International attitudes and newspaper representations

Abstract

This research was undertaken in 1951 at Victoria University College and covers certain aspects of factors affecting the psychology of international understanding. End-test questionnaires were presented to sample groups of the general public, and Press items during the intervening period were analysed. The Press analysis also covered comparison periods from back files. The Wellington daily with the largest circulation was chosen for this analysis, and two countries, Japan and Russia, the one a former enemy and the other a former ally, were selected for particular study. The study was undertaken as field research which might contribute to the general body of knowledge of factors contributing to the formation of current attitudes and, more specifically, to prepare data which might supplement researches undertaken in conjunction with UNESCO's project Tensions Affecting International Understanding. towards the understanding and amelioration of international tensions.