Use of Survey Research in Top Mass Communication Journals 2001–2010 And the Total Survey Error Paradigm

This study identifies trends and practices in survey method use in mass communication research based on the Total Survey Error Paradigm. A content analysis of 479 survey research articles published in four top mass communication journals shows that articles in each journal differ significantly in survey mode. The self-administered print survey was the most common survey mode and most studies opted for non-probability sampling. Funded studies were more likely to employ probability samples and addressed survey research errors. Lack of information on response rates and survey limitations was a common problem in the articles. The analysis shows the surveys employed in mass communication research did not show adequate efforts in minimizing the total survey errors.