Dissemination of information : research into the flow of information in Malta

Abstract

The study investigates factors determining the flow of information in Malta and the different methods used by the Maltese to acquire their information. The aim of the research is to initiate a representation of information flow in Malta. The introduction of a Junior College (Oct. 1995) is used as the event to trace information flow. Chapter one of the dissertation starts with a literature review outlining the historical development of the media as well as past research into information flow. Data was collected by telephone interviews using computer generated random phone numbers to supply quantitative information relative to Malta. The study shows the existence of a knowledge gap in Malta c1tmg educat10n and employment status as two of the variables which determine the amount of knowledge acquired. The result is a picture which presents the media in general as the most important means of acquiring information while downplaying the use of interpersonal communication. Findings also showed that people with higher levels of education were more likely to obtain their knowledge from the press.