The communication systems of representations: psychosocial research into the representations of computers and information technology in Italian daily newspapers

Abstract

This paper presents the results of research on representations of computers and information technology in the three daily Italian newspapers (La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, La Repubblica, and II Corriere della Sera), between 1976 and 1984. The titles of 2816 articles were analysed by categorial content analysis. The aim of the research is the exploration of structural latent dimensions and of differential aspects of representations of computers in terms of `central nuclei' with respect to the three newspapers and to the nine years. The data were analysed by several steps of multiple correspondence analysis (statistical package: SPAD-N). Five dimensions were identified. They together accounted for 74% of the total variance (optimistic formula of Benzecri) and were defined as: 'secondariness/emphasis in the typography of newspaper space dedicated to computers': `ambivalent/positive attitudes toward the computer': `descriptive/evaluative elements of opinions about the computers': `educative-performative/productive applications of the computer': `supplements/articles as editorial characterizations of news about computers'. With the DEMOD step of SPAD-N, eleven `central nuclei' were also recognized. They show the utilization of a `diffusion system' for La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno and La Repubblica, of a `propagation system' for II Corriere della Sera; and a movement from `diffusion' to `propagation' over the period considered. The outcome of the results is discussed in relation to the naturalization of technical language, and with respect to results of other researches on attitudes towards, opinions about, and representations of the computer in Italy.

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References

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By central nuclei I mean the most stable elements of specific aggregations (in the case of this research the aggregations are the three daily newspapers and the nine years considered); they are generators of representations. For more information on the use of the term `central nucleus' see Sensales, G., 1990, L'informatica nella stampa italiana. Le comunicazioni di massa nel processo psico-sociale delle rappresentazioni (Milano: Franco Angeli).

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The parameters of the headlines of La Repubblica have been modified in order to make a comparison between the three dailies (in fact, La Repubblica has a tabloid format and the other two newspapers, a broadsheet format).

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Siliato, F., 1984, I contenuti, le forme e i modi in due quotidiani di prestigio. La fabbrica delle notizie, edited by M. Livolsi (Milano: Franco Angeli). pp. 75-103.

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