Edson Tandoc

Playing a crusader role or just playing by the rules? Role conceptions and role inconsistencies among environmental journalists

Environmental journalists have historically struggled between journalistic objectivity and environmental advocacy. But the roles they embrace are based not only on their individual conceptions but also on their perceptions of what their organizations expect from them. Thus, journalistic role conceptions are the melding of individual and organizational role conceptions. These roles do not always correspond, especially for environmental journalists who must compete for space and attention with more sensational and more accessible political, crime or entertainment stories that organizations in search for profit might prioritize. This study finds that such role inconsistencies exist and are influenced by both individual and organizational factors.

A Black and White Game: Racial Stereotypes in Baseball

The current study experimentally tested stereotypes and credibility of messages associated with athletes. Participants were asked to rate photos of Black and White baseball players based on stereotypes identified in previous literature. They were then given an anonymous paragraph from a newspaper that featured either a stereotype consistent or inconsistent message and asked to rate the authors credibility. Black players were rated significantly higher in physical strength and natural ability, which is consistent with previous literature. However, inconsistent with previous literature, White players were not rated significantly higher in intelligence and leadership. Despite these results, when measuring credibility, this study found White-consistent stereotypes to be credible, whereas Black-consistent ones were not. These results are interpreted in light of Devines model of stereotype processing and in-group, out-group bias.

Most students get breaking news first from Twitter

This study examines news consumption patterns of college students by asking where respondents get breaking news and where this source leads them next. The findings, based on an online survey, show the majority gets breaking news from Twitter first, but Twitter also leads users to get more information from websites of traditional news organizations, whose news reports students view as more credible than Twitter.