''ue that had a lot o# %edia o!e$age and o%%enta$" o!e$ the 2a't "ea$) Onl" one 'tudent 'aid

the" ha!e ne!e$ lea$ned an"thing aout the health a$e 2lan) 10 'tudent' 'aid the" -e$e !e$"

o#ten in#o$%ed aout i''ue) The nu%e$ o# !e$" in#o$%ed 'tudent' -a' not a' high #o$ the

national le!el a' the 'tate le!el> ut the nu%e$ -a' high enough to on'ide$ the 'tudent'

in#o$%ed)

Along -ith a'4ing aout the 'tate and loal le!el'> the $e'ea$he$' -e$e inte$e'ted in ho-

in#o$%ed 'tudent' -e$e -ith thing' ha22ening at the inte$national le!el) &tudent' -e$e a'4ed

ho- %uh the" lea$ned aout the $eent i''ue' ha22ening in Li"a) The 4illing o# the Li"an

a%a''ado$ %an" ne-' agenie' and late night o%edie' -e$e o!e$ing the i''ue) Fou$ 'tudent'

'aid the" ne!e$ lea$ned aout the i''ue) Thi' -a' inte$e'ting 'ine the i''ue -a' onl" a %onth old

at the ti%e o# the 'u$!e") Ele!en 'tudent' 'aid the" lea$n aout the i''ue o#ten)

The @ue'tionnai$e al'o #eatu$ed @ue'tion' a'4ing the $e'2ondent' i# the" identi#ied -ith a

2a$tiula$ 2a$t" o$ ideolog") &it"8#ou$ o# 2a$tii2ant' 'aid !e$" 't$ongl" ag$eed o$ ag$eed -ith


18/38


eing identi#ied -ith a 2a$tiula$ 2a$t" o$ ideolog") On the othe$ hand> u't eight 2e$ent o#

2a$tii2ant' 'aid #elt the" di'ag$eed o$ di'ag$eed 't$ongl" -ith identi#"ing -ith a 2a$tiula$

2olitial 2a$t" o$ ideolog") T-ent"8eight 2e$ent o# the 'tud" 2a$tii2ant' 'aid that the" neithe$

ag$eed no$ di'ag$eed -ith eing identi#ied -ith a 2a$tiula$ 2olitial 2a$t" o$ ideolog")

The $e'ea$he$' al'o inluded a 2o't8'u$!e" @ui* to gauge 2a$tii2ant?' 2olitial

4no-ledge) Onl" nineteen 2a$tii2ant' o%2leted the @ui*) O# the 2a$tii2ant' -ho an'-e$ed the

@ui*> all nineteen 2a$tii2ant' an'-e$ed a @ue'tion aout P$e'ident Oa%a?' healtha$e 2oli"

Oa%aa$e o$$etl") Thi' 'ho-' that the$e -a' 'igni#iant 2olitial o!e$age and di'u''ion o#

thi' to2i) The net lo'e't @ue'tion that -a' an'-e$ed o$$etl" -a' on the A%end%ent One

that -a' $eentl" 2a''ed in No$th Ca$olina> -ith eighteen o$$et an'-e$')

Ho-e!e$> 2a$tii2ant' 't$uggled on le''8di'u''ed 2olitial @ue'tion') .ui* 2a$tii2ant'

't$uggled on a @ue'tion a'4ing aout udiial $e!ie-> -hih i' not a hea!il"8o!e$ed to2i in

toda"?' %edia) Onl" eight out o# nineteen @ui* 2a$tii2ant' an'-e$ed thi' @ue'tion o$$etl")

Pa$tii2ant' al'o 't$uggled -ith @ue'tion' on oth the u$$ent &2ea4e$ o# the Hou'e and the

u$$ent &e$eta$" o# &tate> -ith ten 'tudent' 'o$ing o$$etl" on oth @ue'tion') Thi' @ui*

e##eti!el" aid' the $e'ea$he$' in 2$o!ing that %edia o!e$age and 2olitial o%%enta$" ha' an

i%2at on ollege 'tudent?' 2olitial 4no-ledge)

The $e'ult' o# the 'u$!e" "ielded $e'ult' that 'u22o$t h"2othe'i' 1) The $e'ea$he$' u'ed a

#i!e82oint Li4e$t 'ale that dete$%ined 2olitial ati!it") The $e'ea$he$' %ea'u$ed ho- o#ten

'tudent' 2a$tii2ated in 2olitial 2$ote't o$ $allie'> !oting in gene$al eletion' and identi#iation

-ith a 2olitial 2a$t" " u'ing a #i!e82oint Li4e$t 'ale) The $e'ea$he$' -e$e ale to 'u22o$t the

h"2othe'i' 'ine $e'ult' "ielded a 2o'iti!e o$$elation)


19/38


The 'u$!e" $e'ea$h $e'ult' 'u22o$ted h"2othe'i' one) H"2othe'i' one 'tated that the

%o$e late8night o%edie' ollege 'tudent' -ath> the %o$e 2olitiall" ati!e the" -ould eo%e)

/'ing a o$$elation %at$i on eel> the $e'ea$he$' #ound a 2o'iti!e o$$elation $ )590

et-een 2a$tii2ant' 2olitial 4no-ledge 'o$e' and -athing The Dail" &ho- on tele!i'ion) The

$e'ult' al'o 'ho-ed a 2o'iti!e o$$elation $ )39 et-een 2a$tii2ant?' 2olitial 4no-ledge

'o$e and -athing The Cole$t Re2o$t on tele!i'ion) Though -athing The Cole$t Re2o$t

"ielded a -ea4e$ o$$elation> oth late8night o%edie' 'ho-' $egi'te$ed 2o'iti!e o$$elation'

'u22o$ting the #i$'t h"2othe'i' &ee Tale 1

The $e'ult' o# the 'u$!e" "ielded $e'ult' that al'o 'u22o$ted h"2othe'i' 0) The 'eond

h"2othe'i' 'tated that the %o$e late8night o%edie' ollege 'tudent' -ath on tele!i'ion> the

%o$e 2olitiall" in#o$%ed the" eo%e) The $e'ea$he$' u'ed a 'ale that dete$%ined 2olitial

4no-ledge) The $e'ea$he$' %ea'u$ed ho- o#ten 'tudent' -athed the late night o%edie')

/'ing an eel o$$elation %at$i -e$e ale to #ind 'u22o$t #o$ h"2othe'i' 0) The @ue'tionnai$e

a'4ed the $e'2ondent' ho- in#o$%ed the" #elt on u$$ent 2olitial i''ue' at the inte$national>

national> and 'tate le!el') The @ue'tion' -e$e aout the u$$ent i''ue' in Li"a> P$e'ident

Oa%a?' health a$e 2lan> and No$th Ca$olina?' A%end%ent One

The 'u$!e" $e'ea$h 'u22o$ted h"2othe'i' t-o) The o$$elation %at$i 'ho-ed a !e$"

-ea4 2o'iti!e o$$elation $ )97 et-een 2a$tii2ant?' 2olitial ati!it" 'o$e' and -athing

The Dail" &ho- on tele!i'ion) The $e'ea$h al'o "ielded a -ea4 o$$elation $ )13 et-een the

2a$tii2ant?' 2olitial ati!it" 'o$e and -athing The Cole$t Re2o$t on tele!i'ion) The $e'ult'

#$o% the o$$elation o# h"2othe'i' t-o -a' 'igni#iantl" -ea4e$ than h"2othe'i' one> ut it -ill

'till "ield a 2o'iti!e o$$elation &ee Tale 0)


20/38


The $e'ea$he$' #ound that the 'u$!e"' 'u22o$ted the $e'ea$h @ue'tion) The

$e'ea$h @ue'tion a'4ed: Doe' the %o$e ti%e ollege 'tudent' '2end -athing late8night

o%edie' in$ea'e li4elihood the" a$e -athing the 'ho-' #o$ ente$tain%ent The $e'ea$h

@ue'tion i' 'u22o$ted " the data the %o$e hou$' the 'tudent i' -athing the late night o%edie'

the %o$e li4el" the" a$e -athing the 'ho- #o$ ente$tain%ent) The 'tudent' that -ath onl" 10 to

1 hou$ o# late night o%edie' 2e$ -ee4 an'-e$ed 't$ongl" ag$ee o$ ag$ee to -ath the late night

o%edie' #o$ oth ente$tain%ent and in#o$%ation) Ho-e!e$> 'tudent' -athing t-o o$ %o$e

hou$' a -ee4 an'-e$ed 't$ongl" ag$ee o$ ag$ee that the late night o%edie' a$e ente$taining)

The $e'ea$he$' #ound that %an" o# the 'tudent' 'u$!e"ed -athed the t-o late8night

o%edie' #o$ oth ente$tain%ent and 2olitial in#o$%ation gathe$ing) Ho-e!e$> %an" 'tudent'

'2ent le'' than t-o hou$' 2e$ -ee4 -athing the 'ho-> e!en though the" #ound the 'ho- to e

ente$taining) Thi' %ean' that the$e ould e an ulte$io$ %oti!e #o$ the 2a$tii2ant' in -athing

the late8night o%ed" 'ho-'> o$ the" ould ha!e een -athing the 'ho-' 'i%2l" eau'e o#

on!eniene)

In o$de$ to unde$'tand -hih %ediu% 'tudent' -e$e u'ing in o$de$ to -ath the Dail"

&ho-> the $e'ea$he$' a'4ed t-o @ue'tion' on the @ue'tionnai$e to dete$%ine the%) Thi$t"8'i

2e$ent o# 2a$tii2ant' 'aid the" ne!e$ o$ $a$el" -athed the Dail" &ho- li!e on tele!i'ion) On

the othe$ hand> thi$t" 2e$ent o# 2a$tii2ant' 'aid the" -athed the Dail" &ho- li!e on tele!i'ion

o#ten o$ !e$" o#ten) Thi$t"8t-o 2e$ent o# 2a$tii2ant' 'aid the" ne!e$ o$ $a$el" -athed the Dail"

&ho- a' a $e8$un online) Thi$t"8t-o 2e$ent o# 2a$tii2ant' al'o 'aid the" o#ten o$ !e$" o#ten

-athed the Dail" &ho- a' a $e8$un online) The $e'ea$he$' #ound the'e $e'ult' to e inte$e'ting

eau'e the$e -a' !e$" little !a$iation et-een 2a$tii2ant' -athing the Dail" &ho- li!e on

tele!i'ion and -athing it a' a $e8$un online)


21/38


Fo$ the Cole$t Re2o$t> #o$t"8t-o 2e$ent o# 2a$tii2ant' 'aid the" ne!e$ o$ $a$el"

-athed the 'ho- li!e on tele!i'ion) In o%2a$i'on> thi$t" 2e$ent o# 2a$tii2ant' 'aid the"

-athed the Cole$t Re2o$t li!e on tele!i'ion o#ten o$ !e$" o#ten) Thi$t"8#ou$ 2e$ent o#

2a$tii2ant' 'aid the" ne!e$ o$ $a$el" -athed the Cole$t Re2o$t a' a $e8$un online) Thi$t"8#ou$

2e$ent o# 2a$tii2ant' 'aid the" -athed the Cole$t Re2o$t a' a $e8$un online o#ten o$ !e$"

o#ten)

The $e'ea$he$' %ea'u$ed 2olitial ati!it" " a'4ing the 2a$tii2ant' a @ue'tion on ho-

o#ten the" 2a$tii2ated in a 2olitial $all" o$ 2$ote't) &it" 2e$ent o# 'u$!e" 2a$tii2ant' 'aid the"

ne!e$ o$ $a$el" 2a$tii2ated in a 2olitial $all" o$ 2$ote't) Onl" #ou$teen 2e$ent o# the 2a$tii2ant'

'aid the" o#ten o$ !e$" o#ten 2a$tii2ated in a 2olitial 2$ote't o$ $all") T-ent"8'i 2e$ent o#

2a$tii2ant' 'aid the" 'o%eti%e' 2a$tii2ated in a 2olitial 2$ote't o$ $all") Thi' @ue'tion

de%on't$ated ho- 2olitiall" ati!e the 'tudent' -e$e th$ough 2a$tii2ating in a 2olitial 2$ote't

o$ $all") De'2ite 'tudent' -athing the Dail" &ho- and the Cole$t Re2o$t #o$ 2olitial

in#o$%ation> the" did not 'ho- a 't$ong $elation'hi2 in 2a$tii2ating in 2olitial 2$ote't' and

$allie')

A thi$d @ue'tion that the $e'ea$he$' #elt i%2o$tant to highlight -a' i# 2a$tii2ant' -e$e

ati!e in !oting in gene$al eletion') Fou$ 2e$ent o# 2a$tii2ant' 'aid the" ha!e ne!e$ o$ $a$el"

!ote in gene$al eletion') In o%2a$i'on> eight"82e$ent o# 2a$tii2ant' 'aid the" o#ten o$ !e$"

o#ten !oted in gene$al eletion') &iteen 2e$ent o# the 2a$tii2ant' 'aid the" 'o%eti%e' !oted in

eletion') In o%2a$i'on to the la't @ue'tion -hih te'ted 2a$tii2ant?' 2olitial ati!it"> the$e

-e$e 'igni#iantl" %o$e 2olitiall" ati!e than inati!e o$ onl" 'o%eti%e' ati!e 'tudent')

In o%2a$ing the t-o tele!i'ion 'ho-'> the $e'ea$he$' #ound that the 2a$tii2ant' -e$e

'2lit #ai$l" e!en on -athing the 'ho- li!e o$ online) =ith the in$ea'e o# inte$net a2ailitie'>


22/38


'tudent' a$e ale to -ath the Cole$t Re2o$t and the Dail" &ho- at #a't '2eed' and at thei$ o-n

lei'u$e) The 2a$tii2ant' -e$e '2lit !e$" lo'el" et-een -athing the t-o late8night o%edie'

online a' $e8$un' and -athing the% li!e on tele!i'ion) The $e'ea$he$' initiall" thought that the

2a$tii2ant' -ould 2$e#e$ one 'ho- o!e$ the othe$ ut the $e'ult' 2$o!ed othe$-i'e)

Conlu'ion

=ith the /'e' and G$ati#iation theo$" the$e a$e %an" di##e$ent $ea'on' a 'tudent ould

e -athing late8night o%edie' li4e The Dail" &ho- and the Cole$t Re2o$t) Ho-e!e$> late8

night o%edie' a$e 2$odued %o$e o#ten a' a 'ou$e o# ente$tain%ent $athe$ than in#o$%ation)

&ine late8night o%edie' a$e eing u'ed a' oth a 'ou$e o# in#o$%ation and ente$tain%ent>

!ie-e$' a$e ale to #ul#ill t-o o# the #i!e atego$ie' o# the /'e' and G$ati#iation' theo$") The

t-o atego$ie' that a$e %o't o#ten #ul#illed " ollege 'tudent' -ould e the ogniti!e and

a##eti!e atego$ie') The ogniti!e atego$" in!ol!e' a@ui$ing in#o$%ation and 4no-ledge>

-hile the a##eti!e atego$" in!ol!e' on'u%ing %edia #o$ e%otional 2lea'u$e and #eeling') The

$e'ea$h 'u22o$t' the'e t-o atego$ie' a' 73 o# the $e'2ondent' #ound late8night o%edie' to e

2olitiall" in#o$%ati!e &ee Tale 5)

Li%itation'

The$e -e$e 'e!e$al li%itation' du$ing thi' 'tud") One o# the 2$i%a$" li%itation' -a' onl"

69 'tudent' -e$e 'u$!e"ed) The lo- nu%e$ o# 'tudent $e'2ondent' -a' au'ed " the ti%e

on't$aint' 'ine the $e'ea$he$' had to get 'u$!e"' a22$o!ed> di't$iuted> and then oded e#o$e

the 'tud" ould e o%2leted) The$e -e$e al'o onl" t-o $e'ea$he$' in!ol!ed in thi' 'tud") The

$e'ea$he$' -e$e al'o not #a%ilia$ -ith ho- to ondut 'tati'tial anal"'i'> 'o the $e'ea$he$' had

to '2end 'igni#iant ti%e #igu$ing out ho- to anal"*e the $e'ult' o# the @ue'tionnai$e) The

$e'ea$he$' al'o had a ha$d ti%e 2$editing the eat o$$elation et-een the t-o late8night


23/38


o%ed" 'ho-' and 2olitial ati!it" and 4no-ledge) Not all 'u$!e" 2a$tii2ant' -e$e ale to

o%2lete the @ui* #eatu$ed at the end o# the 'u$!e" 'o the $e'ea$he$' -e$e unale to alulate

tho'e $e'ult' into the 'tud")

Reo%%endation' #o$ Futu$e &tudie'

The $e'ea$he$' $eo%%end u'ing a -ide$ !a$iet" o# 'tudent' in #utu$e 'tudie') A %ao$it"

o# the 'tudent' 'u$!e"ed in thi' $e'ea$h -e$e u22e$la''%en> -ith %o't o# the 'u$!e" eing

ta4en " 'enio$ 'tudent') A ette$ la'' alane ould ha!e "ielded di##e$ent $e'ea$h $e'ult') The

$e'ea$he$' onl" u'ed 69 'tudent' out o# 0>599 'tudent' at .ueen' /ni!e$'it" o# Cha$lotte> o$ t-o

2e$ent o# the 'tudent od"> 'o u'ing a la$ge$ nu%e$ o# $e'2ondent' -ould allo- $e'ea$he$' to

gene$ali*e the $e'ult' %o$e 'igni#iantl" a$o'' the 2o2ulation) In'tead o# o%2a$ing all 'tudent'

olleti!el" togethe$> the $e'ea$he$' 'ugge't o%2a$ing 'tudent' on a la'' to la'' a'i') Eithe$

onduting a 'tud" onl" on one la''> o$ 2o''il" o%2a$ing $e'ult' a$o'' the #ou$ la''e') In

thi' -a"> it i' 2o''ile that a di##e$ene ould e di'e$ned et-een late8night o%ed" !ie-ing in

a 'enio$ and a #$e'h%an) Al'o> ino$2o$ating !ideo li2' o$ 'eg%ent' o# the late night o%edie'

u'ed in the 'u$!e"' ould hel2 i%2$o!e the 'u$!e"' tho$oughne'')

Futu$e $e'ea$he$' 'hould al'o inlude @ue'tion' aout t$aditional ne-' 'ou$e' li4e

ne-'2a2e$' and ne-' $oada't'> and al'o inluding @ue'tion' on the 2a$tii2ant' !ie-ing

#$e@uen" o# the !a$iou' outlet') The $e'ea$he$' 'hould al'o %ea'u$e i# 2a$tii2ant' a$e u'ing

late night o%edie' in'tead o# t$aditional ne-' outlet') =ith the'e @ue'tion' in hand it -ould e

2o''ile #o$ the $e'ea$he$' to o%2a$e t$aditional %edia outlet' !e$'u' late8night o%edie')

The" 'hould e ale to di'tingui'h -hethe$ o$ not 'u$!e" 2a$tii2ant' a$e gaining 2olitial

in#o$%ation %o$e th$ough eithe$ 'ou$e) &ine the $e'ea$he$' did not a'4 the'e @ue'tion'> the"


24/38


-e$e unale to !e$i#" i# a 'tudent?' 2olitial 4no-ledgeale -a' a di$et o$$elation -ith late

night o%edie' o$ othe$ 'ou$e')


25/38


Re#e$ene'

,au%ga$tne$> ()> + Mo$$i'> () 0997The dail" 'ho- e##et: Candidate e!aluation'> e##ia"> and

A%e$ian "outh)A%e$ian Politi' Re'ea$h> 353> 351837;)

,au%ga$tne$> () + Mo$$i'> () 099) One nation unde$ &te2hen The e##et o# the ole$t $e2o$t

on a%e$ian "outh)(ou$nal o# ,$oada'ting and Elet$oni Media> 7008750)

,a"%> G) 0996 The dail" 'ho-: Di'u$'i!e integ$ation and the $ein!ention o# 2olitial

ou$nali'%)Politial Co%%uniation (ou$nal> 00> 0680;7)

Cha> ()> + Chan8Ol%'ted> &) M) 0910) &u'titutailit" et-een Online Video Plat#o$%' and

Tele!i'ion) (ou$nali'% + Ma'' Co%%uniation .ua$te$l"> 0> 07180;)

E!eland ($)> =) P) 0995) The e##et o# 2olitial di'u''ion in 2$oduing in#o$%ed iti*en': The

$ole' o# in#o$%ation> %oti!ation> and elao$ation)Politial Co%%uniation>010> 1;;8

13)

Gaine'> E) 099;) The Na$$ati!e &e%ioti' o# The Dail" &ho-) &e%iotia> 177185) 187)

Heid$i4> R) 0997) Fa4e o$ #ition: Doe' o%ed"8ou$nali'% hu$t A%e$ia

Ret$ie!ed Ot 1) 0910> #$o%htt2:2$e''ing%atte$')da!id'on)edu099793#a4e8o$8#ition8 doe'8

o%ed"ou)ht%l)

Hollande$> ,)A) 0996) Late8Night Lea$ning: Do Ente$tain%ent P$og$a%' In$ea'e Politial

Ca%2aign Kno-ledge #o$ Young Vie-e$' (ou$nal o# ,$oada'ting + Elet$oni Media

55) 5908516)

Kat*> L)> ,lu%le$> () + and Gu$e!ith> M) 1;3) /'e' and g$ati#iation' $e'ea$h)

The Puli O2inion .ua$te$l"> 3;>5> 698603)
http://pressingmatters.davidson.edu/2006/03/fake-or-fiction-http://pressingmatters.davidson.edu/2006/03/fake-or-fiction-


26/38


Keete$> &)> Qu4in C)> Andolina> M) + (en4in'> K) 0990) I%2$o!ing the %ea'u$e%ent' o#

2olitial 2a$tii2ation)Mid-e't Politial &iene A''oiation) Ret$ie!ed Otoe$ 1> 0910

#$o%htt2:2ollat')netdo-nload'MP&A90Keete$Qu4inAndolina(en4in')2d#)

Le!endu'4"> M) + (a4%an> &) 0993) Reon'ide$ing the %ea'u$e%ent o# 2olitial 4no-ledge)

Ret$ie!ed Otoe$ 1> 0910

#$o%htt2:---)'tan#o$d)edula''2oli'i3630995'2$ing$eadingle!endu'4"#inal)2d#)

Pe- Re'ea$h Cente$) 0910) Fu$the$ deline in $ediilit" #o$ %o't ne-' o$gani*ation')

Ret$ie!ed &e2te%e$ 1> 0910> #$o%htt2:---)2eo2le82$e'')o$g0910917#u$the$8

deline8in8$ediilit"8$ating'8#o$8%o't8ne-'8o$gani*ation'

Pe- Re'ea$h) 0995) Cale and Inte$net loo% la$ge in #$ag%ented 2olitial ne-' uni!e$'e)

Ret$ie!ed A2$il > 0995> #$o% htt2:2eo2le82$e'')o$g$e2o$t'di'2la")2h23Re2o$tID099

TV ," the Nu%e$' 0910) Late Night TV Rating' #o$ Otoe$ 00807) Ret$ie!ed Otoe$

06th#$o% htt2:t!"thenu%e$')*a20it)o%09101190late8night8t!8$ating'8#o$8 otoe$8008078

091016665
http://pollcats.net/downloads/MPSA02KeeterZukinAndolinaJenkins.pdfhttp://pollcats.net/downloads/MPSA02KeeterZukinAndolinaJenkins.pdfhttp://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/11/02/late-http://pollcats.net/downloads/MPSA02KeeterZukinAndolinaJenkins.pdfhttp://pollcats.net/downloads/MPSA02KeeterZukinAndolinaJenkins.pdfhttp://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/11/02/late-


27/38


A22endi 1

Tale 1 < Politial In#o$%ation Co$$elation

I -ath the dail" 'ho- on

tele!i'ion

I -ath the Cole$t Re2o$t

on tele!i'ion

Politial

In#o$%ed


tele!i'ion 1


on tele!i'ion 9);36;059; 1

Politial In#o$%ed 9)590;555;5 9)399105707 1

Tale 0 < Politial Ati!it" Co$$elation


tele!i'ion


on tele!i'ion

Politial

Ati!it"


tele!i'ion 1


on tele!i'ion 9);36;059; 1

Politial Ati!it" 9)970;;995 9)13791773 1

Tale 3


28/38


Tale 5 < Politial In#o$%ati!e Late8Night TV

Tale 6 < Late8Night Co%ed" Ente$tain%ent


29/38


Tale 7 < Late8night Co%ed" Vie-ing F$e@uen"


30/38


A22endi 0


31/38


Con'ent Fo$%

Pu$2o'e: Thi' $e'ea$h i' intended to di'o!e$ ollege 'tudent?' 2olitial eha!io$ a#te$ -athing

late8night o%ed" tele!i'ion 'ho-') Thi' i' a !olunta$" 'u$!e") I# "ou do not -i'h to 2a$tii2ate2lea'e $etu$n the 'u$!e" to the $e'ea$he$' i%%ediatel")

The e2eted du$ation o# thi' @ue'tionnai$e i' 16809 %inute')

Con#identialit" Ag$ee%ent: ," 2a$tii2ating in thi' @ue'tionnai$e> "ou$ identit" -ill $e%ain

anon"%ou') You$ na%e and in#o$%ation -ill not e $elea'ed #o$ an" $ea'on) Pa$tii2ation i'

!olunta$" and an e -ithd$a-n at an" ti%e)

I# "ou ha!e an" @ue'tion' aout thi' 'tud"> 2lea'e ontat (e## Conti*ano at 71780686036> o$

e%ail at (e##$e")onti*anoS$e%ail)@ueen')edu > o$ Chel'ea Ell'-o$th at 06087078393 o$ e%ail at

Chel'ea)Ell'-o$thS$e%ail)@ueen')edu)

Thi' i' a 'tud" onduted " Co%%uniation Re'ea$h 'tudent' at .ueen' /ni!e$'it" o#

Cha$lotte> 199 &el-"n A!enue> Cha$lotte> NC 00;5)
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


32/38


P$int Na%e Date

&ignatu$e

A22endi 3

&u$!e"

1. I -ath The Dail" &ho- on tele!i'ion)

1 0 3 5 6

Ve$" O#ten O#ten &o%eti%e' Ra$el" Ne!e$

0) I -ath the Cole$t Re2o$t on tele!i'ion)

1 0 3 5 6


3) I #ind The Dail" &ho- to e ente$taining)

1 0 3 5 6


33/38


&t$ongl" Ag$ee Ag$ee Neithe$ Ag$ee Di'ag$ee &t$ongl"

no$ Di'ag$ee

Di'ag$ee

5) I #ind The Dail" &ho- to e 2olitiall" in#o$%ati!e)

1 0 3 5 6


no$ Di'ag$ee

Di'ag$ee

6) I #ind Cole$t Re2o$t to e ente$taining)

1 0 3 5 6


no$ Di'ag$ee

Di'ag$ee

7) I #ind The Cole$t Re2o$t to e 2olitiall" in#o$%ati!e

1 0 3 5 6


no$ Di'ag$ee

Di'ag$ee

;) In the 2a't -ee4> ho- %an" hou$' o# late8night o%edie' ha!e "ou -athed

A) hou$ < 1 hou$

,) 0 hou$' < 3 hou$'

C) 5 hou$' < 6 hou$'

D) &i o$ %o$e hou$'

8. In the 2a't -ee4> ho- %an" hou$' o# The Cole$t Re2o$t ha!e "ou -athed

E) hou$ < 1 hou$

F) 0 hou$' < 3 hou$'


34/38


G) 5 hou$' < 6 hou$'

H) &i o$ %o$e hou$'

9. In the 2a't -ee4> ho- %an" hou$' o# the Dail" &ho- ha!e "ou -athed

I) hou$ < 1 hou$

() 0 hou$' < 3 hou$'

K) 5 hou$' < 6 hou$'

L) &i o$ %o$e hou$'

19) I an identi#" -ith a 2olitial 2a$t" o$ ideolog")

1 0 3 5 6


no$ Di'ag$ee

Di'ag$ee

11) I ha!e 2a$tii2ated in a 2olitial $all" o$ 2$ote't)

1 0 3 5 6


10) I !ote in gene$al 2olitial eletion')

1 0 3 5 6


13) I ha!e lea$ned aout A%end%ent One that -a' $eentl" 2a''ed in No$th Ca$olina)

1 0 3 5 6



35/38


15) I ati!el" lea$n aout and #ollo- the e!ent' t$an'2i$ing in Li"a in the Middle Ea't)

1 0 3 5 6


16) I ha!e lea$ned aout and $ead u2 on P$e'ident Oa%a?' BOa%aCa$e healtha$e 2lan)

1 0 3 5 6


16. Do "ou -ath The Dail" &ho- li!e on tele!i'ion

1 0 3 5 6


1;) Do "ou -ath The Dail" &ho- online o$ du$ing a $e8$un

1 0 3 5 6


18. Do "ou -ath The Cole$t Re2o$t li!e on tele!i'ion

1 0 3 5 6


19. Do "ou -ath The Cole$t Re2o$t online o$ du$ing a $e8$un

1 0 3 5 6


09) =hat gende$ a$e "ou

01) =hat i' "ou$ age


36/38


00) =hat i' "ou$ aade%i "ea$


37/38


A22endi 5

Politial In#o$%ation .ui*:

1) The u$$ent &2ea4e$ o# the Hou'e i' )

0) The t-o 2$i%a$" P$e'idential andidate' #o$ the 099 eletion -e$e and

)

3) =hat i' the 'eond a%end%ent

5) The 2$oe'' " -hih the 'u2$e%e ou$t an dete$%ine a la- unon'titutional i' $e#e$$ed

to a' )

6) =hat -a' one o# P$e'ident Oa%a?' %ao$ 2oliie' that -a' enated that al'o 'ha$e' hi'

na%e )

7) =hat et$e%el" ont$o!e$'ial la- -a' 2a''ed in No$th Ca$olina thi' "ea$ that ha' al'o

een 2a''ed in 0 othe$ 'tate' )

;) =ho i' the u$$ent 'e$eta$" o# 'tate )


38/38


980 Co$$et: Politiall" unin#o$%ed

385 Co$$et: Fai$l" Politiall" in#o$%ed

6 o$ %o$e Co$$et: Ve$" Politiall" in#o$%ed

political activity and information gathering among college students through late night comedy

Documents