Content Analysis Code Sheet
Article Code: ___ ___ ___ / ___
Sample Article Period Code (circle one): A (March 1-3) B (March 23-25) C (April 9-11)
Sample Article Letter Code (circle one): A (United States) B (Europe) C (Middle East)
Sample Article Number Code (n of N in articles reviewed in respective categories): ___/____
Publication name: _______________________________________________________________
Article headline: _______________________________________________________________
Byline: __________________________________ Article Date: ________________________
Website: _____________________________________________________________________
Coder name/date: _____________________ Reviewer name/date: ________________________________________________________________________
1. What is the region of originating coverage?
A. United States B. Europe C. Middle East
2. If all U.S. and United Kingdom papers represent the coalition, what is the nature of the publication?
A. Coalition B. Non-coalition European C. Non-coalition Middle Eastern
3. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree does the article advocate continued United Nations inspections for weapons of mass destruction (WMD)?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
4. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree does the article present the position of peace activists?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
5. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree does the article cover anti-war or anti-U.S. protests?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
6. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree do protestors speak in support of military forces even if they are against military action?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
7. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree does the article’s tenor present military action in Iraq as right?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
8. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree is the article’s frame in favor of retaining Saddam Hussein’s regime?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
9. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree does the article convey the presence of WMD in Iraq (even if they have not been found)?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
10. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree is Saddam Hussein characterized as a threat to the security of the United States?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
11. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree is Saddam Hussein characterized as an oppressive dictator?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
12. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree is the coalition in Iraq portrayed as a liberating force?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
13. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree is the coalition action portrayed as beneficial to the Iraqi people?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
14. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree is U.S. activity in Iraq portrayed as a quest to control Iraqi oil?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
15. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree does the article mention illegal activity on the part of non-coalition nations, to include Iraqi citizens?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
16. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree does the article mention non-coalition nation citizens, to include Iraqi citizens, supporting the U.S.-led coalition?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
17. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree does the article mention wounded Iraqi civilians?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
18. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree does the article mention illegal use of non-military facilities such as hospitals, mosques, schools, etc.?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
19. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree does the tenor of the article portray coalition forces as heroes?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure
20. On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means very low and 7 means very high, to what degree does the article prime the reader to support military action in Iraq?
Very low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very high Can’t measure