Digital Commons Network^™

The Parentification Of Eldest Daughters, Isabella Loraina Ciarico

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to understand the experience of eldest daughters and to research if parentification in childhood impacts eldest daughter identities. The goal was to dive deeper into what it means to be the eldest daughter and how being the eldest daughter aligns with parentification. Two research questions guided this study: (a) what is the experience of the eldest daughter, and (b) How does parentification in childhood impact eldest daughter identities? Findings showed the experiences of eldest daughters with parentification.

Artificial Intelligence And News Consumption: A Study Of Trust, Credibility And Transparency In Automated Journalism, Julia Lobo Paes

Dissertations and Theses

According to Gallup poll (2023), over the last 50 years there has been a decline in how much Americans trust mass media. While in the 1970’s 72% of the population responded that they trust the media a 'great deal/fair amount', this number dropped to 34% in 2023. Given the decreasing public trust in news, this thesis focused particularly on analyzing trust in the organization, trust in the news story and perceived credibility in AI generative content. In addition to articles created by AI, this study also aimed to analyze how the public perceives information that has been personalized and distributed …

Historical Reappearance: Tracing The Impacts Of Argentina's Los Desaparecidos To The Rise Of President Javier Milei, Analise Sofia Chain

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In 1976 the Argentine government was taken over by a right wing military junta, attempting to “save” their country from communism. Military officials kidnapped, tortured and killed between 10,000 and 30,000 Argentine citizens, who were thought of as “guerrillas” supporting the leftist government and the late president Juan Perón. These victims are regarded as the disappeared, or Los Desaparecidos; due to the fact their families had no knowledge of where their loved ones were taken, or what was happening to them. Many of these young, liberal advocates were never seen or heard from again, their remains lost to history, and …

Tempus Fugit: Unraveling Temporal Occurrence And Display Order Effects Of Online Information On Employer Impressions, Alina Niftulaeva, Omolola Lasisi, Millicent Elewosi, Matthew Edor, Caleb T. Carr

Faculty Publications - Communications

As social media readily enables users to traverse a targets’ posted content across time, the present research explores the effects of two types of temporality – occurrence and display order – on offline perceptions. Using the context of employers’ impression formation of job applicants, N = 200 human resource personnel were exposed to a job posting and an applicant’s resume and supplemental social media posts in a fully crossed 2 (occurrence order: posts becoming either more or less positive over a 4-year period) and display order (most-recent posts presented either first or last), and a one-condition offset in which all …

Taking Flight Or Taking A Pass? Exploring Factors Influencing Consumer Willingness To Pay For Evtol Travel, David C. Ison

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry is experiencing significant growth due to technological advancements and increasing demand for efficient travel experiences. The market is expected to reach $45 billion by 2030, with major players like Joby, Archer, Beta, and Wisk dominating. This study aimed to assess public willingness to pay for AAM services using eVTOLs, using Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform. The survey yielded a response rate of 85.8%, with 1,622 completed surveys. The study found that younger urban consumers were more willing to pay higher prices for AAM electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft trips than older participants, possibly …

Prophetic Dissent In Dark Times: The New Poor People’S Campaign And The Rhetoric Of National Redemption, Stephen E. Rahko, Byron B. Craig

Faculty Publications - Communications

In this paper, we offer an analysis of an important social movement challenging the fantasy of Christian nationalism: the new Poor People’s Campaign, and specifically the rhetoric of the Bishop Dr. William J. Barber II. We argue that Barber’s rhetoric represents a source of dissent against Christian nationalism through his strategic use of the jeremiad. Barber’s progressive jeremiad offers a distinctively moral narrative that recovers the radical Christian legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ultimately, we argue that Barber’s jeremiad advances a distinctive narrative of American national redemption through democratic renewal and reconstruction.

Remembering Redlining: Trauma, Anti-Blackness, And Afro-Pessimistic Affect In Them, Byron B. Craig, Stephen E. Rahko

Faculty Publications - Communications

Scholars of public memory have long recognized the importance of popular culture as a site in America’s memory infrastructure. In this paper we seek to contribute to this bourgeoning scholarship by advancing an analysis of the way the Amazon Prime series Them strategically remembers the traumatic violence of America’s racial past. Through its skillful use of allegory and the Black horror genre, Them offers an Afro-pessimistic rebuke of America’s post-racial fantasy. Ultimately, we argue that popular culture remains a crucial site for the politics of memory, especially given the growing threat of censorship of America’s racial history in education as …

Outpatient Fall Prevention In Ambulatory Adults 65 Years Old And Over, Dorothy L. Osborne-White

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: In the United States (U.S.), falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and over, resulting in 36 million falls yearly (Moreland et al., 2020). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), one in four older adults experiences a fall each year. Falls are the world's second most prominent cause of accidental deaths (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults (Moreland et al., 2020).

Methods: A quality improvement project that included a fall bundle was implemented in a primary clinic. A …

Examining The Role And Implications Of Twitter On News Production In Ugandan Newsrooms: A Case Of Nation Media Group Uganda, Elizabeth Amongin

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

Social Media, particularly Twitter, has increased and eased the news production process by enhancing sourcing, gathering, and distributing news content. This study examined the implications of applying or using witter in the news production process in Ugandan newsrooms. This study focused on Nation Media Group -Uganda (NMG-U) and the New Media Theory guided it. The study applied a qualitative study approach and indepth interviews to collect data from 22 journalists and editors who were purposely selected. The study used a case study design to establish the role of Twitter in news sourcing and the attribution of quotes This study found …

An Investigation Into The Female Correspondents' Experiences In The Media Industry In Kenya, Pili Chizi Chimerah

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

Correspondents in the media organizations in Kenya face myriad challenges to remuneration, working conditions, and job security. These challenges have a direct effect on their performance at the workplace. Correspondents play a pivotal role in the success of media organizations, and research shows that they contribute about 80 percent of media content (Devex, 2022). Odhiambo (2002) states that correspondents are paid on retainers and sometimes need reasonable contracts, making them vulnerable. However, female correspondents face double challenges based on their gender. There is a gender bias in newsrooms, with male correspondents dominating (Selva & Andi, 2020). Often, female correspondents are …

An Investigation On Gender Perceptions In Credibility Of Male And Female News Anchors In Kenya., Ngumbau Maluti Musau

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The success and survival of media houses is based on viewership as informed on audience loyalty that is pegged on perceived credibility of the news items, news anchors and media houses. But, extent of credibility perception as influenced by gender under the gender disparity concept has not been assessed within the Kenyan media space; which forms the focus of this study. The main objective was to investigate gender perceptions in the credibility of male and female news anchors in Kenya. Specifically, the study assessed the perceived credibility of male news anchors in presenting hard news items in Kenya and examined …

An Analysis Of The Contribution Of Training Grants To The Ugandan Media: A Case Study Of The New Vision And Daily Monitor., Julius Odeke

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The training of journalists has become an important element in enhancing the development of the media due to the popular global conjecture that a developed media consequently helps citizens to make informed decisions. But a number of factors like the choice of areas for training that needs funding and challenges media experiences in enhancing media development have over the time stifled the operations of the Ugandan media limiting its ability to advance issues of public interest (McChesney, 2008:37;Nyarko, 2015).This study therefore sought to identify areas covered by the training grants in the past five years (2019-2023), analyse the contribution of …

Media Coverage Of The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Of New Vision And Daily Monitor In Uganda., Eve Atukunda

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The media performs a significant role in shaping and transforming public perceptions during pandemics. This study analysed the media coverage of COVID-19 in Uganda, focusing on its impact on public awareness, government response, and societal behaviour. The study applied a quantitative approach to content analysis of news articles and official government communication, with interviews of journalists at the helm of COVID-19 reporting. The analysis assessed the framing of COVID-19 news in print media platforms. It examined the dynamics between media, government, and public health officials, evaluating the effectiveness of information dissemination and management of misinformation. The initial focus of media …

The Framing Of Digital Currencies In Rwandan Media: A Comparative Study Of Igihe.Com And The New Times., Cyuzuzo Jean De Dieu Samba

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study analyzed the media coverage of cryptocurrencies in Rwanda’s two leading online publishers, focusing on identifying trends and biases in their reporting. Anchored on Framing Theory, phase one of this study used quantitative content analysis to analyse the tone of coverage, the nature of coverage and to comparatively analyse what the data analysis tells of nuances between coverage in English and coverage in Kinyarwanda from samples of media coverage of cryptocurrencies in the two outlets over a specified period. In phase two, the data was analyzed and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics to respond to the research objectives …

Media's Coverage Of Biotechnology And Gmo’S: How Kenyan Broadcast Media Covered The Lifting Of The Ban On Genetically Modified Foods., Zeynab Nyangule Wandati

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has been controversial globally, with differing views on the risks and benefits of their use in agriculture, even though the technology is extensively used in medicine. In Africa, the adoption of GMOs has been relatively slow compared to other regions due to a combination of factors, including poor infrastructure, inadequate resources, and public resistance. Studies have shown that the media often portrays GMOs as a threat to human health and the environment, a narrative often pushed by the news sources interviewed, with little emphasis on their potential benefits or the science of it. …

An Analysis Of Print Media’S Coverage Of Women In Stories Focused On Economic Activities., Patricia Kigula

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This research was conducted against the background that women have limited visibility in economic roles in the media. The dearth of understanding in this area poses a risk of perpetuating negative stereotypes and biases against women, potentially impeding their economic empowerment and hindering societal progress. The media's influence on shaping societal norms surrounding women and economic participation is evident, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive analysis of the extent and nature of media coverage of women's contributions to economic development in Uganda. The study employed a quantitative method and directed content analysis to systematically examine the representation of women in …

Breaking News Stories In The Age Of Citizen Journalism: Daily Nation’S Utilisation Of User Comments On Facebook, Agewa Waruguru Wainaina

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study examines how the Nation Media Group (NMG) utilises comments made on its social media platform to break, update, and ultimately publish stories on social media platforms, the study focused on Facebook. Previous studies have established that the audience has the power to determine what content media houses publish, even forcing social media editors to delete or change stories they publish online. Thus, media practitioners must understand how to best engage with their online consumers while delivering quality journalistic content and maintaining integrity. Through the literature review of similar studies, it was found that scholars have determined that audience …

Empowering Caregivers In The Prevention Of Clinical Delirium For At Risk Older Adults Boarding In The Emergency Department Setting, Danielle Brewer

DNP Projects

Background: Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding is a global healthcare crisis documented in the literature for more than a decade, impacting patient outcomes and resource availability. While awaiting delayed transfer to an inpatient room, older adults in the ED remain vulnerable to developing acute delirium. Boarding potentiates the risk for worsening health outcomes, which are further compounded by delirium. Scarcity of resources and time constraints delay delirium detection and increase risk for down-stream hospital-acquired complications, higher cost, and prolonged length of stay. Current ED models do not prioritize caregiver partnership or involvement in delirium-conscious care, which is a holistic approach to …

An Analysis Of Newspaper Coverage Of Far-Flung Counties In Kenya, Henix Obuchunju

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

Slums are a reflection of underdeveloped and marginalisation. It is so yet the traditional watchdog genre of journalism and the commercial press are both as old as the slums themselves. Past studies show that community radios are struggling with feedback. As such they are yet to assess their value to the world. This study sought to assess the impact of the Mukuru kwa Ruben-based Ruben FM in addressing the socio- economic needs of its listeners; and whether it is advancing the tenets of Solutions Journalism practice. That is; coverage of solutions rather than the problems. The study relied on a …

A Study Of How Leadership Influences Newsroom Convergence In Radio Africa Group., Francis Mureithi Gatimu

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study sought how media houses have been implementing convergence from a leadership perspective due to digital disruption and shrinking resources to run newsrooms with Radio Africa Group (RAG) being picked for case study. Four objectives guided it: 1) Examination of newsroom integration processes employed by Kenyan media houses in their transition to converged newsrooms 2) Examination of the role played by newsroom leaders in driving newsroom convergence 3) An assessment of factors associated with successful implementation of newsroom convergence 4) Exploration of the challenges Kenyan newsrooms face in the implementation of convergence. The study used Media Convergence theory, where …

Covid-19 Disruptions And Coping Strategies For Media Houses In Uganda: Case Of Next Media Services, Arthur Matsiko

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

News production in the legacy media houses occurs in enclosed spaces. Editors, reporters, sub-editors, and news producers discuss and develop story ideas for production and dissemination on television, radio and print platforms. However, the Covid-19 pandemic presented a significant change in the traditional operation of the newsroom. This disruption interfered with the journalistic norms of story ideation, news sourcing, gatekeeping and distribution. Local and regional media organisations struggled through the Covid-19 pandemic because technological adoption mechanisms had long been dragged. By the time the pandemic hit Ugandan newsrooms, most media houses lacked fall-back plans, which led to several changes such …

Streamlining Public Engagement In Transportation Projects Using Text Analytics, Alireza Shamshiri

Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Infrastructure projects impact a broad range of stakeholders, particularly local communities, whose engagement is critical for successful outcomes. Despite the importance of public engagement in these projects, traditional methods of capturing and analyzing public opinion often fail to fully represent the diverse, genuine perspectives involved. This has led to conflicts between community members and project sponsors. On the other hand, despite advancements in text analytics, including natural language processing (NLP) and its subfields such as topic modeling, sentiment analysis, and neural networks, their functionalities and effectiveness in analyzing public opinion in the domain of infrastructure projects have not been fully …

Innovating For Efficiency: The Use Of Generative Ai In Kenyan Newsrooms., Anthony Irari Ngugi

Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation

Generative AI has revolutionized media landscapes around the globe, including in Kenya. Widely known for mobile technology adoption and digital entrepreneurship, Kenya's journalism field is experiencing drastic transformation thanks to AI's powerful abilities. This study sought to understand how Generative AI (GenAI) is being adopted by Kenyan media houses, as well as its advantages, drawbacks, and challenges associated with journalistic innovation. Chapter 1 introduces the global impact of Generative AI while outlining specific implications for Kenyan newsrooms. Contextualizing AI's rise in media, this paper compares traditional and modern journalistic practices as well as big tech's impact in shaping news consumption …

Analyzing The Viability Of Subscription Revenue Model For The Standard Group In Kenya., Anthony Manyonge Makokha

Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation

The capstone project investigated the subscription-based revenue Model in the context of news content, using The Standard Group in Kenya as a case study. The aim was to evaluate the viability and impact of this Model in sustaining quality journalism amidst changing consumption patterns and unpredictable advertising revenues in the digital age. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrated qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Through extensive literature review, industry analysis, interviews with experts, stakeholders, and consumer surveys, it explored the historical evolution, merits, challenges, and perceptions regarding paid news content in Kenya. The study focused on The Standard Group, a leading …

Employing Data Visualization For Effective Health Communication In Nairobi, Kenya: A Study Of Select Media Houses., Rabudi Charles Mark

Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation

This capstone project analyzes how journalists use data visualization to communicate health information. With the advent of evidence-based practice in medical communication, it is necessary to provide health information in a way that raises public health awareness and changes individual behaviour for beneficial health outcomes. The use of data visualization tools such as charts, graphs, and maps aids in the presentation of data patterns and insights, improving knowledge, engagement, and decision-making in the field of health communication. The study seeks to identify the types of health data visualization commonly employed by journalists in Kenya; assess the level of training and …

Developing A Fact-Checking Model For Election Disinformation, Kenneth Kiunga

Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation

Disinformation poses an increasing threat to the integrity of electoral processes. This research endeavoured to design a fact-checking model that can be used in an electoral cycle in Kenya. Through interviews and document analysis, the study first sought to analyze the efficacy and challenges of the strategies that media organizations in Kenya used to fact-check digital content during the August 2022 elections. The critical examination of the framework used by the African Infodemic Response Alliance informed the development of an electoral fact-checking model. The study found that the strategies that the media organizations used to verify online information in the …

Long Covid And Political Party, Renee Franzini

Comm-entary

The essay discusses how the two major US political parties use presence and framing to represent long covid, as well as if these representations differ over time. Through this, we can more easily see the similarities and differences between representations of the condition.

From Screen To Classroom: The Role Of Televised Narratives In Enhancing Educational Belongingness For Black American Students, Feyi Oshinyemi

Masters Theses

This creative thesis examines the influence of televised narratives on shaping the educational experiences of Black American students, exploring the interplay between media representation and educational belonging. It proposes how televisual narratives can better reflect and support the educational identities of Black American students, aiming to foster a greater sense of belonging and representation in educational media. This document serves as an accompaniment to the center of this work, a twelve minute pilot episode that explores the challenges and triumphs of students navigating their educational journeys. This work not only provides a detailed breakdown of the episode's narrative and production …

An Exploration Of Affective Influences Of Mediation And Instructional Delivery Styles In The U.S. Adult Media Literacy Learning Context, Joe Huber

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

This dissertation explores how varied delivery strategies may influence college student affective learning in a mediated setting. I employed a hybrid-grounded approach to the exploration of student-participant interviews wherein student-participants engaged with one of two online media literacy learning modules. The results of this study illustrate that students at varying points of their epistemological development (Perry, 1968) may face different affective hurdles depending on how media literacy curriculum is presented. We may anticipate that: (1) students who are less epistemologically developed (those featuring dualistic attitudes) may struggle to receive content, especially in the case where a teacher-centric delivery-style is employed; …

The Effects Of Controlling Language And Source Social Group Membership On Resistance To Persuasion, Zane A. Dayton

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Persuasive attempts often fail. One theory that attempts to explain when and why people resist persuasion is psychological reactance theory (PRT; J. W. Brehm, 1966; S. S. Brehm & J. W. Brehm, 1981). According to the theory, people have an inherent desire to maintain their autonomy, or freedom. When they perceive that a persuasive message threatens their freedom, they experience psychological reactance, an aversive motivational state, which motivates them to restore their freedom by resisting the persuasive message. Whereas past studies have demonstrated that various message features (e.g., controlling language) and source characteristics (e.g., social group membership) can, individually, influence …