Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
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Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
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Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
Researchers
Eva D. Arcena Agnes Lois L. Balite Teresita N. Banag Nanelyn T. Bontoyan Joey M. Cadano Maria Lagrimas C. Calapati Emy D. Delgado Ma. Consuelo L. Dimaya Leo S.Faustino
Francisco P. Javier Fr. Engelbert N. Samonte, OSA Maria Charlene P. Melegrito Shiela Grace E.Nollen Cecilia D. Pelejo Juzy L. Saguil Carolyn Joy S. Salinas Carmina G. Joson Alma Trinidad R. Taragua
Dr. Shirley Padua Professor
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Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
This paper presented an analysis of the
In todayâ€&#x;s modern world, the role of print and
content of editorials among the three leading
electronic media is a dominating one. In this age of
national broadsheets in the country. Utilizing a
high
comparative content analysis, it analysed the
considered one of the most powerful tools to express
editorials based on three parameters: knowledge
ideas. It is part and parcel of modern life. Indeed, it
content, judgment and congruence to the vision and
plays a vital role by providing information and
mission of the organization, all anchored within the
creating awareness among the people. We may say
context of Justified True Belief, or JTB in
that today we are living in a newspaper culture;
Epistemology.
whether in English or other regional languages. And
information
technology,
newspaper is
almost every man gets benefited from. Findings
revealed
that
the
information
relayed are relatively factual, with certain degree of
Similarly, broadsheets are newspapers in
evidences to justify the claims of the editorials.
large format characterized by long vertical pages.
Likewise, the objectivity and subjectivity of the
They design a complete picture of our day-to-day
content also varied on the topics being presented,
life. These are papers which tend to employ a
and thus judgment were both objective and
traditional
subjective. Similarly, the editorials were congruent
emphasize in-depth coverage and a sober tone in
to mission statements of the organization they
articles and editorials. Likewise, broadsheets are
represented. The organizations continued to uphold
terms used to types of popular printed materials sold
their vision-mission and philosophy by delivering,
on the streets and contains various types of material
unbiased, balanced and justified knowledge to their
from latest happenings in the country and abroad,
readers through editorials.
with diverse coverage ranging from government
Keywords: Justified True Belief, Epistemology,
issues, politics, weather, commerce, sports and
Truth in Media, Knowledge Content, Judgment,
entertainment and other relevant issues.
Congruence, Vision-mission, Philosophy Page 4
approach
to
news-gathering
that
Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
Broadsheets have become first sources of
managers. According to Weintrauit, (2013) editorials
information about local and foreign affairs. They do
are meant to influence public opinion, promote
not only convey important news and messages, but
critical thinking, and sometimes cause people to take
also provide a more detailed information about
action on an issue.
significant events and incidences. Shelley Fralic, a former Vancouver columnist stated “If there is no us,
As man has always been in continuing quest
there is no news, we are still the source, the content
for knowledge to appease his curiosity and fulfill his
generators, the storytellers and not to forget:
desire to acquire knowledge of facts then it is a big
newspapers are the original social media”. But then,
question whether what he really acquire is
it seems like your knowledge on today‟s news is
knowledge or just plain beliefs. Many have
dependent on these people behind these printed
interpreted that it was Plato who stated and the first
materials and their own point of views”.
to write that knowledge is justified true belief. However, epistemologists like Gettier (1963) and
According to Rajbhoj (2011) in his blog – the
Goldman (1967) had questioned "justified true
importance of newspaper in education, ” the
belief" definition.
In an essay written by
newspaper should be read with caution, for its
Timjohnneal (2012), he stated that “Plato „justified‟
capacity to do harm is great as most people believe
means that there are sufficient reasons given to
everything that is reported and therefore it can exert
support the tabled fact. These reasons may be an
a profound influence on the minds of the reader”. On
appeal to firsthand experience of the “knower” a
the other hand, there is a part of a newspaper that has
reference of a testimony from a third person, or a
opinionated news story. Inside the broadsheets is an
logical discovery of related facts. The strength of
editorial which is a brief article written to express
this justification will guide us to judge if we accept
the newspapers or publishing house's own views and
the fact tabled as knowledge.
policies on a current issue. It reflects the majority vote of the editorial board, the governing body of the
As graduate students in epistemology, the
newspaper made up of editors and business
researchers‟ aim was to analyze written editorials in
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Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
the
country‟s
leading
broadsheets:
if
these
broadsheets‟ editorials truly express a factive state
Significance of the Study The findings of this study were deemed
of knowledge content, are based on good judgment
beneficial to the following:
by being objective and are congruent to the vision
Readers .This will give them idea on what
and mission of the organization. The researchers
broadsheets are they going to read.
would like to know further if these editorials truly
Editors . They will become mindful to the contents
follow a context of justified true belief, or just
of what they are relaying to the readers.
merely opinions or products of editor‟s mind. On
Broadsheets Publicists. It will ensure them that the
the contrary, broadsheets may also be medium of
contents of the broadsheets are knowledge and not
propagating wrong ideas. It may also serve as a tool
merely opinions or beliefs of the writer.
for preaching positive thinking. Therefore, this
School Administrators. They will be more careful
epistemological analysis, with all its grounds and
in recommending broadsheets that will best provide
nature of knowledge itself, will differentiate the truth
knowledge to students.
and falsehood, knowledge or opinions and the
Researchers. This will help and guide them in
discrepancies among the three (3) broadsheets.
conducting
the
same
or
related
studies
on
epistemology
Statement of the Problem This study analyzed the editorials from three
METHODOLOGY
(3) leading broadsheets in the country covering a one
This study utilized a Comparative Content
-month period from February 6, 2017 to February
Analysis design to generate data in a more detailed
10, 2017. Content analysis was done as to its
manner. Content analysis is a research technique
knowledge content, judgment and alignment to the
used to make replicable and valid inferences by
vision-mission of the organization within
interpreting and
the
context of Justified True Belief of Epistemology.
coding
textual
material.
By
systematically evaluating texts (e.g., documents, oral communication, and graphics), qualitative data can Page 6
Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
be converted into quantitative data. (Terry College
As for instrumentation, coding sheet and
of Business, 2012). This method was used to
coding guide were devised to adapt
within the
examine the latest editorial article of the three
context of Justified True Belief in Epistemology.
leading broadsheets in our country.
The following are parameters: knowledge content (contains justification or basis of factuality),
In selecting the unit of analysis, Purposive
judgment
(objectivity
content)
and
Vision.
Mission
and
congruence
judgmental, selective and the intent of the
Philosophy of the institutions they represent. This
researcher of having a guide or criteria in choosing
instrument was utilized to critically analyze the
the samples out of the population, unit of analysis,
editorial articles of Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin
to be analyzed or studied. This method looked for
and Philippine Daily Inquirer. Likewise, codes were
certain characteristics/qualities that the researchers
also
analyzed.
broadsheets
to to
the
the
Sampling was used. This method is also a
used
with
of
represent maintain
these
three
leading
confidentiality,
i.e,
Broadsheet A, Broadsheet B, and Broadsheet C, Moreover, the researchers filtered out ten
respectively.
editorial articles of the countryâ€&#x;s three leading broadsheets, published within a one-month period
The researchers utilized Likert Scale to rate
from January 24, 2017 to February 7, 2017. These
the editorials based on the three aforementioned
served as the unit of analysis for the study.
parameters. ANOVA was also used to know the mean differences in the ratings analysis of the three broadsheets .
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of the content
Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
pose for editorials.
RESULTS
On the other hand, on the aspect of INDICATOR
judgment, 2 out of 10 editorials
DATE
TITLE
Jan 24, 2017
Editorial 1
Knowledge Content (Presence of evidences for justification) 3
Jan 25, 2017
Editorial 2
3
3
3
Jan 26, 2017
Editorial 3
4
3
4
Jan. 27, 2017
Editorial 4
4
4
3
Jan 30, 2017
Editorial 5
3
4
3
Jan 31, 2017
Editorial 6
3
3
4
Feb 1, 2017
Editorial 7
4
3
4
Feb 2, 2017
Editorial 8
3
3
3
Feb 3, 2017
Editorial 9
3
3
3
Feb 6, 2017
Editorial 10
4
3
3
Judgment (Objectivity of the content)
Congruence to the mission, vision and philosophy
3
3
TABLE 1 Content Analysis on Justified True Belief in Editorials of Broadsheet A
were each given a highest score of
4,
interpreted
as
very
objective; whereas 8 out of 10 editorials were each given a score of 3.
Lastly, on the aspect of congruence
to
the
vision-
mission and philosophy of the organization,
3 out of 10
editorials were given a highest
score of 4, here interpreted as aligned to the vision Table 1 showed the ratings on content
and mission of the organization. Whereas, the
analysis of editorials based on the context of
remaining seven (7) editorials were each given a
Justified True Belief of Broadsheet A. According to
score out of 3.
the area of knowledge content, 4 out of 10 editorials were given the perfect score of 4 which were interpreted as
According to literature, the forms of
factual. Whereas, 6 out 10 were
epistemological beliefs in learning and academic
given the score of 3, interpreted as relatively
development originated from the work of Perry
factual. This showed that the editorials of
(1970). During the past 15 years, epistemological
Broadsheet A according to knowledge content have
beliefs had emerged as an active research topic
evidences to justify the true belief of the topics they
(Muis, 2004; Scrhaw & Sinatra, 2004) in the works
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Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
cited by Phan (2006). The area of knowledge content
much emphasis in empirical research was put on
in the context of Justified True Belief plays a bigger
analysing the impact of epistemic beliefs on school
role in the formulation of an editorial because the
and university learning (Demetriadis, Papadopoulos,
editors will have to show evidences to justify the
Stamelos, & Fischer, 2008; Jehng, Johnson, &
claims of factual information. A study by Magno
Anderson, 1993; Whitmire, 2003). Schommer (1998)
(2011) maintained that beliefs about knowledge and
presented evidence that elaboratedness of a person‟s
learning had a great deal of influence on the learners‟
system of epistemic beliefs has many substantial
approach
implications for learning.
in
dealing
with
and
constructing
information. Furthermore, a close look at his study indicated that epistemological beliefs predicted
As to the congruence to the vision-mission, a
numerous constructs of academic performance such
study by Farhad Analoui (2010) investigated the
as
meta-comprehension,
existence and content of the mission statements and,
interpretation of information, higher order thinking
accordingly, it determines the relationships between
skills, persistence in working on different academic
small
tasks and problem-solving approaches (Muis, 2004;
meaningful statement and selected performance
Schommer, 1990; Schrommer, Crouse & Rhodes,
outcomes of the firm. It further stated that developing
1994).
a mission statement has been considered a crucial
comprehension,
medium
enterprise‟s
development
of
a
factor in the formulation of business strategy in Several researchers (Bernardo, 2008; Chan &
organizations. Also, Kopaneva, Irina (2015) found
Elliot, 2004; You, Yang & Choi, 2001) also explored
out on her study that there should have important
epistemological beliefs through cross-cultural studies.
implications for understanding an employee‟s role in
Beliefs on the nature of knowledge and learning were
the construction of organizational reality.
argued
to
be
culturally-specific
particularly
comparing Western and Asian educational systems.
Organizational mission and vision primarily
Epistemic beliefs influence individuals' acting, hence
has approached the concepts from managerial
they also affect working and learning. In the past,
perspectives. This is employed to a communicative
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Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
constitution
of
to
On the area of judgment, 4 out of 10
mission/vision
editorials in Broadsheet B were each given a
alignment and assimilation and to focus on
highest score of 4, interpreted as very objective;
employee mission/vision ownership.
whereas 3 out of 10 editorials were each given a
problematize
the
organizations concepts
perspective
of
score of 3. Similarly, 3 out
INDICATOR
DATE
TITLE
Feb. 5, 2017
Editorial 1
3
2
Congruence to the mission, vision and philosophy 3
Jan 12, 2017
Editorial 2
3
2
3
Feb 6, 2017
Editorial 3
4
4
4
Feb 8, 2017
Editorial 4
3
4
3
Feb 9, 2017
Editorial 5
3
3
3
in
Feb 10, 2017
Editorial 6
3
2
3
Feb 7, 2017
Editorial 7
4
4
4
discussion.
Feb 4, 2017
Editorial 8
3
3
3
specific
Jan 30, 2017
Editorial 9
3
3
3
editorials in which their
January 14, 2017
Editorial 10
3
4
4
Knowledge Content Presence of evidences for justification
Judgment Objectivity of the content
of 10 editorials were each given
a
score
of
2,
interpreted as subjective. This meant that the editors used their personal feelings the
course
of
There
topics
the were
in
the
personal insights affect the
Table 2 Content Analysis on Justified True Belief in Editorials of Broadsheet B
flow of the discussion.
Likewise, Table 2 showed the ratings on
Lastly, on the area of congruence to the
content analysis of editorials of Broadsheet B
vision-mission and philosophy of the organization,
based on the context of Justified True Belief .
3 out of 10 editorials of Broadsheet B were each
According to the area of knowledge content, 2 out
given a highest score of 4, here interpreted as
of 10 editorials were each given the perfect score
äligned to the vision and mission of the
of 4 which were interpreted as factual. Whereas, 8
organization. Whereas, the remaining seven (7)
out 10 were each given the score of 3, interpreted
editorials were each given a score out of 3.
as relatively factual. This showed that the area on knowledge content of Broadsheet B are considered relatively factual.
Research
on
personal
epistemology
addresses learners‟‟ thinking and beliefs about Page 10
Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
knowledge and knowing. In the aspect of editorials
& Pintrich, 1997, p. 119). The nature of knowing
where the learners are readers, beliefs about the
involves the beliefs about the process by which one
definition
is
comes to know. “This includes the beliefs about the
constructed, how knowledge is evaluated, where
source of knowledge and the justification for
knowledge resides, and how knowing occurs are
knowing, which includes evaluation of evidence, the
some of the elements are important
role
of
knowledge,
how
knowledge
(Hofer &
Pintrich, 1997).
of
authority,
and
the
process
of
justification” (Hofer & Pintrich, 1997, p. 120). The impact of epistemic beliefs here is two-fold. First,
Individual thinking about epistemological
epistemic beliefs influence the processes proceeding
concerns has been conceptualized in various ways.
the generation of a solution. Individuals, who believe
The early studies of epistemology assumed that
in the simplicity of knowledge, favour simple
personal
and
coherence between facts and tend to develop a simple
develops in a fixed progression of stages (Perry,
solution. In contrast, individuals who are convinced
1968; Ryan, 1984b). Other views of personal
of the complexity of knowledge tend to take into
epistemology give way to the notion that it is
account the fallibility of heuristics.
epistemology
is
uni-dimensional
composed of several independent dimensions (Dweck & Leggett, 1988, Schoenfield, 1983; Schommer,
Both views influence the scope of possible
1990). However, all of the models include content
solutions – without predetermination of a favored
related to the nature of knowledge and the processes
position. Second, there is an indirect impact on work,
of knowing. The nature of knowledge involves what
because epistemic beliefs influence help-seeking
one believes knowledge is, and this is the basis of
during the process of identifying an appropriate
most of the models.
solution for the problem. Individuals with a less elaborated epistemic belief system might trust in
The nature of knowledge is viewed as “a
information
that
can
quickly be
found,
and
progressive understanding that moves from the view
consequently quickly present their final solution. In
of knowledge as absolute to a relativistic view and
contrast, subjects with an elaborated system might put
then to a contextual, and constructivist stance” (Hofer
more energy into crosschecking new information.
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Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
whereas 4 out of 10
INDICATOR Knowledge Content Presence of evidences for
Judgment Objectivity of the content
Congruence to the mission, vision and philosophy
editorials were each
DATE
TITLE
Jan 27, 2017
Editorial 1
3
2
4
Jan 28, 2017
Editorial 2
4
4
4
Jan 29, 2017
Editorial 3
4.
2
4
was given a score of
Jan 30, 2017
Editorial 4
3
4
4.
1. This meant that
Jan 31, 2017
Editorial 5
3
2
4
Feb 1, 2017
Editorial 6
4
4.
4
Feb 2, 2017
Editorial 7
2
2
4
Feb 3, 2017
Editorial 8
1
1
4
Feb 4, 2017
Editorial 9
4
4
4.
Feb 5, 2017
Editorial 10
4
4
4
Table 3
given a score of 2. And only 1 editorial
Broadsheet C reflected its vision-mission in keeping up with the values
to
deliver
balanced news.
Content Analysis on Justified True Belief in Editorials of Broadsheet C
Lastly, Table 3 showed the mean scores on
Mission statements are effective guide to
content analysis of editorials of Broadsheet C
keep up the philosophy of an organization.
based on the context of Justified True Belief .
According to the study of Desdimt, S. and Prinzie,
According to the area of knowledge content, 5 out
A. (2010) found out the impact of mission
of 10 editorials were each given the perfect score
statement to be a dearth of evidence that are
of 4 which were interpreted as factual. Whereas, 3
actually
out of 10 were each given the score of 3,
Furthermore, attempt to create shared meaning by
interpreted as relatively factual. One (1) editorial
describing an organizationâ€&#x;s value and purpose are
was given a score of 2 and another one was given a
termed sense giving or sense making. Azzadin,
score of 1.
Salem (2011) recommends that theoretical focus
functional
management
tools.
and practical flexibility should be observed in On the area of judgment, 5 out of 10
formulating vision and mission. Theoretically, it
editorials in Broadsheet C were each given a
suggests conceptual distinction between vision,
highest score of 4, interpreted as very objective;
mission, values and other related concepts. Once
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Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
this is done, it suggests the use of a “guiding
conceptualization of problems. This is particularly true
statement� to flexibility describe any statement that
when no appropriate heuristics are available and, thus,
integrates more than one of the above mentioned
when demanding innovative solutions are required
concepts in practice.
(Korthagen & Kessels, 1999). Taken together, students
Indicator
P-value
Interpretation
Decision
0.77
Not significant
Accept hypothesis
Not significant
Accept hypothesis Reject hypothesis
belief system tend to be prone to
Knowledge content
0.34
Judgment Congruency to Mission vision
with a less elaborated epistemic
0.0004
Significant
Table 4
failure if learning requires complex, multi-perspective activities. They are less likely to relate new knowledge
Difference in the Ratings on Content Analysis on Justified True Belief of Three National Broadsheets
with prior knowledge or knowledge gained in different contexts, domains
or situations. In contrast, an elaborated system of Table 4 showed the difference in the ratings of content analysis among the three national broadsheets
epistemic beliefs is associated with better learning performance (Hager, 2004).
based on the context of Justified True Belief. The pvalue for knowledge content and judgment were
Problems, however, are on the one hand often
higher than 0.05 therefore the interpretation is not
initial points for professional learning activities, on the
significant. This implies that there was no significant
other hand e-learning devices often integrate problems
difference in the ratings given by the participants in
in their pedagogic approaches. According to Olafson,
the two indicators. However, in terms of congruence
Schraw & Veldt (2010), epistemological beliefs
to mission vision, the p-value is lower than 0.05 thus
include specific beliefs about knowledge dimensions
the interpretation is significant. This implies that there
such
is significant difference in the ratings given by the
justification of knowledge. People have differences in
participants in this indicator.
epistemological beliefs about knowledge and learning
as
the
certainty,
simplicity,
source
and
in terms of environment they live and paradigms they Epistemic
beliefs
significantly shape
the
Page 13
have. In positivist paradigm, although Knowledge is
Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
simply, single true, certain and constructed by
Schommerâ€&#x;s (1990) study of epistemology
authorities in beliefs about the nature, source, structure
focused
and boundaries of knowledge, in post positivist
multidimensional. She proposed a belief system with
paradigms and movements, knowledge is complex,
more or less independent beliefs as opposed to Perryâ€&#x;s
multiple affect on their cognitive developments as
scheme of beliefs being uni-dimensionsal and
long as man interact with knowledge and learning.
developed in fixed stages. In her 1990 study,
Moreover,
complex,
Schommer suggested that: epistemological beliefs be
contradictory and misleading knowledge individuals
conceived as a system of more or less independent
help to think dialectically (Schommer, 1998).
beliefs. By system she meant that more than one belief
it
guides
to
cope
with
on
epistemological
beliefs
being
composed personal epistemology. By more or less Many educational researchers uncovered sub-
independent, she meant that these beliefs could, but
dimensions relating the knowledge and learning of
not
necessarily
would
develop
in
synchrony.
nature in -dimesions include; a) the source of
(Schommer-Aikins, Duell, & Hutter, 2005, p. 290).
knowledge b) the structure of knowledge c) the stability of knowledge d) the speed of learning e) the
Schommer (1989) provided three more or less
control of learning. However, in factor analysis, belief
independent beliefs about the structure and source of
dimensions was classificated as simply knowledge,
knowledge: (a) knowledge is simple, (b) knowledge is
quick learning, certain knowledge, authority wisdom.
certain, and (c) knowledge is handed down by
Buehl (2003), described epistemological beliefs in
authority. These beliefs align with Perryâ€&#x;s stage of
terms of the structure of knowledge (simplicity or
dualism. Schommer also thought that beliefs about the
complexity), the stability of knowledge ( changing
acquisition of knowledge should be addressed. She
from one to another one), the source of knowledge
proposed five dimensions of beliefs in this area: (1)
(authority or experience), the nature of knowledge
structure of knowledge, (2) certainty of knowledge,
(quickly or gradually), the ability of learning ( innate
(3) source of knowledge, (4) speed of acquisition, and
or effort in times) (Cited by Buehl & Alexander,
(5) control of acquisition. The dimension of the
2005).
structure of knowledge views knowledge as isolated
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Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
rather than interrelated facts (Schommer 1989). This
DISCUSSION
dimension is also termed simple knowledge (isolated facts), meaning that knowledge is simple rather than complex (Schommer, 1989).
The paper presented a critical analysis on the content of editorials among the three leading broadsheets. Questions arose as to whether the
Zhang,
Hao
et.al
(2015)
conducted
an
analyzed
editorials
analyzed
truly
imparted
empirical study on the effects of the innovation-
knowledge among the readers, or were those editorials
oriented mission statement on innovation performance
merely opinions or ideas of the editors with no
and non- financial business performance and found
justified true belief? The factuality of the knowledge
that strong evidence that mission statements have a
content of the assessed editorials varies from day to
positive
day, the basis for justification were varied
influence
on
innovation
performance,
from
especially when innovation-related words are present
statements of government officials in television
in the statement and also indicate that both the
interviews , memos, issued orders, events frequently
newness of technology and its newness to market can
aired by radios and newspapers and natural events that
significantly enhance corporate image and customer
were concretely observed currently happening in the
satisfaction and that is critical for firms to managers.
country. Was the justification enough to determine that the contents of the editorial are knowledge - a
Farhad
Analoui
(2010)
investigated
the
justified true belief?
existence and content of the mission statements and, accordingly, it determines the relationships between small
medium
enterpriseâ€&#x;s
development
of
The nature of knowledge is viewed as “a
a
progressive understanding that moves from the view
meaningful statement and selected performance
of knowledge as absolute to a relativistic view and
outcomes of the firm. Developing a mission statement
then to a contextual, and constructivist stance� (Hofer
has been considered a crucial factor in the formulation
& Pintrich, 1997, p. 119). One basis for justification
of business strategy in organizations.
were statement coming from a significant/primary sources like the statements made by the president, Page 15
Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
speaker of the house, government officials, ordinances,
presentation, however, the editorial section of a
written and implemented laws. Schommer (1989)
newspaper is where one can find subjectivity - present
provided that there are three more or less independent
the facts but will also include the writer‟s viewpoint
beliefs about the structure and source of knowledge:
and opinion. The subjectivity of the content do not
(a) knowledge is simple, (b) knowledge is certain, and
mean that editor is prejudiced rather it is a high-quality
(c) knowledge is handed down by authority.
sign indicating that he/she can present his opinion in an issue and able to entice readers to think the same
On the other hand, on the objectivity and
way. According to Alan Weintraut, in his tutorial
subjectivity of the content, the editorial contained
article editorial is an article that presents the
words such as own insights, feelings,
views,
newspaper's opinion on an issue, reflects the majority
comments, opinion and personal judgments. As
vote of the editorial board, able to build on an
notable newspapers in the country, journalists writing
argument persuading readers to change a stand.
the paper should avoid subjectivity by citing concrete
Editorials are meant to influence public opinion,
basis for the findings. Journalist should hold true on
promote critical thinking, and sometimes cause people
their profession as “journalism is a neutral, objective,
to take action on an issue.
and
restrained
profession
that
monitors
social
processes and transmits accurate accounts without
Congruence to the mission and vision of the
sensationalism or bias, their accounts may be accurate,
organization, the written editorials had shown their
but may not be fair”. (Barry, 2007).Objectivity view
own style of writing depicting what they were entails
(Montgomery, 2015) is one that is not influenced by
to, differentiating them from one another. A mission
emotions, opinions, or personal feelings - it is a
statement is the company‟s statements of purposes
perspective based in fact, in things quantifiable and
which serves as a guide for all decision-making and
measurable.
Klazema (June, 2014) view is quiet
also help workers to know what decisions and tasks to
different stated that most reporters write to a high
take. While vision should offer more of a direction
level of objectivity by presenting the facts and not to
and include a perspective of corporate values, it
offer their own opinions when it comes to their
provide a direction for the company for the next five to
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Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
10 years while also noting a commitment to integrity,
was guided by the mission and vision of their own
transparency, openness and other related values
organization. In an exploratory survey conducted by
(Kokemuller (2017).
Nguyen, H. and Nguyen, T. (2016) on perceptions about mission, the participants had a shared but rather
These broadsheets were known for their
generic, at times vague, and overly optimistic view of
subheadings such as the nation's leading newspaper,
the mission as a helping profession that would be able
truth shall prevail, and balanced news, fearless view.
to solve every social problem present in all areas.
It is in this premise of what they are portraying in every issue dispensed every day. Azzadin, Salem
A study by Eun- Kyung Kim and Se Young
(2011) recommends that theoretical focus and
Kim (2015) revealed that a better, more diversified,
practical flexibility should be observed in formulating
and more firmly stated mission statements which
vision and mission. Theoretically,
include
it
suggests
identification
of
target
customers,
conceptual distinction between vision, mission, values
identification of principal services, contribution to
and other related concepts. Once this is done, it
society as a non-profit organization, and concern for
suggests the use of a “guiding statement” to flexibility
employees can affect the organization‟s performance
describe any statement that integrates more than one
Kopaneva, Irina (2015) found out on her study that
of the above mentioned concepts in practice. The
there
impact of mission statement to be a dearth of
understanding an employee‟s role in the construction
evidence as a functional management tools, to create
of organizational reality.
should
have
important
implications
for
shared meaning by describing an organization‟s value and purpose, a sense giving or sense making. (Desdimt, S. and Prinzie, A. 2010)
Even
though
little
research
exists
in
professional fields, it is plausible to assume that employees‟
learning
and
working
performance
Each day also, the editorial staff met, discuss
analogously is related with the degree of elaboration
and select the topic that will be posted as editorial for
of their system of epistemic beliefs. That is, the more
the day. Each member had different perceptions but
elaborated employees‟ systems of epistemic beliefs
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Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
are, the more they understand their workplace
related to adaptation of the presented knowledge as it
environment
and
is without any changes or seeing the knowledge as
professional development. Yet, so far little attention
something that can be changed and thus, making your
was paid to epistemic beliefs in the work context,
own meaning out of what is presented. According to
because such “subjective perspectives” on one‟s own
this, beliefs of the individuals related to sources of
development are often disregarded.
information on internet which can be grouped as
as
a
resource
for
learning
certain-can not be changed or temporary-can be Internet-specific
epistemological
beliefs
changed is grouped under this factor. Justification for
include individuals‟ beliefs towards the source of the
knowing
information on the internet, on its accuracy, structure
information sources on internet in terms of reliability
and on the evaluation of the information and
and validity through such ways as observation,
information sources on this media (Strømsø & Bråten,
questioning, assessment, comparing multiple sources
2010; cited in Kılıç (et al, 2015). In Internet-Specific
and consulting the authority. This factor is based on
Epistemological Belief Scale developed by Strømsø
the critical evaluation of information arguments on
and Bråten (2010), it is indicated that there are three
internet, checking it from multiple sources, reasoning
main
and comparing it with prior knowledge.
factors
effecting
internet-specific
factor
incorporates
the
evaluation
of
epistemological beliefs which are “certainty and source of knowledge”, “justification for knowing” and
Epistemological Beliefs, or EB are arguably
“structure of knowledge” (Cited in. Kılıç Çakmak et.
important to both academic and applied psychology.
al., 2015). Source of knowledge is based on the
Development of scientific reasoning skills has been
epistemological belief that the source of information
recommended as a central goal of psychology
can be created internally and effectively by the
education (Cranney et al., 2008; Halonen et al., 2003).
individual or that the source of information is
Similarly, codes of ethics state that applying
presented from a center/authority and received that
psychological knowledge requires awareness of the
way by the individual. Certainty of knowledge, on the
need for ongoing learning and limitations of existing
other hand, is based on the epistemological belief
knowledge (Australian Psychological Society, 2007).
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Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis
A critical perspective regarding new knowledge
vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 109-126.
requires relatively sophisticated EB (Halonen et al., Cranney, J., Provost, S., Katsikitis, M., Martin,
2003).
F., White, F., & Cohen, L. (2008). Designing a
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