The method description for each of the Media Analysis data sets are as follows:
For this project, we collected every article published in Maine (from the Bangor Daily News and Portland Press Herald) and New Hampshire (Concord Monitor, Union Leader) from 2003-2014 (n = 2,599). These data were collected using Lexis-Nexis database using the search terms clam flat, shellfish, and shellfish + bacteria. Because of the large sample size, data from 2003-2013 was randomly sampled and combined with the entire set from 2013-2014 for analysis. After random sampling, the data were qualitatively analyzed using NVivo for Mac for article frame and expertise.
For this project, we compiled all of the articles from the original media data set (described above) that mentioned the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) (n = 183). These articles were analyzed using the qualitative coding software Atlas for article frame, DMR image, and geographic location. These data are currently being analyzed using GIS analysis to detect spatial patterns in news coverage of shellfish-related issues. A summary of descriptive data is available upon request.
NEST researchers (n=27) were interviewed about their work, their stakeholder communication practices, and their communication with the NEST team. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. The transcripts were then analyzed for stakeholder communication practices and perceptions of epistemic authority. This data set cannot be made available in its raw form because the identity of the NEST researchers cannot be adequately protected. Instead, summary graphs are provided.
NEST researchers were surveyed about their stakeholder communication and perceptions of stakeholder expertise. All NEST researchers (n=52) were asked to participate, and 27 agreed, providing a response rate of 50%. Data were analyzed for correlations. While this data set cannot be made available in raw form, summary statistics are provided.