Mixed method research in narrative journalism: use of journalistic narrative techniques in newspaper news stories to communicate scientific and technological information to non-expert audiences

Abstract

This paper explores the centrality of the mixed methods approach in narrative communication research, the processes as well as challenges related to mixed methods in relation to the communication of scientific and technological information to non-expert audiences. Implications of mixed methods in narrative communication research are also discussed. In recent times, studies have been conducted on journalistic narrative techniques under the realm of narrative journalism and communication with non-expert audiences in the fields of health sciences, political science, sociology, and technology, just to name a few. A majority of these studies have paid little attention to the research methodologies employed in the fields. These studies have employed either a quantitative or a qualitative approach. This paper discusses the use of mixed methods in the use of journalistic narrative techniques in selected newspaper news stories that communicate science and technology to non-expert audiences.