Informed Citizens Cohort Study

Through this project, SDM aims to conduct qualitative research on a group of Dutch people to examine how they use media, what they expect from it, and what needs they express and demonstrate.
Informed Citizens Cohort Study

Objective

With this project, SDM aims to establish qualitative research into a group of Dutch citizens, focusing on how they use media, what they expect from it, and which needs they express and demonstrate. In this study, participants are followed in sufficient detail to paint an empathetic picture of their needs and ideas. The research must be capable of being repeated annually.

Current status

The project has been divided into several phases:

  • Phase 1: research proposal (both internal and externally shareable versions) and field exploration;
  • Phase 2: finalizing the research assignment with external researchers
  • Phase 3: developing and testing measurement instruments and protocols
  • Phase 4: fieldwork
  • Phase 5: disseminating report and results

We have completed Phase 1 since February. We have produced a two-pager summarizing the design and objective of the study. This has been shared with potential research partners. Based on our discussions, we estimate that our original timeline—presenting the research results during Media for Democracy 2027—is realistic.

In the meantime, we have maintained contact with the Media core group, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), and the Dutch Media Authority to ensure proper alignment between our initiative and the research activities of other organizations. OCW is currently preparing a literature review on existing knowledge regarding media and trust. They expect to complete this in October. We will be able to utilize this, and they, in turn, will be able to use our research findings to supplement their earlier results.

As a research partner, our preference is for a collaboration between Yael de Haan (HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht and University of Groningen) and Marcel Broersma (University of Groningen). Our discussions with them indicated that they are both open to this.

We are currently working on Phase 2, which we aim to complete this month (May). Our goal is to reach a research proposal together with Yael and Marcel that is acceptable to all three parties.