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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Print Grades Prime: A Quantitative Analysis Of Producer Communication Preferences Of U.S. Beef Breed Association Magazines Through The Lenses Of Uses, Gratifications, And Gatekeeping, Megan Underwood, Katherine J. Starzec, Nellie Hill-Sullins, R. L. Weaber May 2024

Print Grades Prime: A Quantitative Analysis Of Producer Communication Preferences Of U.S. Beef Breed Association Magazines Through The Lenses Of Uses, Gratifications, And Gatekeeping, Megan Underwood, Katherine J. Starzec, Nellie Hill-Sullins, R. L. Weaber

Journal of Applied Communications

The United States beef industry is a major stakeholder in national and international agriculture and is driven by technological innovations and beef producers in all 50 states. Beef cattle breed associations are essential to the success of the industry as they not only maintain breed pedigrees but also disseminate vital information to their members. The magazines of beef cattle breed associations are a primary source of communication for U.S. beef producers. Goals for this study were to determine what information beef producers use from their beef breed association magazines, what information they want to see more of in beef breed …


The Meat Of The Matter: The Effect Of Science-Based Information On Consumer Perception Of Grass-Fed Beef, Klae D. O'Brien, Carrie N. Baker, Sarah A. Bush, Kattlyn J. Wolf Dec 2023

The Meat Of The Matter: The Effect Of Science-Based Information On Consumer Perception Of Grass-Fed Beef, Klae D. O'Brien, Carrie N. Baker, Sarah A. Bush, Kattlyn J. Wolf

Journal of Applied Communications

In the United States, there is a growing disconnect between consumers and their food source, leading to a lack of knowledge and trust in the agricultural food system. Urbanization has moved people away from farms, ranches, and food production; and the information consumers seek about their food is filtered through mass and social media. Portrayals of information about food production, specifically beef, from outside the agriculture industry often present polarizing and conflicting information about beef production and its implications for the health and well-being of humans, livestock, and the environment. This adds to consumer confusion and influences purchasing behaviors. Using …


Landowners' Perceptions Of Conservation Easements: Implications For Effective Persuasive Communication, Caitlin Cooper, Jefferson D. Miller, Shane White, Lauren Gwaltney Dec 2023

Landowners' Perceptions Of Conservation Easements: Implications For Effective Persuasive Communication, Caitlin Cooper, Jefferson D. Miller, Shane White, Lauren Gwaltney

Journal of Applied Communications

Conservation easements (CEs) are one of the most popular voluntary, legally binding programs that allow individual landowners to use their property to protect the environment. There is a definite need for educational and persuasive messaging targeted towards landowners regarding adopting conservation easements. Based on previous studies, and confirmed by this study, communication efforts that are led by conservation experts who are also community members are most likely to be well received by landowners in a region. There is currently little to no existing region-specific literature specifically related to the attitudes and behaviors landowners possess towards conservation easements. Additionally, more literature …


An Experimental Study Investigating The Type Of Data Visualizations Used In Infographics On Participant Recall And Information Recognition, Laura Morgan Fischer, Elizabeth Schroeder, Courtney Gibson, Amber Mccord, Ginger Orton Sep 2023

An Experimental Study Investigating The Type Of Data Visualizations Used In Infographics On Participant Recall And Information Recognition, Laura Morgan Fischer, Elizabeth Schroeder, Courtney Gibson, Amber Mccord, Ginger Orton

Journal of Applied Communications

The concept of agricultural sustainability, specifically sustainable beef production, is not well established, and much misinformation frames this conversation. One way agricultural communicators can educate the public on this controversial topic is through infographics. Scholars have suggested recall, or the mental process of retrieving information from the past, as a technique to understand what someone has comprehended when exposed to new information. The Limited Capacity Model of Motivated Mediated Message Processing (LC4MP) provides insight into human information processing and recall, and it guided this study’s development. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect various types of data …


Maize Farmers’ Use, Preference, And Trustworthiness Of Information Sources And Communication Channels In Dormaa, Ghana: A Gender Comparison., Namah Taku-Forchu, Shuyang Qu, Misty D. Lambert, Michael S. Retallick, Jonathan D. Ulmer, George P. Opit Sep 2023

Maize Farmers’ Use, Preference, And Trustworthiness Of Information Sources And Communication Channels In Dormaa, Ghana: A Gender Comparison., Namah Taku-Forchu, Shuyang Qu, Misty D. Lambert, Michael S. Retallick, Jonathan D. Ulmer, George P. Opit

Journal of Applied Communications

The study aimed to identify maize farmers' use, preference, and trustworthiness of the various information sources and communication channels farmers in Dormaa, Ghana, used to receive information about their farming activities. A questionnaire was developed, and data was collected from 217 maize farmers. The result revealed more males are involved in maize production than females. Most males indicated they received training in using hermetic bags more than female farmers. Respondents ranked Extension agents highest as the source from which they receive their farming information. Based on the level of preference for the information sources, the results show a statistically significant …


Examining The Impact Of Disaster Experience With Winter Storm Uri And Climate Change Risk Perceptions On Support For Mitigation Policy, Ginger Orton, Laura Morgan Fischer, Cara Lawson Jan 2023

Examining The Impact Of Disaster Experience With Winter Storm Uri And Climate Change Risk Perceptions On Support For Mitigation Policy, Ginger Orton, Laura Morgan Fischer, Cara Lawson

Journal of Applied Communications

In February 2021, Winter Storm Uri swept across the central and eastern United States bringing extreme cold, widespread power outages, and rolling blackouts throughout Texas. This storm prompted climate change to emerge as a major topic of controversy and conversation with scientists and the public alike, and many began to think about the impacts of climate change. Risk communication experts have suggested prior disaster experience is a key mechanism of understanding how risk perceptions are shaped, and ultimately, on how individuals arrive at a judgment, evaluation, or attitude toward information and situations. Drawing from risk communication scholars, we examined the …


Consumers’ Purchasing Intent Regarding Conventional, Plant-Based, And Cultured Meats, Marlee Stollar, Joy N. Rumble, Emily B. Buck, Annie R. Specht, Wuyang Hu, C. Lynn Knipe Feb 2022

Consumers’ Purchasing Intent Regarding Conventional, Plant-Based, And Cultured Meats, Marlee Stollar, Joy N. Rumble, Emily B. Buck, Annie R. Specht, Wuyang Hu, C. Lynn Knipe

Journal of Applied Communications

In today’s market, there are a growing number of meat options, from conventional to plant-based to cultured meat. As a result, agricultural and food companies need to understand what influences consumer purchases in order to communicate about these options and understand future changes in the marketplace. This study surveyed a \ sample of Ohio consumers (n = 1,250) 18 and older, which was matched to the state population. Data were collected on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) attributes of consumer attitudes toward purchasing, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control to understand purchasing intent toward conventional, plant-based, and cultured …


Arguing For Argument’S Sake? Exploring Public Conversations Around Climate Change On Twitter, Kennedy Mayfield-Smith, Alexa Lamm, Fallys Masambuka-Kanchewa, Abigail Borron, Jessica Holt Dec 2021

Arguing For Argument’S Sake? Exploring Public Conversations Around Climate Change On Twitter, Kennedy Mayfield-Smith, Alexa Lamm, Fallys Masambuka-Kanchewa, Abigail Borron, Jessica Holt

Journal of Applied Communications

Audience-facilitated information flow has become the new norm created by a public divergence from traditional media sources. Mobile device advancements and partnerships have changed how audiences view news media and the sources relied upon to obtain information. With these advancements, social media users have become primary information providers and information gatekeepers. Twitter specifically has become a news media platform for some based on its effectiveness in facilitating information flow and triggering reorganization as it provides a platform for collaboration and coordination. Despite widespread acceptance of the threat climate change poses by the scientific community, it is still a topic of …


Navigating Transparent Pork Production: Analyzing Visual Attention Of The Maschhoffs Website, Nellie Hill, Maggie Elliot, Courtney Meyers Feb 2021

Navigating Transparent Pork Production: Analyzing Visual Attention Of The Maschhoffs Website, Nellie Hill, Maggie Elliot, Courtney Meyers

Journal of Applied Communications

When it comes to food, consumers are increasingly concerned with the welfare of the livestock used to produce it. To display transparency and build trust with patrons, businesses such as The Maschhoffs, a pork production company, have created online tools to answer questions about production processes. This study implemented eye tracking and survey methodologies to attain insight regarding the visual attention of website visitors. While results revealed no discernable pattern of navigation among respondents, the findings illustrated a sector of the pork industry consumers expressed interest in was the breed-to-wean section of the farm. Researchers encourage agricultural communicators to develop …


A Mixed-Methods Comparison Of Self-Reported And Conversational Trust In Science, Joy N. Rumble, Yu-Lun Wu, Kelsey Tully, Taylor K. Ruth, Jason D. Ellis Ph.D., Alexa J. Lamm Dec 2020

A Mixed-Methods Comparison Of Self-Reported And Conversational Trust In Science, Joy N. Rumble, Yu-Lun Wu, Kelsey Tully, Taylor K. Ruth, Jason D. Ellis Ph.D., Alexa J. Lamm

Journal of Applied Communications

The development of science and technology highly relies on public trust in science. However, previous studies have shown that the public trust may vary across different scientific issues. This research explored how the public trust in science varied between a general and context specific environment. A convergent mixed-methods design was conducted. The results indicated participants’ self-reported general trust in in science did not change significantly between two measures. However, in conversation four major themes related to distrust were revealed. Future research is recommended to further explore how trust in science evolves in conversation and among different contexts.


Identifying Audience Needs To Effectively Communicate About The Cost Of Implementing Sustainable Farming Practices, Kristin E. Gibson, Alexa J. Lamm, Kevan W. Lamm Sep 2020

Identifying Audience Needs To Effectively Communicate About The Cost Of Implementing Sustainable Farming Practices, Kristin E. Gibson, Alexa J. Lamm, Kevan W. Lamm

Journal of Applied Communications

Water is a complex issue across the globe and is largely affected by a growing world population and higher standard of living. Within the United States, the security of the freshwater supply is an increasing concern and water resource protection may increase if residents are knowledgeable about the issue. Sustainable farming systems will lessen the impact of agriculture on water resources but may cost the end user more to ensure sustainability. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if rural, urban, and suburban audiences differ in their willingness to pay for sustainable farming practices that protect water resources …


Animating Science Communication: Measuring U.S. Consumers’ Recall About Genetic Modification With Animated Infographics, Jessica Holt, Alexa J. Lamm, Kristin Gibson, Kevan Lamm, Jason D. Ellis Ph.D., Joy N. Rumble Sep 2020

Animating Science Communication: Measuring U.S. Consumers’ Recall About Genetic Modification With Animated Infographics, Jessica Holt, Alexa J. Lamm, Kristin Gibson, Kevan Lamm, Jason D. Ellis Ph.D., Joy N. Rumble

Journal of Applied Communications

Genetic modification (GM) science is a complex and controversial topic that can instill uncertainty and fear into the minds of the individuals. While science research surrounding GM science in food has indicated no negative impact on the health of humans, consumer perception research has indicated a sense of skepticism and risk surrounding the issue. The Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model attempts to understand how individuals search for and process information about a subject with some associated level of risk. Infographics are a form of data visualization used to communicate complex ideas. Animation has been shown to garner greater …


Let’S Focus In: A Guide To Eye Tracking Technology In Agricultural Communications Research, Caitlin Anne Stanton, Laura Morgan Fischer May 2020

Let’S Focus In: A Guide To Eye Tracking Technology In Agricultural Communications Research, Caitlin Anne Stanton, Laura Morgan Fischer

Journal of Applied Communications

Communicating with the public about the agricultural industry often presents challenges in learning how to convey messages that are deemed as salient to various types of people. Media is understood through complex cognitive processes that result in varying attitudes throughout interaction with a stimulus, thus requiring methods that go beyond traditional self-report measures. The majority of agricultural communication research has encompassed quantitative and qualitative research, which often does not account for changes throughout media consumption. Eye tracking is an underutilized resource in agricultural communication that can be used to yield further insight into areas of interest that elicit visual attention …


Testing The Impact Of Animating Infographics On Consumer Trust And Attitude When Communicating About Genetic Modification, Alexa J. Lamm, Kristin Gibson, Jessica Holt, Kevan Lamm, Jason D. Ellis Ph.D., Joy N. Rumble May 2020

Testing The Impact Of Animating Infographics On Consumer Trust And Attitude When Communicating About Genetic Modification, Alexa J. Lamm, Kristin Gibson, Jessica Holt, Kevan Lamm, Jason D. Ellis Ph.D., Joy N. Rumble

Journal of Applied Communications

Scientific innovation provides benefits to society but also fosters suspicion and distrust. The unknown of scientific innovations in agriculture has yielded a strained relationship between consumers and farmers, creating little to no public support for solutions to agricultural issues. The relationship between public trust and agricultural innovation is further strained when discussing genetic modification (GM) science and food. Informational graphics are an increasingly popular communication technique that may effectively communicate GM science to consumers. This study examined, through a experimental design using two treatments and a control, if static or animated infographics sharing current societal perceptions of GM science in …


How Much Transparency Is Too Much? A Moment-To-Moment Analysis Of Viewer Comfort In Response To Animal Slaughter Videos, Troy G. Tarpley, Laura Morgan Fischer, Garrett M. Steede, R. Glenn Cummins, Amber Mccord May 2020

How Much Transparency Is Too Much? A Moment-To-Moment Analysis Of Viewer Comfort In Response To Animal Slaughter Videos, Troy G. Tarpley, Laura Morgan Fischer, Garrett M. Steede, R. Glenn Cummins, Amber Mccord

Journal of Applied Communications

The Glass Walls project is a series of videos created by the American Meat Institute that works to create increased transparency regarding agricultural industry practices surrounding animal slaughter and carcass fabrication. To assess the impact of the increased transparency presented in these videos, this study examined consumer response to sampled portions of these videos using a novel measurement approach to agricultural communications, continuous response measurement or “dial testing.” Two samples of college students who differed in their level of agricultural involvement provided continuous ratings of perceived comfort while viewing the two videos. Findings indicated that participants with higher agricultural involvement …


Examining Consumers' Trust In The Food Supply Chain, Chadelle R.H. Robinson, Taylor K. Ruth, R.G. "Tre" Easterly Iii, Fayth Franzoy, Jay Lillywhite May 2020

Examining Consumers' Trust In The Food Supply Chain, Chadelle R.H. Robinson, Taylor K. Ruth, R.G. "Tre" Easterly Iii, Fayth Franzoy, Jay Lillywhite

Journal of Applied Communications

Consumers are concerned about the quality and safety of their food at all times during the food supply chain, but sensationalized media coverage, lack of knowledge, and recent recalls have made it difficult for consumers to trust the agricultural industry. Because trust drives risk perceptions and acceptance, it is important for agricultural communicators to understand how personal characteristics influence trust in the food supply chain. To fulfill the purpose of this study, a national quota sample of 847 responses to an online questionnaire were collected in March 2019. The results indicated respondents held a moderate level of trust toward production …


Is It For Generation Me? A Qualitative Study Exploring Marketing And Selling Plants Online To Millennial-Aged Consumers, Lauri M. Baker, Kelsey M. Tully, Deanna R. Sumners, Ernest Francis Jones, Andrés E. León-Reyes, Cheryl Boyer, Hikaru H. Peterson May 2020

Is It For Generation Me? A Qualitative Study Exploring Marketing And Selling Plants Online To Millennial-Aged Consumers, Lauri M. Baker, Kelsey M. Tully, Deanna R. Sumners, Ernest Francis Jones, Andrés E. León-Reyes, Cheryl Boyer, Hikaru H. Peterson

Journal of Applied Communications

As online selling of products like living plants increases, it is increasingly important to understand how millennial-aged consumers perceive the purchasing experience. New-media technologies like social media, e-newsletters, and other forms of digital communication are easily adopted by millennial-aged consumers. One of these tools, 360-degree video, offers novel ways to preview products offered online and look inside local brick-and-mortar stores, which can be visited in person. Sales of horticultural goods online have been slow to be developed by industry veterans, creating ample opportunities available to new ventures. This qualitative study used a series of three focus groups to answer the …


Identifying Levels Of Engagement In Local Food Systems By Generation In The State Of Georgia, U.S.A., Abraham Tidwell, Alexa J. Lamm Feb 2020

Identifying Levels Of Engagement In Local Food Systems By Generation In The State Of Georgia, U.S.A., Abraham Tidwell, Alexa J. Lamm

Journal of Applied Communications

Local food systems are an emerging way for communities to build vibrant economies, improve health outcomes, and limit their environmental impact. Studies have shown local food engagement differs significantly between generations; however, what remains unclear is how generations’ perceptions and engagement compare to each other so the agricultural community can most effectively communicate about local food systems. Leveraging audience segmentation theory from social marketing, this study sought to address how the five living generations in the United States – Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, Baby Boomers, and The Silent Generation – perceived and engaged with local food systems. To address …


Exploring Social Media Engagement Of A Mosquito Control Campaign: Comparing Engagement Rates Per Content Type And Content Frame, Ashley Mcleod-Morin, Peyton Beattie, Shelli Rampold, Ricky Telg Feb 2020

Exploring Social Media Engagement Of A Mosquito Control Campaign: Comparing Engagement Rates Per Content Type And Content Frame, Ashley Mcleod-Morin, Peyton Beattie, Shelli Rampold, Ricky Telg

Journal of Applied Communications

This study explored the social media follower engagement of a campaign with the intention to inform Florida residents about mosquito-related topics, specifically mosquito control. Engagement rates were compared between social media content type and content frames. Text graphics without characters were the most engaged content type, while the personal responsibility frame was the most engaged frame. The social media campaign examined in this study had overall low engagement rates, which could have been attributed to factors outside the scope of this study. Future recommendations for research should determine what factors most contribute to the engagement of social media content. In-depth …


Impacting Agriculture And Natural Resource Policy: County Commissioners’ Decision-Making Behaviors And Communication Preferences, Kati Lawson, Kevin Kent, Shelli Rampold, Ricky W. Telg, Ashley Mcleod-Morin Feb 2020

Impacting Agriculture And Natural Resource Policy: County Commissioners’ Decision-Making Behaviors And Communication Preferences, Kati Lawson, Kevin Kent, Shelli Rampold, Ricky W. Telg, Ashley Mcleod-Morin

Journal of Applied Communications

Elected officials at the local, state, and national levels play key roles in shaping the agriculture and natural resources (ANR) sectors through the development and implementation of ANR policies and regulations. As such, it has become necessary for members of the ANR community to understand the policy formation process and how to communicate effectively with elected officials about ANR policies and issues. However, little research has been conducted at the local level to examine how local elected officials (LEOs) interact with information specific to ANR policies to make decisions. This study was designed to assess the communication and information-seeking preferences …


Utilizing Twitter To Communicate Risk After A Natural Disaster, Taylor K. Ruth, Teresa Suits, Ashley Mcleod-Morin, Ricky W. Telg Feb 2020

Utilizing Twitter To Communicate Risk After A Natural Disaster, Taylor K. Ruth, Teresa Suits, Ashley Mcleod-Morin, Ricky W. Telg

Journal of Applied Communications

Hurricane Michael hit the Florida panhandle as a category five hurricane on October 10, 2018. One of the risks after a hurricane is the spread of mosquito-borne disease due to standing floodwaters, which provide perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. People often turn to social media during times of crisis to receive up-to-date information. Therefore, there is a need to understand how to use social media to communicate about risks after a natural disaster. The purpose of this study was to explore how Twitter was used to communicate about mosquito control before and after Hurricane Michael and was guided by the …


Misleading Or Informing? Examining The Effects Of Labeling Design On Consumers’ Perception Of Gluten-Free Products And Wheat Safety, Kimberly Cantrell, Nan Li, Courtney Meyers, Cindy Akers Feb 2020

Misleading Or Informing? Examining The Effects Of Labeling Design On Consumers’ Perception Of Gluten-Free Products And Wheat Safety, Kimberly Cantrell, Nan Li, Courtney Meyers, Cindy Akers

Journal of Applied Communications

As food products marketed as “gluten-free” become increasingly popular, many consumers start to exclude sources of gluten (e.g., wheat, barley, and rye) from their diets for both medical and non-medical purposes. The grain industry is facing a growing challenge to (re)boost consumers’ confidence in the healthiness and safety of its commodities. Using 561 participants recruited from the Amazon Mechanical Turk workers’ panel, this study implemented a 2 (pretzels vs. potato chips) * 2 (positive- vs. negative- frame) * 2 (wheat image vs. no wheat image) experiment to examine the effects of gluten-free labels on consumers’ perceived healthiness and safety of …


Consumers’ Evaluation Of Animal Welfare Labels On Poultry Products, Rexanna Powers, Nan Li, Courtney Gibson, Erica Irlbeck Feb 2020

Consumers’ Evaluation Of Animal Welfare Labels On Poultry Products, Rexanna Powers, Nan Li, Courtney Gibson, Erica Irlbeck

Journal of Applied Communications

As the public has expressed increasing concerns regarding the humane raising and handling of farm animals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and industry organizations have developed a series of standards enforcing animal welfare in the poultry industry. Labels and value-added claims were created and defined to differentiate products and to inform consumers’ purchasing decisions. This study identified five labels related to animal welfare that are frequently found on food packages in the U.S. grocery stores, including both the mandatory labels and third-party, voluntary labels. Using a controlled online experiment (N=249), we examined the labels’ effects on consumers’ perception …


Does Good Design Matter In The Seedstock Advertising Business? Effects Of Graphic Design In Beef Seedstock Ads On Cattle Producers’ Trust And Credibility, Morgan L. Marley, Katie M. Abrams, Daniela Castillo Sep 2019

Does Good Design Matter In The Seedstock Advertising Business? Effects Of Graphic Design In Beef Seedstock Ads On Cattle Producers’ Trust And Credibility, Morgan L. Marley, Katie M. Abrams, Daniela Castillo

Journal of Applied Communications

Designers are trained professionals who understand how to effectively visually communicate based on executing principles of design and an understanding of their audience. Within the beef seedstock industry, ad design varies widely in terms of technical effectiveness, but how do those differences affect potential customers? This study tested the effects of seedstock ad’s graphic design on the viewer’s trust and credibility among 561 Angus cattle producers. Our results show the graphic design of a beef seedstock ranch ad promoting an upcoming bull sale did not influence producers’ perceptions of trust and credibility. However, results did reveal better designed ads are …


Crowdsourcing Change: An Analysis Of Twitter Discourse On Food Waste And Reduction Strategies, Annie R. Specht, Emily B. Buck May 2019

Crowdsourcing Change: An Analysis Of Twitter Discourse On Food Waste And Reduction Strategies, Annie R. Specht, Emily B. Buck

Journal of Applied Communications

Food waste has emerged as a major issue in the United States as the nation collectively sends more than 133 billion pounds of food to its landfills every year. In September 2015, the USDA and EPA announced an initiative to cut U.S. food waste in half by 2030. Between 2015 and 2016, nearly 100,000 posts about food waste have been published on Twitter, a microblogging platform that has been a hub of “slacktivism” since its inception in 2006. Using a conceptual framework of social cognitive theory, online activism, and crowdsourcing, we analyzed food waste conversation participants’ demographics, online communities, and …


Should Livestock Images Provide Historical Reference Or Modern Reality? An Examination Of The Influence Of Livestock Communication On Attitude., Joy N. Rumble, Tiffany M. Rogers-Randolph, Emily B. Buck May 2019

Should Livestock Images Provide Historical Reference Or Modern Reality? An Examination Of The Influence Of Livestock Communication On Attitude., Joy N. Rumble, Tiffany M. Rogers-Randolph, Emily B. Buck

Journal of Applied Communications

The livestock industry has repeatedly struggled to effectively communicate livestock care and handling practices in order to promote awareness and acceptance. Many consumers still hold on to the historically picturesque view of production agriculture instead of the modern reality. It is necessary for the industry to identify how much is too much to tell or show consumers. Therefore, this study sought to understand the influence of two communication treatments on attitudes toward livestock care and use. Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) served as the theoretical framework for this study. A sample of 1,049 respondents was obtained through non-probability sampling. To fulfill …


Informal Science Engagement Via Extension Exhibits: A Pilot Evaluation Of Adult State Fairgoers’ Experiences, Attitudes, And Learning At Raising Nebraska, Jamie Loizzo, Nathan W. Conner, Karen J. Cannon Ph.D., Elizabeth Janning, Jeffrey Rollins Jan 2019

Informal Science Engagement Via Extension Exhibits: A Pilot Evaluation Of Adult State Fairgoers’ Experiences, Attitudes, And Learning At Raising Nebraska, Jamie Loizzo, Nathan W. Conner, Karen J. Cannon Ph.D., Elizabeth Janning, Jeffrey Rollins

Journal of Applied Communications

Science communication and informal science education collide in the context of Extension state fair exhibits for engaging public audiences in critical agricultural and natural resource issues impacting people’s daily lives. A need exists to employ systematic communication and education theory and techniques to effectively deliver scientific information in informal learning spaces. In an effort to apply and expand systematic instructional design thinking and research in informal science learning, this study piloted a touchscreen iPad survey evaluation (n= 93; ages 19-66) of adult state fairgoers’ demographics, experiences, attitudes, and learning during their visit to a 25,000 square-foot facility featuring an Extension …


Engaging Dairy Farmers In Safety Messages: Values, Moral Norms, Barriers, And Implications For Communication, Emily Wilmes, Rebecca Swenson Jan 2019

Engaging Dairy Farmers In Safety Messages: Values, Moral Norms, Barriers, And Implications For Communication, Emily Wilmes, Rebecca Swenson

Journal of Applied Communications

Dairy farms pose many hazards to farmers and their employees, including the risk of injury caused by handling animals. On many farms, there is a lack of consistent information and training related to farm safety topics, including stockmanship, or safe animal handling. The purpose of this qualitative research was to explore effective communication strategies that support the application of stockmanship practices and more broadly support health and safety measures and the adoption of new behaviors by farmers and their employees. Research was conducted in three stages via in-depth farm tours and in-person interviews, a qualitative survey, and follow-up phone interviews …


Blue Bell's Facebook Posts And Responses During The 2015 Listeria Crisis: A Case Study, Kelsi Opat, Haley Magness, Erica Irlbeck Dec 2018

Blue Bell's Facebook Posts And Responses During The 2015 Listeria Crisis: A Case Study, Kelsi Opat, Haley Magness, Erica Irlbeck

Journal of Applied Communications

Blue Bell Creameries faced an unprecedented situation when it pulled all of its products during a Listeria outbreak in 2015. Despite a very public crisis that resulted in three deaths, Blue Bell survived the disaster and maintained a large and loyal customer base. A content analysis of the Blue Bell Ice Cream Facebook page was conducted to evaluate Blue Bell’s public communications, and its followers’ public reactions to the Facebook communication during the crisis. Results indicated that Blue Bell primarily posted messages that included recall and restocking information, thankfulness to stakeholders, and details about improvements to food safety during the …


Understanding Consumer Intent To Buy Local Food: Adding Consumer Past Experience And Moral Obligation Toward Buying Local Blueberries In Florida Within The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Jessica Holt, Joy N. Rumble, Ricky Telg, Alexa Lamm Jun 2018

Understanding Consumer Intent To Buy Local Food: Adding Consumer Past Experience And Moral Obligation Toward Buying Local Blueberries In Florida Within The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Jessica Holt, Joy N. Rumble, Ricky Telg, Alexa Lamm

Journal of Applied Communications

Buying local food has become an increasingly popular way for consumers to engage with those who grow their food; however, research has shown a specific audience tends to buy local food due to individual-specific barriers. To better understand what motivates consumers to buy local food the Theory of Planned Behavior was used as a way to potentially predict consumers’ behavior toward buying locally grown blueberries. Also, the variables of past experience and self-identity/moral obligation toward buying local food were introduced to the model since both variables may increase the predictability of the Theory of Planned Behavior model in certain food-related …