Media Coverage and Voter Priorities in the Irish General Elections of 2020 and 2024 – Report
| University | University College Dublin (UCD) |
| Subject | Political Communication |
Objective
Task
You are required to write a 2,500-3,000 word research report that:
- Defines the scope of the research – outlining the major domestic issues covered in The Irish Times in the three months leading up to the 2020 and 2024 elections.
- Compares the frequency of media coverage of key issues with the IPSOS exit poll data, which surveyed 5,000 voters on the most influential issues in their voting choices.
- Analyses alignment and divergence – identifying which issues received disproportionate media attention compared to voter concerns and vice versa.
- Discusses potential reasons for misalignment – exploring factors such as media agenda-setting, political party influence, sensationalism, or public sentiment shifts.
- Draws conclusions and implications for political communication, media responsibility, and voter engagement.
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Methodology
- Conduct a quantitative content analysis of The Irish Times, tracking the frequency of key domestic issues (e.g., housing, healthcare, the economy, climate change, immigration, etc.).
- Use IPSOS exit poll data as a benchmark for voter priorities.
- Compare trends between the 2020 and 2024 elections, noting any shifts.
Format & Requirements
- 2,000 words, properly structured (Introduction, Methodology, Findings, Discussion, Conclusion).
- Use academic sources where necessary to support analysis (media theories, election studies).
- Include graphs or tables where necessary.
- Proper referencing (Harvard or APA style).
