In the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, Bradley is participating in a nationwide research consortium along with 23 other universities.
“The end goal of this is to learn about the election from a variety of perspectives,” Anji Phillips, assistant professor of television arts, said. “[We’re studying] the influence of various media on political attitudes of voters in a presidential election.”
While Phillips was getting her doctorate in political and mass communication at the University of Missouri, she formed a research relationship with the Political Communication Institute and its director, Mitchell McKinney.
“Dr. McKinney invited me to participate [in this study] along with his colleagues from around the country,” Phillips said. “These are folks that have been conducting this research for a pretty long time, so it was kind of an honor to be invited to participate in the group.”
Now, Bradley is included in the research lineup along with schools like San Diego State University, Ohio State University, Iowa State University, Marquette University and Emerson College.
“The debate study was the first of a few studies we’re conducting,” Phillips said. “For example, the idea and what we want to know about debates is, ‘How do you feel about these particular candidates now?’ We want you to watch the debates, to experience and have that debate knowledge … Then, of course, we administer a post-test.”
Phillips said the debate survey results showed viewers believed Hillary Clinton improved with each debate, while Donald Trump did well during the first debate, but did not improve for the following two.
“We’re also examining the media diet of folks,” Phillips said. “For example, how does what we expose ourselves to in media impact the vote choice? It’s even more important because … there’s just been interesting coverage for what’s turned out to be the two frontrunners.”
For Phillips, the most rewarding aspect of being involved in these surveys is analyzing the research results.
“A lot of times we speculate, ‘The media does that, that liberal media, the alt-right,’” Phillips said. “We hear these things, and what does all of that mean? Rather than speculating, let’s do the research to find out.”
Phillips said she hopes Bradley’s research on the subject expands in future years.
“This is the beginning of a partnership with Bradley and approximately [23] other universities across the country,” Phillips said. “I anticipate in future elections that, as a group, we will work together on these.”
Both surveys – the debate and the political media survey – run until Nov. 8.
To participate in the surveys, visit tinyurl.com/2016BradleyElection1 and tinyurl.com/2016BradleyElection2.
