What does content analysis in mass media research primarily examine?

Content analysis in mass media research primarily focuses on identifying and interpreting themes and underlying meanings within various forms of media, such as television programs, films, news articles, advertisements, and social media content. This method systematically evaluates the content to uncover patterns, trends, and representations, which can reveal societal values, cultural norms, or shifts in public discourse over time.

By analyzing text, images, or other media elements, researchers can gain insights into how specific topics are portrayed, what messages are being conveyed, and how these influences perception and behavior in society. This qualitative approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of how media content shapes and reflects social realities, providing a rich context for sociological interpretation.

In contrast, other options focus on specific aspects that do not encompass the broad objectives of content analysis. For example, examining the accuracy of reported events may pertain more to journalistic integrity or fact-checking rather than the deeper thematic analysis central to content analysis. Similarly, while under-represented crimes and consumer behavior are relevant in different research contexts, they do not encapsulate the primary focus of content analysis, which is to discern and analyze the social meanings embedded in media content.