<< That's the thing about journalism--it's often not much more than glorified anecdotes to support preconceptions. It's not that hard to actually study things like student behavior and attitudes using social science methods. It's always been strange to me how journalists have little or no background in social science research methods.
Miles
>>
They solicit anecdotes.
Here's an example I pulled off an investment message board. Note that she already knows the story, she wants some man-in-the-street cries of pain. We see similar solicitations in the retirement newsgroup on Usenet about aging, the angst of retirement, etc.
I don't think there is the slightest interest in learning valid research methods.
>Subject: reporter seeks to interview investors
>Author: rochelle sharpe
>Date: 2/6/01
>Message: Hi,
>I'm a reporter at a national magazine, and I'm just starting work on
>a story about people hit hard by the tech stock collapse -- people who
>are now suffering, either financially and/or emotionally, because of
>the plunge in stock prices.
>Do you know of anyone who is in this situation? I'm looking for people
>willing to tell me their stories (either with or without their names),
who
>have either lost a lot of money, will be forced to postpone retirement,
>might have to sell their homes, or are not sure how they will pay their
>taxes this year.
>Please e-mail at rochellesharpe at aol.com and I'll tell you more about
>the story, or feel free to call me at 617-867-9839.
>Thanks for your help.
>Sincerely,
>Rochelle Sharpe
-- John K. Taber