Methodology

In the initial phase of the project, schools are selected to take part in the project with their classes. This cooperation includes not only data collection, but also the implementation of argumentation training and provision of thematic background information. If you are interested in a collaboration, please contact projekt.medienkompetenz(at)hfjs.eu.

For data collection, the research team combines two methodological approaches to qualitatively investigate the dissemination and impact of extremist narratives in the context of the Middle East conflict:

1. Media diary:

   Participants maintain a digital media diary for several weeks, documenting their social media consumption. This empirical research method involves systematically documenting and reflecting on media consumption on a daily basis. At the beginning, the adolescents and young adults are asked biographical questions as well as questions on the use of social media and the consumption of various topics. They are then asked daily questions about the content they consume. The aim is to record and evaluate narratives and extremist content on the Middle East conflict.

2. Interviews:

   Interviews will be conducted with young adults aged 16 and over in order to record the potential for radicalization as well as the significance of the Middle East conflict for identity construction. In order to take biographical developments into account and to ensure the measurability of the results, the interview combines biographical-narrative and guideline-based elements. The interviews also allow participants in the media diary to reflect critically on their media consumption. In addition, the aim is to shed light on whether and how young people recognize (left-wing) extremist content in relation to the Middle East conflict and how this shapes their everyday lives.

    

Based on these surveys, argumentation training and workshops will then be developed in the second part of the project.