Importance of statistics in mass communication?

Answer 1

Before examining the relevance of statistics to Mass Communication studies, there is a cogent need to understand what statistics means. Statistics is a datum that can be represented numerically. According to Dr. Victor Ayedun

Aluma,

statistics is information put in form of numbers; also, it is the procedure for getting information out of numbers. Statistics is also the science of collecting, organizing, processing, analysing and interpreting data. Through statistics we get meaningful information out of massive amount of data for communication and research.

The relevance of statistics to mass communication studies cannot be overemphasized. To ensure that stories are accurate and credible, journalist have to examine flood of information related to economic, political and social phenomena, including scientific and academic research reports, public opinion data, political polls, consumer survey, e,t.c

Advertising and public relations executives must be able to understand and the latest available business information such as: market trends, sales, competitive expenditures, audience rating, and a lot of other facts pertaining to consumers, products companies and markets. Lack of statistical methods to mass communication studies limits their understanding of today's world and their professional preparation to work in this world.

With the knowledge of statistics, mass communicators can adequately interpret raw data to their audience. Statistics is important to mass communication because it helps to estimate, predict, test hypothesis and make wise decisions. Statistics in mass communication studies does not only help

Answer 2

Journalists tend to use statistics to reinforce their own views and preconceptions of reality.