Effects concerning the level of aggregates of people, issues and time segments on the outcome of agenda-setting studies.

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Volker Gehrau
• Subject Area: Communication Sciences
• Term: from 2011 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 196470995

According to the first version of its application, the main aim of this study is to generate basic knowledge on the modeling of processes concerning both the agenda-setting function of mass media and public opinion. Based on the assumption that differences and even contradictory findings in agenda-setting studies outcomes might also partly derive from different modes and levels of aggregation, this study focuses on the influence of decisions concerning the respective level of (a) aggregates of people, (b) aggregates of issues and (c) aggregates of time (on the outcome of analyses): Gaining further insight into these processes is the major aim of the study proposed. By granting this project a continuation, media data, which due to unpredictable difficulties could not be processed satisfactory to date, could be completed and validated. An entire series of complete media data input would enable an analysis on a daily level and thereby not only allowing to measure aggregation effects for shorter units of time (days): By assigning a definite set of media content in a specific time span prior to the survey to each interviewee, differences between the individual level and the level of group aggregations could also be measured. Furthermore, parameters serving as indicators for the quality of media data as an input are to be identified by taking the newly-gathered media data into account. Moreover, a continuation of the project would allow preparing and substantiating emerging cooperation with other scientists, institutions or projects by utilizing the data processed within our project.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants