Does Research Matter? An Analysis of Media Opinion on Bilingual Education, 1984–1994

Abstract

Media opinion pieces, as persuasive rhetorical devices, have recourse to the use of social science research in support of their editorial positions. This study examines the extent to which newspaper and magazine opinion pieces employed scientific research findings in making their arguments in support of or opposition to bilingual education. A content analysis was conducted on bilingual education articles published in educational research journals as well as opinion pieces--staff editorials, signed opinion pieces, and letters to the editor--on bilingual education from five national newspapers and three national news magazines over an eleven year period, 1984–1994. Major findings of the analyses were that (a) 82% of empirical studies and research reviews reported favorable findings on the effectiveness of bilingual programs; (b) only 45% of persuasive newspaper articles took a similar position favorable to bilingual education; (c) less than half of all persuasive newspaper articles made any mention of social science research, while nearly a third relied on personal or anecdotal accounts; and (d) there was no significant difference in terms of position (for or against) between those persuasive pieces which used research and those which did not. Findings are discussed in terms of the means by which academic research information is disseminated and influences on editorial opinion formation from sources outside of the social sciences.

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