Use of TikTok as a Source of Information among Undergraduates in Nigeria (Project Guide)

By EngrHenryTech Publishing · Mass Communication

USE OF TIKTOK AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN NIGERIA: A COMPLETE PROJECT GUIDE

Departments: Mass Communication, Media and Communication Studies, Journalism, Information Science, Library and Information Science, Sociology

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This is a detailed research guide and framework, not a finished project for submission. It gives you a ready-to-adapt Chapter One, a map for your literature review, a full survey methodology plan with a worked sample-size calculation, a draft questionnaire, an optional content analysis plan, empty results tables, and guidance for writing your conclusions. You collect your own data and write Chapters Four and Five from your own findings.

SECTION 1: TOPIC AND ALTERNATIVE TITLES

Main topic:
Use of TikTok as a Source of Information among Undergraduates of [University]

Alternative titles:
1. Undergraduates' Perception of the Credibility of News on TikTok.
2. TikTok and Academic Learning: Students' Use of Short Educational Videos.
3. Exposure to Health Information on TikTok and Health Behaviour of Undergraduates.
4. Short-Video Platforms and the Decline of Traditional News Consumption among Young People.
5. TikTok Use and Undergraduates' Ability to Recognise Misinformation.
6. A Content Analysis of News-Related TikTok Videos about [Event or Issue] in Nigeria.

SECTION 2: MODEL CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Background to the Study (model text, rewrite in your own words)

The way young people obtain information has changed rapidly. Where earlier generations relied on newspapers, radio and television, many young Nigerians now receive news and other information mainly through social media on their phones. Among these platforms, short-video apps such as TikTok have grown especially fast. TikTok presents short videos chosen by an algorithm on its "For You" page, based on what each user watches and interacts with, rather than mainly on whom the user follows.

TikTok is often seen as an entertainment platform, but it is increasingly used for information: news and current affairs, explanations of academic topics, health advice, career and business tips, product reviews and political commentary. Reports on digital news consumption, such as the Reuters Institute Digital News Report, have noted the growing use of TikTok for news, particularly among young people, in many countries. Some content is produced by journalists, experts and established organisations; much is produced by ordinary users and influencers, whose information may be accurate, partly accurate or false.

This raises important questions about credibility and information quality. Students may value TikTok because it is quick, visual and entertaining, but may find it harder to judge the source and accuracy of information presented in short, edited clips. Research on online credibility suggests that people often use mental shortcuts, such as popularity or the appearance of expertise, to decide what to believe (Metzger, Flanagin and Medders, 2010). This study therefore examines the use of TikTok as a source of information among undergraduates in [university].

1.2 Statement of the Problem (model)

Many undergraduates spend several hours a day on TikTok, and some rely on it for news, health and academic information [support this with a short pilot survey or published data]. Lecturers and health workers have expressed concern that students may accept inaccurate information without checking it. However, there is little Nigerian research on what kinds of information students seek on TikTok, how credible they consider it, and whether they verify what they see. This study addresses that problem.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective is to examine the use of TikTok as a source of information among undergraduates in [university]. The specific objectives are to:
1. determine the extent of TikTok use among undergraduates;
2. identify the types of information students seek on TikTok;
3. identify the gratifications (needs) students satisfy through TikTok;
4. examine students' perception of the credibility of information on TikTok;
5. examine how often students verify information they see on TikTok.

WHAT THE FULL GUIDE CONTAINS

The complete guide continues with:
- research questions and null hypotheses matched to each objective;
- significance, scope, limitations and definitions of terms;
- a Chapter Two map: concepts to define, the theoretical framework, how to build the empirical review, and a model statement of the research gap;
- a full Chapter Three plan: design, population, a worked sample-size calculation, sampling technique, validity, reliability and the statistical test for each hypothesis;
- a ready-to-adapt draft questionnaire (or data collection instrument);
- Chapter Four table templates with guidance on interpreting and discussing results;
- a Chapter Five guide to the summary, conclusion and recommendations;
- a list of real starting references, plus a checklist of common supervisor corrections.

Please note: this is a research guide and framework to help you plan and write your own project. It does not contain invented data or results. You collect your own data and write Chapters Four and Five from your own findings.