Justified True Belief of Leading National Broadsheets: An Epistemological Analysis by 21st Century Teacher

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

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&#x20AC;&#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

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:

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

studies

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.

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

Sampling was used. This method is also a

used

with

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&#x20AC;&#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

Jan 26, 2017

Editorial 3

Jan. 27, 2017

Editorial 4

Jan 30, 2017

Editorial 5

Jan 31, 2017

Editorial 6

Feb 1, 2017

Editorial 7

Feb 2, 2017

Editorial 8

Feb 3, 2017

Editorial 9

Feb 6, 2017

Editorial 10

Judgment (Objectivity of the content)

Congruence to the mission, vision and philosophy

TABLE 1 Content Analysis on Justified True Belief in Editorials of Broadsheet A

were each given a highest score of

interpreted

very

objective; whereas 8 out of 10 editorials were each given a score of 3.

Lastly, on the aspect of congruence

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.

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

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

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

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

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

score of 3. Similarly, 3 out

INDICATOR

DATE

TITLE

Feb. 5, 2017

Editorial 1

Congruence to the mission, vision and philosophy 3

Jan 12, 2017

Editorial 2

Feb 6, 2017

Editorial 3

Feb 8, 2017

Editorial 4

Feb 9, 2017

Editorial 5

Feb 10, 2017

Editorial 6

Feb 7, 2017

Editorial 7

discussion.

Feb 4, 2017

Editorial 8

specific

Jan 30, 2017

Editorial 9

editorials in which their

January 14, 2017

Editorial 10

Knowledge Content Presence of evidences for justification

Judgment Objectivity of the content

of 10 editorials were each given

score

interpreted as subjective. This meant that the editors used their personal feelings the

course

There

topics

the were

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

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

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

knowledge,

how

knowledge

(Hofer &

Pintrich, 1997).

authority,

and

the

process

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

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

Jan 28, 2017

Editorial 2

Jan 29, 2017

Editorial 3

was given a score of

Jan 30, 2017

Editorial 4

1. This meant that

Jan 31, 2017

Editorial 5

Feb 1, 2017

Editorial 6

Feb 2, 2017

Editorial 7

Feb 3, 2017

Editorial 8

Feb 4, 2017

Editorial 9

Feb 5, 2017

Editorial 10

Table 3

given a score of 2. And only 1 editorial

Broadsheet C reflected its vision-mission in keeping up with the values

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&#x20AC;&#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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;guiding

conceptualization of problems. This is particularly true

statementâ&#x20AC;? 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

the

certainty,

simplicity,

source

and

in terms of environment they live and paradigms they Epistemic

beliefs

significantly shape

the

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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&#x20AC;&#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&#x20AC;&#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

guides

cope

with

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

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&#x20AC;&#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

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

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&#x20AC;&#x;s

development

The nature of knowledge is viewed as â&#x20AC;&#x153;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 stanceâ&#x20AC;? (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

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

suggests

identification

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

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

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

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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