The Conceptualization and Measurement of Diversity

Abstract

This article defines dual-concept diversity as a two-dimensional construct that holds a central place of study in many fields, including communication. The authors present 12 measures of dual-concept diversity appearing in the literature and assess the differential sensitivity of these measures in capturing the two dimensions. After assessing each measure and eliminating measures that are redundant or computationally intractable, the article compares the remaining measures of diversity in a time series of 30 years of network radio programming. Graphic and statistical interrelationships are presented to facilitate comparison and choice between measures in future research.

Ethnic diversity and well-being

“…However, the literature has explored also other measures (see e.g., Denton, 1988, McDonald andDimmick, 2003). Furthermore, one might wonder how the effect would change depending on the number or the grouping of nationalities.…”

Competition, Concentration and Diversity in European Television Markets

“…It is defined as the heterogeneity of media content on one or more dimensions, e.g., political orientation, cultural tradition, or programme types (Van Cuilenburg and McQuail, 1982, p. 36; see also McDonald and Dimmick, 2003). Diversity of supply is a necessary condition for consumer choice and for the exchange of different ideas, opinions and viewpoints in society.…”

“…Market open diversity assesses to what extent different programme types (or viewpoints or other content categories) are provided in uniform proportions by the market (that is, to what extent supply shows an equidistribution of programme types; see Table I). Grounded in general terms in the communication norm that media should be unbiased and thought-provoking, market open diversity -as applied to programme types -expresses the idea that all programme types should be equally represented in media supply, including minority and merit programmes (Bates and Chambers, 1999;Brown, 1996;Hamilton, 1996;McDonald and Dimmick, 2003). Market reflective diversity, on the other hand, assesses whether the market provides different programme types in the same proportion as they are preferred by users; that is, whether supply is similar with respect to the structure of demand (see again Table I).…”

“…To describe channel programming, we focus on channel open diversity, channel reflective diversity, and channel distinctiveness. These measurements of diversity are influenced by the number and choice of categories (McDonald and Dimmick, 2003). The usage of an encompassing content classification system for all markets ensures, as much as possible, that measurements of diversity are comparable across markets.…”

Market Competition and Media Performance: Reexamining the Media Performance of the Cable Television Industry in Taiwan

“…Traditional mass media do not have direct contact with consumers, and thus scholars tend to focus on the products of these media to measure their performance (Iosifides, 1999;Li & Chiang, 2001;Lin, 1995;Litman, 1979;McDonald & Dimmick, 2004;McQuail, 1992;Rothenbuhler & Dimmick, 1982;Van der Wurff, 2004). Unlike traditional mass media, cable television systems provide their subscribers with various services such as installation, repairs, or billing, which constitute an important part of the system's media performance.…”