Erik Helin , CLA 2009
The Princeton Radio Research Project and the Origins of Mass Communication Research
Major
Journalism
Mentor
Michael Stamm : Journalism & Mass Communication
Brief Bio
I enjoy writing. I also like going to movies, and my hometown Milwaukee.
Future Plans
I want to do magazine writing.
Why Research?
My mentor is working on a book. I took one of his classes, and wanted to go deeper into the material he mentioned he was working on for the book. I wanted to help him out, and do my own research.
What Did I Get from Research?
I hope to gain more skills on my own, and get a different skill set for doing research in the future. I also want to help the professor with the book, and make the book as good as it can be.
How Did I Start?
I had a class with the professor. He mentioned UROP during one of the classes. He said it was a good way to make some money. One thing led to another, and I got the project set up.
Advice for Another Student
Find a professor that you feel comfortable working with, and make sure the topic is something you enjoy.
Project Description
The professor is writing a book about press/radio relations in the 1930’s and 40’s. There was the Princeton Radio Research project going on during the 1930’s and 40’s. My research is focused on what were the methods and findings of the Princeton Radio Research project. What did they set out to do? What implications did it have on mass communications research?