Where Do We Stand with Newspaper Data?

In: Mobilization: the international quarterly review of social movement research, Volume 10, Issue 3, p. 397-419

Abstract

We review the literature that identifies selection bias in media-based data & propose a theoretical model of the sources of these biases. Given the implications for validity & reliability, we conclude that newspaper data often do not reach acceptable standards for event analysis & that using them can distort findings & misguide theorizing. Furthermore, media selection biases are resistant to correction procedures largely because they are unstable across media sources, time, & location. We end with a plea for more circumspect approaches to media data that fully & openly consider the implications of their inherent limitations. Tables, Figures, References. Adapted from the source document.