Flemington, NJ, April 25, 2007 – Results of a study among nearly 600 Americans in which responders viewed an explanation by a fired professor regarding comments he made in an Emmanuel College classroom revealed that nearly half (48%) indicated that he “should not” have been fired. 

The communications research study was conducted by HCD Research, using its mediacurves.com web site, during April 24-25, to obtain Americans’ views on the comments made by Nicholas Winset, an Emmanuel College professor, who explained why he made comments about the Virginia Tech shooting in his classroom.

The study employed an on-line communications research methodology designed to test the impact of communications.  Prior to viewing the professors’ explanation of his comments, responders were provided with a description of the scenario surrounding his firing and were asked: “Do you agree that Nicholas Winset should have been fired for his dramatization of the Virginia Tech shooting?”

Among the findings:

• The majority of responders (61%) indicated that the comments fell within the bounds of academic freedom. 

• Prior to viewing the video of his explanation, nearly half (45%), reported that he should not be fired.  After viewing an 80-second video of the professor’s explanation, 48% of all responders indicated that he “should not” have been fired.

To view detailed results of the study go to: www.mediacurves.com  The Media Curves web site provides the media and general public with a venue to view Americans’ perceptions of popular and controversial media events and advertisements.
 
HCD Research specializes in conducting communications research for the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, financial and entertainment industries, among others.
Headquartered in Flemington, NJ, the company's services include traditional and web-based communications research.  For additional information on HCD Research, access the company’s web site at www.hcdi.net or call HCD Research at 908-788-9393. 

Editors/Reporters: For more information on the study, or to speak with Glenn Kessler, managing partner, HCD Research, please contact Vince McGourty, HCD Research, at (908) 483-9121 or (vince.mcgourty@hcdi.net).