Conflicting Administrative and Critical Paradigms in Data Tracking Policy: A Lazarsfeldian Analysis

Abstract

In 1941, Paul Lazarsfeld wrote that administrative research in communications (of which he was a founding figure) is often criticized for addressing only “little problems, generally, of a business character…” while critical research can be criticized for focusing on dramatic high-level ideals and “showing up” those in power, but with a lack of “fact-finding or constructive suggestions.” This article considers Lazarsfeld’s conceptions to be a functional dichotomy, and then compares that dichotomy to a modern policy debate in telecommunications: personal data tracking by Internet firms and proposals in the American government for regulating it. This article will argue that the administrative/critical dichotomy can be observed in the contentions of industry leaders, consumer advocates, media commentators, and politicians who have contributed to this policy debate.

Keywords: Administrative Research, Critical Research, Telecommunications Policy, Data Tracking, Privacy