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oliver at ssc dot wisc dot edu

Pamela Oliver
Sociology Dept
.
1180 Observatory Dr. Madison, Wisconsin
53706-1393
608-262-6829

 

 

Professor Pamela Oliver

Department of Sociology

Codebook for Content Analysis of Stories about Protest Events

This represents the semi-official copy of the content analysis code book. Names in ALL CAPITALS represent the variable names as they appear in the data table and/or Stata data. Questions appear verbatim as they did in the coding form. Response definition/options appear in [brackets] General instructions on from the form are in italics and underlined.. Variables are ordered here based on the order that they appear in the Access coding form. For the most part, these are in the same order in the data table. Exceptions to this are identified with three *** asterisks and a note about location.

Form Header Questions

CODEYORN Did you code this story? If YES, please check this box. If not, please explain below.
[Check Box]

QUESTION Record uncertainties or QUESTIONS here. If you do not code a section or story, please explain.
[Text Field]

MAINEVNT Please identify the EVENT that is the basis for coding the present record.
[Text Field—identified from tagline files and event DB]]

PURPMESS Please identify what the EVENT PURPOSE or MESSAGE is--as it has been defined in advance.
[Text Field – Coders were to enter message as identified by leader]

SIDEA/SIDEB Identify who or what represents the different sides of the issue--as defined in advance.
[Text Field; one for Side A, one for Side B—as defined by leader]

***RECORDN1 (Located at end of spreadsheet/data table) In the box to the left, enter the number of the record you are currently coding (the number in the white box in the lower left corner of the page.)
[Text Field]

CODETIME Code time - Minutes
[Text Field]

Tagline Data Page (first page tab within the coding form--TAGLN)

Instructions: Code the following variables for EACH story in the story set.

ID Identification Index #:
[Numbers arbitrarily assigned to differentiate b/w individual stories]

CODER Original Coder/Coders:
[Text Field – Initials of original tagline coder]

TAGSEQU Story Sequence Code:
[Numbers are semi-arbitrary; stories within a set have adjacent numbers)

POLICSRC Police Record Source:
[Campus = Campus Police Cap Log = Capital Police log Cap Perm = Capitol Police permits MPD = Madison Police Department
Stillman = City street use coordinator’s notebook]

FILNAMID
File -- Identification #:
[Each number represents a unique ID for individual event files that is the transformation of the event date into century days]

FILNMETI
File -- Name:
[Nominal label given to individual event files]

EVNTDATE
Event Date:
[Date of individual event]

NEWSSORC
News/Story Source:
[TCT = The Capital Times
WSJ = Wisconsin State Journal]

DATESTRY
Story Date:
[Date story was published]

DATEDIFF
Difference between Event Date and Story Date:
[Time elapsed between event and date of story publication]

DAY
Day of Week of News Story:
[Day of week—Monday, Tuesday, etc.—story was published]

EDITION
News Edition:
[Daily edition—First, second, all, etc.—of newspaper]

SECTION
News Section:
[Newspaper section—Front, Local/State, etc.]

LENGSTRY
Story Length:
[Numerical—word count]

HEADLINE
Story Headline:
[Verbatim story headline]

BYLINE
Story Byline:
[Verbatim story byline]

DATELINE
Story Dateline:
[Date]

EVTINHED
Was the Event Mentioned in the Headline?
[Yes/No]

GRAPHIC
Was there a Graphic?
[Yes/No]

BEFRELWD
Words before Event?
[Word count—number before topics relevant to event mentioned]

RELVTWDS
Number of Relevant Words:
[Word count—number of words relevant to the event]

BEFEVTWD
Words before Event?
[Word count—number of words before event mentioned]

EVTWORDS
Number of Event Words:
[Word count—number of words specifically related to event]

MULTI
Were Multiple Events Mentioned?
[Yes/No]

TAGCNTXT
Context (Rated 1-4 on Event Relevance):
[1=story is about something else; some description or mention of event, but nothing about issue.
2=story is about the issue the event concerns, but only mentions or refers to the event without really describing it
3=story is about issue or context, contains some description of the event
4=story is basically about the event and circumstances around it]

TAGCONTXT2
Context -- Described by Coder:
[Text Field]

TROUBLE
Note of Any Troubles Coding:
[Text Field]


Identifier Variables Page (second tab—IDs)

Instructions: Code the following variables for EACH story in the story set.

***RECORDN2 (Located at end of spreadsheet/data table)
Check Record #
[Text Field—See RECORDN1 above]

UNIQUEID
Enter the UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION number code for this story set.
[Same as FILENMID variable above]

SEQUENCE
Enter the SEQUENCE number for this individual story as it is recorded at the beginning of the article or in its tagline file.
[Same as TAGSEQU above]

INITIALS
Enter the initials you are using to identify yourself as the coder of this record.
[Text field—identifies content analysis coder, in contrast to the tagline coder for CODER above]

UNQSEQEV
Create a unique identification variable for this record by combining the previous three. Separate by a "dash:" UNIQUEID-SEQUENCE-INITIALS.
[Text Field]

EVTYORN
Is there any DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENT in this article? This can include previews anticipating details of the event. If "Yes," check the box.
[Check box]

PREVYORN
Does this article "preview" the event? If "Yes," check the box.
[Check box]

You must now make a decision about what to code next. If the article is about the event, then proceed to code the subform titled EVT1. If not, then proceed to code the subform ISS1.


Event Variables 1 Page (third tab—EVT1)


EVTYPE
From the pulldown list given in this field, identify the TYPE OF EVENT that is central to this story set.


Permitted Message Events

  1. 1 Rally (Stationary Demo)
  2. 2 March (At some pt. mobile)
  3. 3 Vigil
  4. 4 Ceremony/ Press Conference
  5. 5 Speeches, hearings, meetings open to public
  6. 6 Service, Memorial
  7. 7 meetings, conferences not public
  8. 8 forum, debate recode as 5
  9. 9 larger days (e.g. earth, mlk, veterans)
  10. Unpermitted Message Events

  11. 10 Pickets, signs, banners (small)
  12. 11 Protest at hearing, speech, meeting
  13. 12 Unpermitted protest
  14. 13 Protest at social, recreational event
  15. 15 leafletting
  16. 16 possible protest, may not have happened
  17. 17 Blockade
  18. 18 Violence or vandalism at protest
  19. Message Non-Events

  20. 21 Display of info
  21. 22 Distribute Literature or other messages
  22. 23 Collections
  23. Crimes

  24. 31 Vandalism
  25. 32 Bomb
  26. 33 Riot
  27. 34 Fight
  28. 35 Bomb Threat
  29. Commercial, Fundraising

  30. 41 Fundraiser, Non profit
  31. 42 City-wide Festival
  32. 43 Commercial Event
  33. 44 Fair or sale
  34. 45 Specific firm (ad or tie-in to event)
  35. Entertainment

  36. 51 Impromptu Celebration
  37. 52 Neighborhood Party, school parties, parades
  38. 53 Athletic Event
  39. 54 Theatrical Performance
  40. 55 Concert
  41. 56 Art Exhibit or creative displays
  42. 57 Dance
  43. 58 Other activity
  44. 59 Party
  45. 60 ethnic festivals or other events which may have content
  46. 61 parades
  47. 62 record unclear
  48. 99 not collective events

EVTLOC
EVENTLOC2
Is the LOCATION of the event provided in the story? If it is provided, identify specifically where in the second field.
[0 = Not provided in the story
1 = Provided
9 = Uncertain]
[Text Field]

ANNUAL
As best you can tell, is the event an ANNUAL one?
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

MOBSTRUC
Are MOBILIZING efforts mentioned? (e.g. local committees, national committees, churches, coordinators, marshalls . . . )
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

BEFORE
Is there any mention of PRELIMINARY events such as rallies, meeting, or gatherings that take place in the days or weeks before the event occurs?
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

AFTER
Is there any mention of planned FOLLOW-UP activities (e.g. voting, marching, boycotting, organizing, planned rallies . . . )
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

EVTSAID
Rate the level of detail provided in this article about WHAT PEOPLE SAID at the event. Include messages on banners. Omit things not said specifically at the event.
[0 = Nothing at all
1 = A slogan or a phrase
2 = A few sentences (No more than 5)
3 = 2 or 3 paragraphs (or 6 to 15 sentences)
4 = More than 15 sentences

POINTEVT
After reading the article, what do you understand the PURPOSE or POINT OF THE EVENT to be?
[Text Field—Coder description]

TARGET
TARGET2
A TARGET is an individual, organization or institution that event supporters call upon to make changes, such as new policies, or to correct some error or injustice. E.g., if there was a protest over welfare cuts in the State budget, the target would be the Thompson Administration. A TARGET is also someone or something whose beliefs or actions prompt the protest as a response. E.g., if a political cartoon offends a group, the cartoonist would be the target of their protests. In this article, is there a clear and/or named target of this event? If "Yes," identify it in the field below. (Note: There can be more than one target.)
[0 = No
1 = Yes]

CTRDEM
Does the story mention the presence of COUNTER-DEMONSTRATORS at the event?
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

POLICE
Is there mention of POLICE presence? (quotation attributed to a police officer should be coded as a 1)
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

ARREST
ARREST2
Does the story mention any ARRESTS taking place at the event? If so, identify who was arrested
[i.e. event supporter(s), counter-demonstrator, bystander(s)] in the second field?
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

RIOT
Does the story mention use of riot gear, tear gas or water cannons by police in effort to DISPERSE the crowd?
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

ASSAULT
ASSAULT2
Does the story mention any physical ASSAULTS? If so, name the parties involved
[i.e. event supporter(s), police, counter-demonstrator(s), bystander(s)] in the second field
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

ACTS
ACTS2
Are the ACTIVITIES of event participants mentioned (e.g. singing chanting, clapping, listening, praying, yelling, fighting)? If yes, please list the specific activities mentioned in the second field.
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

SIZEST
SIZEST2
Identify the estimate of EVENT SIZE in the first field as provided by the story. If you enter 1, 3, or 5, then enter the EXACT text of the size descriptor in the second field. If you enter 2 or 4, enter the exact numerical estimate in the second field. (Note: If multiple estimates are given, enter the one that seems to be most reliable or trustworthy.)
[0 = Not provided in the story
1 = Size-relevant description
2 = Exact numerical estimate given
3 = Rough numerical estimate given
4 = Some combo of size-relevant and exact estimate
5 = Some combo of size-relevant and rough estimate]

DURATION
DURATN2
Is the DURATION of the event mentioned? If you code this 1,3, or 5, then enter the exact-text description of time into the second field. If you code this 2 or 4, then enter the exact chronological estimate into the second field.
[0 = Not provided in the story
1 = Time-relevant description
2 = Exact numerical estimate given
3 = Rough numerical estimate given
4 = Some combo of time-relevant and exact estimate
5 = Some combo of time-relevant and rough estimate]

DISRUPT
DISRUPT2
Does the story mention any of the following ACTIVITIES or similar activities taking place:
* event participants confront en masse or "swarm" elected official(s), member(s) of publicly appointed bodies, judge(s), or election candidate(s)
* event held at the private residence of elected official, member of publicly appointed bodies, judges, or election candidate without the consent of the resident.
* picket or vigil at an event attended by elected official(s), member(s) of publicly appointed bodies, judge(s), or election candidate(s)
[picket or vigil targets those attending]
* event participants hold "sit-in" in the office(s) elected official(s), member(s) of publicly appointed bodies, judge(s), or election candidate(s)
* event participants disrupt proceedings of legislative body, court, board/commission, or government-sponsored public forum. Examples of disruption include chanting, yelling, speaking out of turn, hold "sit-in", block entrance/exit.
* other (please specify in the second field.
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]


Event Variables 2 Page (fourth tab—EVT2)


Instructions: Code the following variables for EACH story in the story set that specifically addresses the main event for this set.

NAMESEVT
List all NAMES, titles, positions and activities of persons identified as PRESENT AT THE EVENT. Positions might include supporter, opponent, public official, expert, by-stander, target, issue-affected, etc. Every individual mentioned should be given a title. Also, if state officials have opposed a group or its message in the past, then, in the absence of explicit evidence to the contrary, one should assume that they or their spokespersons are event opponents.
[Text Field]

SPONSEVT
List all names of individuals or organizations SPONSORING or organizing the event.
[Text Field]

EVTMESG
According to the PARTICIPANTS, what is the message of this event? Copy/paste any text specifically attributed to event PARTICIPANTS (proponents; not opponents) about what their event message is. These may be direct or indirect quotes from participants, or descriptions of what the participants said their message was.
[Text Field]

MSGTYPE
According to the STORY, what is the message of the event? Where possible, please copy/paste text from the story. Otherwise, use your own words to summarize what the story says about the event’s message. (What the story says about the event’s message may or may not be closely aligned with what the participants said the message was.)
[Text Field]

RELIGEV
RELIGEV2
Is there any mention of RELIGION or religious persons in relation to the event? If yes, please enter a basic description (who, what relation, which side, etc.) in the second field. You can either copy/paste or enter your own coder summary.
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

DEMS
Is there any mention of DEMOCRATS in relation to the event? Only code other than 0 if party affiliation is explicitly mentioned.
[0 = None
1 = As participants in the event
2 = As supporters of the event
3 = As opponents or targets of the event
4 = As both supporters/participants and opponents
9 = Uncertain]

REPUBS
Is there any mention of REPUBLICANS in relation to the event? Only code other than 0 if party affiliation is explicitly mentioned.
[0 = None
1 = As participants in the event
2 = As supporters of the event
3 = As opponents or targets of the event
4 = As both supporters/participants and opponents
9 = Uncertain]

3PARTY
3PARTY2
Is there any mention of OTHER POLITICAL PARTIES in relation to the event? Only code other than 0 if party affiliation is explicitly mentioned. If a third party or parties is/are mentioned, please IDENTIFY these by name.
[0 = None
1 = As participants in the event
2 = As supporters of the event
3 = As opponents or targets of the event
4 = As both supporters/participants and opponents
9 = Uncertain]

PRIVINT
Is there any mention of PRIVATE-SECTOR or BUSINESS INTERESTS being centrally related to the event?
[0 = None
1 = As participants in the event
2 = As supporters of the event
3 = As opponents or targets of the event
4 = As both supporters/participants and opponents
9 = Uncertain]

INSTREL
Does the story state specific INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS--legislation, court cases, policy, social practices--which event protestors hope to affect?
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

LEGACT
LEGACT2
Does the story mention recent or active consideration of event-related issue(s) by a LEGISLATIVE BODY or named advisory body? (Note: Legislative bodies include: University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Madison Common Council, State legislature, and US Congress. Advisory bodies include Public Boards and Commissions as well as Madison Mayor or Governor appointed-bodies. Active consideration includes public forums, open or closed hearings, debates, and votes. A general reference to legislative or advisory body taking up the issue should be coded as a "Yes"). If value equals yes, then list the specific activities that were mentioned in the second field.
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

ELECT
ELECT2
Does the story mention active consideration of event-related issue(s) by CANDIDATES currently running for elected office? (Note: active consideration includes speeches and debates about the issue.) If value equals yes, then list the specific activities that were mentioned in the second field.
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

JUDIC
JUDIC2
Does the story mention recent or active consideration of event-related issue(s) by a COURT of law? If value equals yes, then list the specific activities that were mentioned in the second field.
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

RACE
RACE2
Is there any mention of RACIAL or ETHNIC MINORITY/MAJORITY status of any participant or those affected by the issue addressed by the event? If yes, please copy/paste or list all racial, ethnic, minority, or majority references in the second field. Be liberal here. References that might conventionally be understood to be both religious and ethnic orientation, for example, like being Jewish, should be included here.
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

Continue coding event variables on the sub-form EVT3.


Event Variables 3 Page (fifth tab—EVT3)



Instructions: Code the following variables for EACH story in the story set that specifically addresses the main event for this set.

***RECORDN3 (Located at end of spreadsheet/data table)
Check Record #
[Text Field—See RECORDN1 above]

SEXOR
Is there any mention of the SEXUAL ORIENTATION of any participant or those affected by the issue addressed by the event?
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

ABILITY
Is there any mention of the ABILITIES/DISABILITIES of any particpant or those affected by the issue addressed by the event?
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

CLASS
CLASS2
Is there any mention of the SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS of any participant or those affected by the issue addressed by the event (e.g., their income, occupation, blue/white collar, education level, union affiliation, etc.)? If yes, copy/paste or list all references to SE status in the second field.
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Uncertain]

IMAGES
Is there any information about IMAGES at the event that would convey an event message? For example: pictures of an aborted fetus, dead seals, a politician smoking dollar bills, etc. Note: In most cases, all you will have is a verbal description of the image. Code for graphic only if the caption on the graphic leads you to believe that the image is in the graphic.”
0 = No images
1 = A verbal description of an image
2 = A picture of the image (probably only codable if this is clearly inferable from the graphic caption)
3 = Both graphic (inferred from a caption) and verbal description elsewhere in the story (i.e., not only in the caption)

HAPPDETL
Rate the level of detail about what happened at this event (EXCLUDING what was said).
0 = Nothing at all
1 = Vague mention of type of event, no real description (Examples: at a press conference today; protesters yesterday . . . )
2 = Some concrete but brief description of action that gives you a general idea of what happened, but not a lot of detail. Examples: 2000 people marched today for gay rights; protesters blocked the door to the assembly hall)
3 = At least several sentences describing different things that happened at the event or different details about the event (not including things said there)
4 = More extensive details about what was done at the event, who was there, what people wore, the weather, etc. (not including what was said).

HAPDETWS
Count the number of words in the article that describe the specific details of the event, excluding what was said and record this in the adjacent field.
[Word count]

ISSUEWDS
How many WORDS contain discussions of the issue the event concerns? Coders should focus on text that pertains specifically to issue-engaging dialogue, and to omit text that provides details and action-oriented background information; e.g., coders would omit from the word count something like "Group X puts up banner in the past. State takes down banner. Group X lost suit for lack of evidence. State grants permit for Group X to put up banner."
[Word count]

AGENDAEV
Does the story make reference to the sponsoring group’s broader agenda beyond the specific event message conveyed by the story?”
0 = Not at all
1 = Some brief allusion to a broader agenda or concern (e.g., “right-wing Christian,” “progressive movement,” “socialist,” “anti-racist,” “part of a larger pattern”)
2 = 1-2 sentences of discussion of a broader agenda
3 = 3-10 sentences of discussion of a broader agenda
4 = 11 or more sentences of discussion of a broader agenda


LEGIT
When you read the description of this event, what is your impression about the intelligence, purpose, and motivations for event supporters? Be sure to base your responses solely upon the story. Do not introduce outside knowledge or your own political perspective.
[0 = Definitely negative (hostile toward the event message)
1 = Somewhat negative
2 = Neutral
3 = Somewhat positive
4 = Definitely positive (sympathetic to event message)]

Continue coding event variables on the sub-form EVT SDs.


 

Event Semantic Differentials Page (sixth tab—EVT SDs)


Instructions: Based solely upon the content of the story as a whole, use the following differential scales to characterize your impressions of, first, the event organizers or participants, and, second, event opponents or counter-demonstrators, with respect to the values indicated on each pole of the scale. That is, code each side separately. If there is not enough information to code for a particular scale, leave the field blank.

Read the story completely. Sentiments do not have to be explicitly stated only reasonably inferable from the story’s contents. In forming your impressions, be sure to consider (though note exclusively) the following:

  1. a) who is quoted, how many times they are quoted, and in what ways are they coded (i.e. whether distancing techniques is used);
  2. b) the connotations of the terms used to describe event participants;
  3. c) the location of information on the event in the article; and
  4. d) what the focus of the story is, including what is defined as “the issue”.


Please refer to the definitions of the semantic terms as well as the examples provided for the term at the left end of the scale to assist in assigning the appropriate value.

Do not return and recode these variables after moving to the next section of the code sheet.

DEVIATES (Supporter)
DEVIATEO (Opponent)

DEVIATE
Normal Odd
0 1 2 3 4

ODD: deviating from established norms or rules of appropriate conduct, language, or appearance.
NORMAL: not deviating from established norms or rules of appropriate conduct, language, or appearance.

Examples of Odd: Event participants either destroy property or take illegal drugs; make strange, incoherent, or obscene statements or gestures; or are unclean, naked, or dress in highly unconventional attire. “With hairy legs showing beneath his silk dress, the ‘queen’ of the gay pride parade presided triumphantly over the leather fetishists flanking his float.” “The over-sized banner made the Rotunda look like a hockey rink.”


DEPTHES (Supporter)
DEPTHEO (Opponent)

DEPTH
Serious Silly
0 1 2 3 4

SILLY: absurd, trifling or unbecoming levity in conduct, language, or appearance
SERIOUS: thoughtful, sober, and focused in conduct, language, or appearance

Examples of Silly: Those attending a protest against the death penalty play frisbee and sun-bathe. Attendance at the event portrayed as an excuse not to go to classes or work.


STRENGES (Supporter)
STRENGEO (Opponent)

STRENGTH
Weak Strong
0 1 2 3 4

WEAK: without resources, easily dismissed, ineffective at creating pressure on behalf of a desired goal
STRONG: resource-laden, not easily dismissed, effective at creating pressure on behalf of a desired goal

Examples of Weak: Small group of protesters without large financial. Demonstrators were ignored or subdued by the police and targets with few negative ramifications for those dismissing them.


MORALES (Supporter)
MORALEO (Opponent)

MORALITY
Moral Immoral
0 1 2 3 4

MORAL: acting in accordance with what the story states or implies is right
IMMORAL: acting in violation of what the story states or implies is wrong

Examples of Immoral: “The abortion protesters terrorized children with their large posters depicting aborted fetuses.” “If animal rights activists have their way, countless lives will be lost due to an end of valuable medical research using laboratory animals.


You have finished coding all of the EVENT VARIABLES. Please procede to code the ISSUE VARIABLES, beginning with sub-form ISS1.


Issue Variables 1 Page (seventh tab—ISS1)



FORAGAIN
FORAGAIN2
Are there any cases of people expressing themselves, or being identified as, AGAINST THE EVENT but SUPPORTIVE OF THE ISSUE (i.e., whichever side of the issue corresponds to the event)? If "yes," then copy/paste into the field below all text relevant to identification as such..
[0 = No
1 = Yes]

Instructions: Code the following variables for EACH story in the story set that specifically addresses the main issue for this set.

NAMESA
List all NAMES, titles, positions and activities of PERSONS mentioned in relation to SIDE A of the issue. Positions might include supporter, opponent, public official, expert, by-stander, target, issue-affected, etc. Every individual mentioned should be given a title. Also, if state officials have opposed a group, its message, or this issue in the past, then, in the absence of explicit evidence to the contrary, one should assume that they or their spokespersons are event opponents.” Note: This would include the names of persons already coded in the EVENT VARIABLES section, if it was coded for this article.
[Text Field]

SPONSORA
List all NAMES of ORGANIZATIONS mentioned in relation to SIDE A of this issue.
[Text Field]

NAMEB
List all NAMES, titles, positions and activities of PERSONS mentioned in relation to SIDE B of the issue. Positions might include supporter, opponent, public official, expert, by-stander, target, issue-affected, etc. Every individual mentioned should be given a title. Also, if state officials have opposed a group, its message, or this issue in the past, then, in the absence of explicit evidence to the contrary, one should assume that they or their spokespersons are event opponents.” Note: This would include the names of persons already coded in the EVENT VARIABLES section, if it was coded for this article.
[Text Field]

SPONSORB
List all NAMES of ORGANIZATIONS mentioned in relation to SIDE B of this issue.
[Text Field]

MSGTYPE2
Using copy/paste, enter the most concise text in the story that conveys the content of the PRIMARY ISSUE or ISSUE MESSAGE, as portrayed by the article as a whole. You can do this ‘piecemeal’ if necessary.
[Text Field—Coders’ own interpretation]

RLGEVIS
RLGEVIS2
Is there any mention of RELIGION or religious persons in relation to the issue? If yes, please enter a basic description (who, what relation, which side, etc.) in the second field. You can either copy/paste or enter your own coder summary.
[0 = No
1 = Yes]

DEMS2
Is there any mention of DEMOCRATS in relation to the issue? Only code other than ‘0’ if party affiliation is explicitly mentioned.
[0 = No
1 = Yes]

REPUBS2
Is there any mention of REPUBLICANS in relation to the issue? Only code other than ‘0’ if party affiliation is explicitly mentioned.
[0 = No
1 = Yes]

3PARTIS
3PARTIS2
Is there any mention of OTHER political parties in relation to the issue? Only code other than ‘0’ if explicitly mentioned. If mentioned, please identify the third party by name in the second field.
[0 = No
1 = Yes]

PRIVINT2
Is there any mention of PRIVATE SECTOR or BUSINESS INTERESTS being centrally related to the issue?
[0 = No
1 = Yes]

INSTREL2
Does the story state specific INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS— legislation, court cases, policy, social practices—which would be changed by action on this issue?
[0 = No
1 = Yes]

LEGIACT
LEGIACT2
Does the story mention recent or active consideration of the issue or issue message by a LEGISLATIVE BODY or named advisory body? (Note: Legislative bodies include: University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Madison Common Council, State legislature, and US Congress. Advisory bodies include Public Boards and Commissions as well as Madison Mayor or Governor appointed-bodies. Active consideration includes public forums, open or closed hearings, debates, and votes. A general reference to legislative or advisory body taking up the issue should be coded as a "Yes"). If value equals yes, then list the specific activities that were mentioned in the second field.
[0 = No
1 = Yes]

ELCTION
ELCTION2
Does the story mention active consideration of the issue or issue message by CANDIDATES currently running for elected office? (Note: active consideration includes speeches and debates about the issue.) If value equals yes, then list the specific activities that were mentioned in the second field.
[0 = No
1 = Yes]

JUCICIAL
JUDICIAL2
Does the story mention recent or active consideration of the issue or issue message by a COURT of law? If value equals yes, then list the specific activities that were mentioned in the second field.
[0 = No
1 = Yes]


Continue coding issue variables on the sub-form ISS2.



Issue Variables 2 Page (eighth tab—ISS2)



***RECORDN4 (Located at end of spreadsheet/data table)
Check Record #
[Text Field—See RECORDN1 above]

Instructions: Code the following variables for EACH story in the story set that specifically addresses the main issue for this set.

RACEISS
RACEISS2
Is there any mention of RACIAL or ETHNIC MINORITY/MAJORITY status of persons affected by or with an interest in the issue or issue message? If yes, please copy/paste or list all racial, ethnic, minority, or majority references in the second field. Be liberal here. References that might conventionally be understood to be both religious and ethnic orientation, for example, like being Jewish, should be included here.
[0 = No
1 = Yes]

SEXORISS
Is there any mention of the SEXUAL ORIENTATION of persons affected by or with an interest in the issue or issue message?”
[0 = No
1 = Yes]

ABILITYI
Is there any mention of the ABILITIES/DISABILITIES of persons affected by or with an interest in the issue or issue message?
[0 = No
1 = Yes]

CLASSIS
CLASSIS2
Is there any mention of the SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS of persons affected by or with an interest in the issue or issue message (e.g., their income, occupation, blue/white collar, education level, union affiliation, etc.)? If yes, copy/paste or list all references to SE status in the second field.
[0 = No
1 = Yes]

FEMALES (Women)
MALES (Men)
ANDROG (Indeterminate)
How many times are WOMEN DIRECTLY quoted (full quotations) in the story in relation to the event or the event message? How many times are MEN? How many times are persons of INDETERMINATE gender?


FEMALESI (Women)
MALESI (Men)
ANDROGI (Indeterminate)
How many times are WOMEN INDIRECTLY quoted (partial quotes, or non-quoted phrases like "X stated that" or "Y believes that", etc.) in the story in relation to the event or the event message? How many times are MEN? How many times are persons of INDETERMINATE gender?

As you code the next section, use the following definition of a public official when necessary. A PUBLIC OFFICIAL is anyone elected to a public office, appointed by an elected official, any employee of a publicly funded department, agency, or institution speaking in an official capacity (this includes fire and police officers), and any administator or administrative staff of a university. Faculty are not public officials, unless speaking in an administrative capacity.

DTQ
Are SMALL PHRASES (five words or less) placed in quotation? We are looking for quotes around small bits that are part of a larger paraphrase.
Example1: The organizers said that they were "outraged" at the budget report.
Example2: He said the university "finds racial incidents intolerable" and will work with students . . .
Note: Do not code as "1" phrases in quotations that are contained within verbatim quotes.
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Undecided]

DTQSTR
COPY/PASTE the entire sentence for each instance of small phrases being placed in quotes from the preceding question. There may be more than one.
[Text Field}

If the preceding questions were treated as "yes," identify the number of times that each of the following actors were the source for the above treatment.
DTQSDA (Persons on SIDE A of the issue other than public officials and targets)
DTQSDB (Persons on SIDE B of the issuE other than public officials and targets)
DTQOFA (Public OFFICIALS on SIDE A)
DTQOFB (Public OFFICIALS on SIDE B)
DTQTGA (TARGET of the event (other than pub. officials) on Side A)
DTQTGB (TARGET of the event (other than pub. officials) on Side B)
DTQOTH (OTHER -- Give # in the field on the right, and describe below.)
DTQOTH2
[Text Field]

DQNSDA
Are there any DIRECT quotations (involving whole sentences or whole thoughts) from persons on SIDE A of the issue?
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Undecided]

If yes, identify the total number of WORDS of direct quotation from:
DQNSDAS--SIDE A other than public officials and targets-->
DQNSDAO--Public OFFICIALS supporting SIDE A (including if they are target)-->
DQNSDAT --A TARGET of the event who also supports SIDE A-->
DQNSDAO1--OTHER – Give # in the field on the right, and describe below-->
DQNSDAO2 –
[Text Field]

If yes, identify the total number of WORDS of direct quotation from:
DQSDAWS--SIDE A other than public officials and targets-->
DQSDAWO--Public OFFICIALS supporting SIDE A (including if they are target)-->
DQSDAWT--A TARGET of the event who also supports SIDE A-->
DQSDAWOT--OTHER-->

IQNSDA
Are there any INDIRECT quotations from persons on SIDE A of the issue? (I.e., "they said," "event participants stated," "organizers called for," "they talked about," "they estimate," "she argues that," "he notes that," " they point out that . . .," etc.)
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Undecided]

If yes, identify the total number of WORDS of direct quotation from:
IQNSDAS--SIDE A other than public officials and targets-->
IQNSDAO--Public OFFICIALS supporting SIDE A (including if they are target)-->
IQNSDAT--A TARGET of the event who also supports SIDE A-->
IQNSDAO1--OTHER – Give # in the field on the right, and describe below-->
IQNSDAO2—
[Text Field]

If yes, identify the total number of WORDS of direct quotation from:
IQSDAWS--SIDE A other than public officials and targets-->
IQSDAWO--Public OFFICIALS supporting SIDE A (including if they are target)-->
IQSDAWT--A TARGET of the event who also supports SIDE A-->
IQSDAWOT--OTHER-->

Continue coding issue variables on the sub-form ISS3.



Issue Variables 3 Page (ninth tab—ISS3)


Instructions: Code the following variables for EACH story in the story set that specifically addresses the main issue for this set.

DQNSDB
Are there any DIRECT quotations (involving whole sentences or whole thoughts) from persons on SIDE B of the issue?
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Undecided]

If yes, identify the total number of INDIVIDUALS quoted who are:
DQNSDBS--SIDE B other than public officials and targets-->
DQNSDBO--Public OFFICIALS supporting SIDE B (including if they are target)-->
DQNSDBT --A TARGET of the event who also supports SIDE B-->
DQNSDBO1--OTHER – Give # in the field on the right, and describe below-->
DQNSDBO2 –
[Text Field]

If yes, identify the total number of WORDS of direct quotation from:
DQSDBWS--SIDE B other than public officials and targets-->
DQSDBWO--Public OFFICIALS supporting SIDE B (including if they are target)-->
DQSDBWT--A TARGET of the event who also supports SIDE B-->
DQSDBWOT--OTHER-->

IQNSDB
Are there any INDIRECT quotations from persons on SIDE B of the issue? (I.e., "they said," "event participants stated," "organizers called for," "they talked about," "they estimate," "she argues that," "he notes that," " they point out that . . .," etc.)
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Undecided]

If yes, identify the total number of INDIVIDUALS quoted who are:
IQNSDBS--SIDE B other than public officials and targets-->
IQNSDBO--Public OFFICIALS supporting SIDE B (including if they are target)-->
IQNSDBT--A TARGET of the event who also supports SIDE B-->
IQNSDBO1--OTHER – Give # in the field on the right, and describe below-->
IQNSDBO2—
[Text Field]

If yes, identify the total number of WORDS of direct quotation from:
IQSDBWS--SIDE B other than public officials and targets-->
IQSDBWO--Public OFFICIALS supporting SIDE B (including if they are target)-->
IQSDBWT--A TARGET of the event who also supports SIDE B-->
IQSDBWOT--OTHER-->

DQNSDN
Are there any DIRECT quotations (involving whole sentences or whole thoughts) NEUTRAL or balanced toward the issue?
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Undecided]

If yes, identify the total number of INDIVIDUALS quoted who are:
DQNSDNA-- SIDE A other than public officials and targets-->
DQNSDNB-- SIDE B other than public officials and targets-->
DQNSDNO-- Public OFFICIALS (including if they are the target)-->
DQNSDNT-- A TARGET of the issue-->
DQNSDNO1-- OTHER – Please identify in the field--v
DQNSDNO2—
[Text Field]

If yes, identify the total number of WORDS of direct quotation from:
DQSDNWA-- SIDE A other than public officials and targets-->
DQSDNWB-- SIDE B other than public officials and targets-->
DQSDNWO-- Public OFFICIALS (including if they are the target)-->
DQSDNWT-- A TARGET of the issue-->
DQSDNWOT-- OTHER-->

IQNSDN
Are there any INDIRECT quotations NEUTRAL or balanced toward the issue? (I.e., "they said," "event participants stated," "organizers called for," "they talked about," "they estimate," "she argues that," " they point out that . . .," etc.)
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Undecided]

If yes, identify the total number of INDIVIDUALS quoted who are:
IQNSDNA-- SIDE A other than public officials and targets-->
IQNSDNB-- SIDE B other than public officials and targets-->
IQNSDNO-- Public OFFICIALS (including if they are the target)-->
IQNSDNT-- A TARGET of the issue-->
IQNSDNO1-- OTHER – Please identify in the field--v
IQNSDNO2—
[Text Field]

If yes, identify the total number of WORDS of direct quotation from:
IQSDNWA-- SIDE A other than public officials and targets-->
IQSDNWB-- SIDE B other than public officials and targets-->
IQSDNWO-- Public OFFICIALS (including if they are the target)-->
IQSDNWT-- A TARGET of the issue-->
IQSDNWOT-- OTHER-->

TITFTAT1
How would you best characterize the balance of coverage given to the two sides, A and B, in this article?”
1 = It is all one-sided; i.e., only the perspectives of A or B are given.
2 = First the entire perspective of one is given, then the entire perspective of the other; i.e., both are covered, but there is not alternation.
3 = There is some alternation, or “back-and-forth,” between the presentation of one side’s perspective and the other’s

TITFTAT2
Which of the following appears first in this article?
1 = Recognition disagreement or conflict between sides A and B
2 = Recognition of Side A’s perspective first
3 = Recognition of Side B’s perspective first

TITFTAT3
Which of the following appears last in this article?
1 = Recognition or reiteration of disagreement or conflict
2 = Something reflective of Side A’s perspective or position
3 = Something reflective of Side B’s perspective or position

TITFTAT4
Which of the following answers best represents the distribution or sequencing of coverage sympathetic or representative of Sides A and B?
1 = No oscillations; coverage is one-sided (A or B)
2 = 1 oscillation (A then B, or B then A)
3 = 2 oscillations (ABA or BAB)
4 = 3 oscillations (ABAB or BABA)
5 = More than 3 oscillations

[Note: This variable calculated by Pam from the above in her copy of Stata data base, not in other copies of the data file. Derived variables: Baltft (numeric) and Baltxt (string):
1 All A = tft1 says one sided, begins with A, ends with A, no oscillations 46 cases (52%)
2 TFT pro A = tft but started and ended with A 13 cases (15%)
3 All B = tft1 says one sided, begins with B, ends with B, all but 1 also coded as no oscillations (7 cases, 8%)
4 is conflict = one sided, began with recognition of conflict, no oscillations, ended with recognition of conflict or B (3 cases, 4%)
5 TitFtat =both sides, did not begin and end with the same side, there were oscillations (14 cases, 16%)
6 both=first one side then the other, begin/end with different sides, one case where multiple oscillations reported, others no oscillations (5 cases 6%)
7 (no code)
8 error. tft1 says one sided, tft4 says no oscillations, but begin and end on different sides. (1 case)


Continue coding issue variables on the sub-form ISS SDs.



Issue Semantic Differentials Page (tenth tab—ISS SDs)


Instructions: Based solely upon the content of the story as a whole, use the following differential scales to characterize your impressions of, first, the Side A advocates, and, second, event opponents or counter-demonstrators, with respect to the values indicated on each pole of the scale. That is, code each side separately. If there is not enough information to code for a particular scale, leave the field blank.

Read the story completely. Sentiments do not have to be explicitly stated only reasonably inferable from the story’s contents. In forming your impressions, be sure to consider (though note exclusively) the following:

  1. a) who is quoted, how many times they are quoted, and in what ways are they coded (i.e. whether distancing techniques is used);
  2. b) the connotations of the terms used to describe event participants;
  3. c) the location of information on the event in the article; and
  4. d) what the focus of the story is, including what is defined as “the issue”.


Please refer to the definitions of the semantic terms as well as the examples provided for the term at the left end of the scale to assist in assigning the appropriate value.

Do not return and recode these variables after moving to the next section of the code sheet.



DEVIATEIA (Side A)
DEVIATEIB (Side B)

DEVIATE
Normal Odd
0 1 2 3 4

ODD: deviating from established norms or rules of appropriate conduct, language, or appearance.
NORMAL: not deviating from established norms or rules of appropriate conduct, language, or appearance.

Examples of Odd: “One speaker insisted that long-distance education would be used to send subliminal messages planted by the CIA to unsuspecting viewers.”


MORALIA (Side A)
MORALIB (Side B)

MORALITY
Moral Immoral
0 1 2 3 4

IMMORAL: acting in violation of what the story states or implies is wrong
MORAL: acting in accordance with what the story states or implies is right

Examples of Immoral: “No one, in good conscience, can support what they’re asking for,’ said Target X. “According to Reverend X, ‘Homosexuality undermines traditional family values’.”


IMPORTIA (Side A)
IMPORTIB (Side B)

IMPORT
Important Unimportant
0 1 2 3 4

IMPORTANT: having evident value or significance by either virtue of its consequences or its own existence.
UNIMPORTANT: lacking evident value or significance by either virtue of its consequences or their own existence.

Examples of Unimportant: “With the debate on the state budget coming up, whether or not to remove a statue from the Capitol grounds is the least of our concerns’, said State Assembly Member X.” “While those speaking at the May Day event urged the Governor to be more ‘union friendly’, a recently-released survey of Wisconsin employees indicates that most, in fact, do not see the need for unions”


IMPACTIA (Side A)
IMPACTIB (Side B)

IMPACT
Negative Impact Positive Impact
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

NEGATIVE Impact: objective of event message supporters, if realized, will have a negative economic, social, political, or cultural impact.
POSITIVE Impact: objective of event message supporters, if realized, will have a negative economic, social, political, or cultural impact.

Examples of Negative Impact: “Failure to allow the new mining operation would result in the loss of an estimated five hundred new jobs.” “According to Expert X, the legislation advocated by protesters would actually harm its intended beneficiaries.”

You have finished coding all of the ISSUE VARIABLES. Please procede to code the ISSUE VARIABLES, beginning with sub-form THEM/EP.



Thematic/Episodic Variables Page (eleventh tab—THEM/EP)


***RECORDN5 (Located at end of spreadsheet/data table)
Check Record #
[Text Field—See RECORDN1 above]

Instructions: Code the following variables for EACH story in the story set that specifically addresses the main issue for this set.

RATBROAD
Rate the amount of information given in this article regarding the broader historical, social, economic, or political context of this event or issue.
0 = None at all
1 = Brief mention of recent incidents or the fact that there is some controversy. No more than 1-2 sentences . . . It does not really give detail on the context, beyond suggesting that there is one.
2 = Several sentences (3-7) summarizing prior events or debates: What happened before that led up to this event, what previous arguments have been made, etc.
3 = Several paragraphs (8-20) sentences providing significant background to the event or issue, or of the economic or political factors involved in the issue, or of statistics or research relevant to the issue, etc.
4 = Extensive background information, a longer discussion and analysis of the underlying conditions or situations form which this event or issue arises. This may include summaries of research or statistics. It can also include case studies or interviews or historical narratives which are used to provide background and context on the issue.

CONTEXT
Count the number of words in the story making reference to the broader historical, social, economic, or political context in which the event or issue takes place. Note: Historical context includes prior similar or related events or issues and the backgrounds of the participants. Social and economic context include the social and economic conditions that brought about the event or issue (i.e., rising levels of homelessness, unemployment, etc.) The political context includes legislative, judicial, or executive activity on the issue addressed by the event and the actions and positions of public officials targeted by and/or responding to the event or issue.
[Text Field]

COVTYPE2
EPISODIC COVERAGE stresses predominantly the details of the demonstration itself (e.g. numbers of people, the weather, speakers or entertainers), with minimal or no attention to the issues raised by the demonstration.

THEMATIC COVERAGE focuses on the more general issues raised by the event. For example, a thematic story on a homeless demonstration would provide statistics on the numbers of homeless and suggest socioeconomic reasons for this problem or it might detail pending legislation on the issue.

Given the above distinction, use the following scale to indicate the extent to which the article should be described as EPISODIC or THEMATIC

Episodic -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 Thematic

ISSHDLN
Is there any reference in the headline to the issue or the event message?
[0 = No
1 = Yes
9 = Undecided}

STYLEREF
In the tagline file, is the value of the variable EVTWDS 20 or less? If so, copy/paste these from the story file into the field here.


You have finished coding all of the ISSUE VARIABLES. If this was the last story in the story set, procede to code the SET sub-form. Otherwise, you can begin a new record.

Please be sure that you record a "Coding Time" for this story before you move on to the next record!!!




Story Set Variables Page (twelfth tab—SET)


Instructions: The following questions apply to the ENTIRE STORY SET you have just finished coding. If you did not code the entire set during the same sitting, it is probably not necessary to review the entire set.

PROMIN
PROMIN2
[Text Field]
For the first story/stories addressing the event (i.e., the first to chronologically address the event), in what context is the event itself first mentioned?
1 It is previewed/forecasted as the MAIN focus of the story
2 It is previewed/forecasted as an ADDENDUM to a story otherwise focused on an issue/topic related to the event issue.
3 It is previewed/forecasted as an addendum to a story with NO CLEAR or apparent relation to the issue/topic of the event.
4 The event is the primary subject of a NEWS report appearing after the event.
5 The event is first reported within the context of something ADDITIONALLY newsworthy after the event (e.g. the event only became newsworthy after some additional occurrence or when attached to something else).
6 The event is mentioned/addressed in an "ISSUE examination" piece at some point after it occurred (i.e. this implies the event was never reported as timely "news").
7 OTHER - Explain in the second field.

MEDIATTN
Which of the following best describes the story set?
1 Protest event(s) are portrayed as a response to some institutional/procedural "crisis" (e.g. legislation being debated/recently passed prompts an immediate public reaction in the form of the event).
2 The media defines something as a "crisis" that groups react to in the form of protest event(s). Note: coders must decide if a reporter is responsible for bringing the issue to light versus some procedural process making protest likely. For example, an open legislative event that is subject to the public record would be coded as 1 even if the public would not have known about it if it were not reported. In contrast, the reporting of certain political practices, behaviors, or corruptions that are not otherwise a matter of public record would be coded as 2.
3 Protest event(s) are seeking to define a "crisis" that would otherwise not appear as such to the general public (and the media is reacting to this).
4 Protest event(s) address some repeated or chronic problem that organizers seek to maintain exposure for, but which take on no clear sense of immediacy to the general public or "crisis" characteristics.


CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE THROUGH CODING THIS STORY SET!

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Questions or Comments? Email Oliver -at- ssc -dot- wisc -dot- edu. Last updated December 25, 2004 © University of Wisconsin.