Examining the Media’s Portrayal of Community College Students: A Qualitative Approach Using Semi-Structured Interviewing

As part of my dissertation, I designed and conducted a study that examined the portrayal of community colleges in the media. Previous studies had consisted primarily of content analysis methodology, and as such, they failed to examine the influence these media portrayals had on students’ intent to enroll in community colleges. In addition to examining the influence that media portrayals of community colleges had on students, this case study details methodological concerns that I encountered during the study as well as presents suggestions for overcoming such concerns. This case study also provides an overview of the lessons I learned throughout the research and writing process.