Numbers in the Newsroom: A Qualitative Examination of a Quantitative Challenge

To examine how journalists perceive their use of numbers in the news, focus groups were conducted with reporters, copy editors, and top managers of a 150,000-circulation daily newspaper. Results suggest that varying levels of math anxiety lead to fundamental differences in journalists' use of n...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journalism & mass communication quarterly 2001-12, Vol.78 (4), p.720-738
Main Authors: Curtin, Patricia A., Maier, Scott R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accuracy
Anxiety
Competencies
Focus groups
Gender
Grade 6
Job classification
Journalism
Journalists
Literacy
Mass media
Mathematics
Mathematics Achievement
Mathematics anxiety
Mathematics Skills
News
Perceptions
Reporters
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Summary:To examine how journalists perceive their use of numbers in the news, focus groups were conducted with reporters, copy editors, and top managers of a 150,000-circulation daily newspaper. Results suggest that varying levels of math anxiety lead to fundamental differences in journalists' use of numbers. Perceived math ability, not actual ability, appears key to determining the extent that journalists work effectively with numbers. Drawing on self-efficacy theory, the researchers propose a conceptual framework for understanding and improving numeracy in the newsroom. Strategies for helping journalists work with numbers with greater confidence and competence also are explored.
ISSN:1077-6990
2161-430X
DOI:10.1177/107769900107800407