What type of analysis would be performed to assess communication patterns in media?

Content analysis research is the correct choice for assessing communication patterns in media because it involves systematically analyzing the content of communication, such as text, images, or audio, to identify patterns, themes, and trends. This method allows researchers to quantify and interpret the presence of certain words, phrases, or concepts, providing insights into how information is conveyed and the overall messaging strategies employed in various media.

Content analysis can be applied to understand how often specific topics are covered, the tone of media messages, and the framing of issues across different types of media. For example, it can be used to analyze news articles, social media posts, television programs, or advertisements, thereby enabling researchers to draw conclusions about societal attitudes and cultural norms as reflected in those communications.

Other methods, like case study research, focus on in-depth exploration of a single case or a few cases, typically lacking the broad applicability needed for generalizable communication patterns. Experimental research tests causal relationships by manipulating variables and is less suited for analyzing pre-existing media communication. Longitudinal research examines changes over time but does not inherently analyze communication content. Thus, content analysis is uniquely positioned to explore the details of communication patterns in media effectively.