Research questions

Topic

Framing change on news media reports on immigration of unaccompanied children after presidential announcement of a humanitarian crisis

Research questions:

RQ1 (Frequency of coverage)

How many stories about this phenomenon were published?

• Since it was recognized as such (October 1, 2012) and until President Obama’s announcement?
• After President Obama’s announcement in June 2, 2014?

RQ2 (Illegal immigration as a social problem)

How do the media present the question of why this new group of immigrants is a problem?

• H2a: Newspapers in border states than newspapers elsewhere will be more likely to present unaccompanied minors as burden to their communities.

RQ3 (Attribution of causal responsibility)

How do media present the causes of illegal immigration from this group?

• H3a: National newspapers will be more likely to present increased violence in Central America as the cause for illegal immigration.
• H3b: Newspapers in border states will be more likely to present promises of easy path to legalization as the cause for illegal immigration.

RQ4 (Sources)

How diverse are the sources used by media when covering this phenomenon?

• H4a: Newspapers in border states will be more likely to interview unaccompanied minors for their stories.
• H4b: National newspapers will be more likely to rely on government sources for their stories.