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Iowa Journal Of Communication, Volume 55, Number 2, Fall 2023 [Download Entire Issue]

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.

Welcome From The Editor, Kristen L. Majocha

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.

Assessing Transfer Student Acclimation And Help-Seeking, Dylan Haase

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Soil Carbon Sequestration Through Grassland Restoration Of Former Row Crop Fields At Irvine Prairie, Joshua Joel Mixdorf

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The sequestration of atmospheric carbon into the soil is an important mechanism to combat the current global warming trend and the depletion of soil organic matter. Plants capture carbon from the atmosphere and sequester it in the soil, where it is utilized by soil organisms; these processes increase soil organic matter, decrease the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and fuel microbial respiration that drives nutrient production needed by plants. In this study I measured the accumulation of soil organic matter on land that had been in constant row crop rotation for many years and was converted into prairie in …

Front Matter - Table Of Contents - Preface

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.

The Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Crisis Communication: A Study Of Public Perceptions And Trust Of Ai, Travis Loof, Rachel Ehlers, Julia Lobo Paes, Prah Haider, Rachel Spinks

Iowa Journal of Communication

Organizational crises can be detrimental if not offset with an appropriate communication strategy. The Situational Crisis Communication Theory (Coombs, 2007) has been studied as a framework for understanding how organizations can respond to crises. The current study explores the effectiveness of a nontraditional message source, artificial intelligence (AI), when delivering a rebuilding crisis response strategy. The current study empirically tests and discusses future research in AI trust building and crisis communication response strategies.

Photojournalism, Public Health, And Politicization: Analyzing Photographic News Coverage Of Health Crises In The 20th And 21st Centuries, Hans C. Schmidt

Iowa Journal of Communication

While political division has been present in the American press since its start, politicized and polarized content is now stretching beyond straightforward political news – where such content might be expected – and is increasingly seen in other news categories, including science, medical, and health journalism. This development has been especially notable during the COVID-19 pandemic, when medical and health reporting frequently became coopted by a political narrative. This study builds on research into the politicization of pandemic and medical reporting with an investigation of pandemic-era photojournalism. Using a content analysis, this study aims to provide greater insight into the …

Corporate Social Responsibility (Csr) Activities And Communications In Response To The Covid Crisis: Evidence From The U.S., Hyun Ju Jeong, Deborah S. Chung

Iowa Journal of Communication

This study investigates how corporations responded to the COVID-19 crisis through their fulfillment of corporate social responsibility (CSR). We quantitatively analyzed a total of 60 CSR news stories published during the year of 2020. We then provided context through the close readings of all 60 news stories. CSR news coverage was selected as the focal content because it is considered to be a more objective communication of CSR compared to corporations’ self-disclosed CSR reports. Results show that CSR was provided throughout the year as corporations’ timely responses to the unprecedented pandemic. Specifically, corporations emphasized philanthropic CSR activities to support health …

Better Solutions To Increasing Covid-19 Vaccine Access: Giving Away Vaccines Rather Than Vaccine Formulas, Tristen Prouse

Honors Program Theses

The debate over giving away the COVID-19 vaccine formulas is a political hot topic. Mention of a Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver proposed in early 2021 suggested violating patent law to give away the vaccine formulas. While a tempting option, many problems exist with this solution. Violating patent law to give away the vaccine formulas disincentivizes innovation, undermines confidence in vaccine safety, and harms America’s geopolitical objectives. Patent law can be inefficient and is not the only way to incentivize innovation, but it is here to stay. Instead, the United States should give away vaccines rather than vaccine formulas …

A Study Of Jacob Druckman’S Reflections On The Nature Of Water, Paul Lansky’S Three Moves For Marimba, Emmanuel Séjourné, Concerto Pour Vibraphone Solo Et Orchestre À Cordes, Joseph Tompkins, March, And Kevin Volans, She Who Sleeps With A Small Blanket, Ethan Martin

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Ethan Martin presented a full graduate percussion recital on Friday, April 28, 2023. The recital was performed at 8:00 p.m. in Davis Hall in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at the University of Northern Iowa. Mr. Martin was accompanied by Hanna Stolper, piano. This recital was given in partial fulfillment of the Master of Music degree in Percussion Performance. The program consisted of works by Jacob Druckman, Paul Lansky, Emmanuel Séjourné, Joseph Tompkins, and Kevin Volans. This abstract contains further discussion of performed works.

¿Adónde Ir? Los Efectos Perpetuos De La Formación "Inexistente" Para Maestros De Inmersión Lingüística, Cody J. Boozell

Graduate Research Papers

La inmersión lingüística ha sido un fenómeno emergente en muchos contextos en todo el mundo, y las complejidades que rodean este campo no se van tan pronto. Este área docente puede ser una tarea desafiante para muchos profesionales, especialmente cuando participan en formación asimilativa con educadores convencionales. Por eso, los profesores de inmersión lingüística se preguntan adónde deben ir para encontrar los enfoques para la enseñanza bilingüe. Con esto dicho, la visibilidad de los programas de inmersión lingüística ha aumentado sustancialmente en la última década, exponiendo a los estudiantes, profesores y padres a un enfoque diferente para el aprendizaje (Figura …

Out In Education: A Qualitative Study Examining The Intersectionality And The Lived Out Experiences Of Prek–12 Lgbtq+ Educators, Landon Wood

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The role of a teacher is typically stereotyped as adhering to the status quo and societal norms, but LGBTQ+ educators and their intersecting identities have the power to interrupt the norm and move toward inclusion and advocacy for all, thus allowing the concepts of critical theory and queer theory to intersect. I have titled this merger queertical theory to discuss how LGBTQ+ teachers and their intersecting identities/nuanced perceptions and lived experiences can enact change in the field of education. Little research or information exists regarding how LGBTQ+ educators manage, handle, or even perceive intersectionality in their profession.

This qualitative study …

Intimate Partner Violence Stigma: The Intersection Of Race And Socioeconomic Status, Antoinette Fleming

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Approximately 36% of all women in the United States will experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at some point in their lifetime (Smith et al., 2018). Intimate partner violence can cause physical injury, poor mental health, chronic health problems, hospitalization, disability, or death (Breiding et al., 2015). Stigma is another consequence associated with IPV. Many victims of IPV report feeling guilt, denial, shame, and embarrassment as a result of the intimate partner violence victimization (Lichtenstein, 2006). Additionally, African American (Black) victims may be more heavily stigmatized than European American (White) victims. Socioeconomic status (SES) may also affect a person’s perception of …

Strengths-Based Leadership Traits In Intercollegiate Student-Athletes, Caitlin Thilges

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to examine the top five HIGH5 leadership strengths of collegiate level student-athletes in relation to formal and informal leaders. Collegiate student-athletes (N = 97) completed the HIGH5 Test, designed to assess leadership strengths. A frequency analysis was conducted on the whole population resulting in the strengths of: Coach, Empathizer, Deliverer, Time Keeper, and Philomath emerging as prominent. Formal and informal leaders’ strengths were also analyzed. Emergent strengths shared between formal and informal leaders were: Deliverer, Time Keeper, Coach, and Empathizer. Whereas the strength of Believer emerged in formal leaders and Optimist and Thinker emerged …

Dual Identity, Self-Esteem, And Well-Being In Tibetan Refugees, Tenzin Urgyen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

There are approximately 127,935 Tibetans in exile. As immigrants and stateless refugees, Tibetans carry their identity of Tibetan-origin and are tied to Indian, American, or other identities as well; however, there is little research on whether having more than one identity is an advantage for some or all people, especially within the Tibetan context. Using social identity theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) as a framework, this pre-registered correlational study investigated the relationship between dual identity, self-esteem, and well-being. While several studies (e.g., Berry, 2005; Curran et al., 2002; Mok et al., 2007) have shown that holding dual identities is related …

Mapping For Impact: Actionable Spatial Literacy Through Counter-Mapping, Rachel Hansen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Counter-mapping is a technique that young people can use to take informed action on community issues through the mapping process. This mixed-methods study examined how ninth-graders in a large urban district in Iowa developed spatial thinking skills while engaging in counter-mapping in their community and the extent to which they used those maps to take informed action. A nine-week learning progression for counter-mapping scaffolded progress variables across three different spatial thinking standards and one inquiry standard. Findings indicated that students improved throughout the learning progression, but some needed teacher support to conduct spatial inquiries. Chances of reaching the upper anchor …

A Graduate Recital In Piano, Heather Gillis

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Heather Gillis presented a full graduate piano recital on Friday, March 10, 2023. The recital was performed at 8:00 p.m. in Davis Hall in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at the University of Northern Iowa. This recital was given in partial fulfillment of the Master of Music degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. The program consisted of works by Sergei Prokofiev, Robert Schumann, and Joseph Haydn. This abstract contains further discussion of performed works.

An Exploration Of Commitment In Walk-On Athletes, Clint Huemann

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to examine two types of commitment with intercollegiate athletes as well as differences between walk-on (non-scholarship) athletes and scholarship athletes (partial/full) using the sport commitment model (SCM; Scanlan et al., 2016). Participants included 153 Division I athletes (54 males, 98 females, & 1 nonbinary) from 12 different intercollegiate sports at the University of Northern Iowa. These participants were between the ages of 18 and 24 years of age (M = 20.26 years, SD = 1.31). Approximately 35% of the participants were on a full scholarship, 41.8% were on partial scholarship, and 22.9% of the …

Do We Want Them To Understand Each Other? Perceptions Of Political Perspective-Takers, Ian Beatty

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

America has been more divided along partisan lines in recent years (Pew Research Center, 2019). One major factor contributing to this polarization is a lack of understanding regarding why members of political out-groups maintain their beliefs. The simple act of perspective-taking may help to counter the negative effects of this ideological division. Although the benefits of perspective-taking are well documented (Batson, Polycarpou et al., 1997), less is known regarding perceived perspective-taking or perceptions of perspective-takers. In this study, I explore whether the benefits of perspective-taking can be achieved by witnessing a member of the political in-group take the perspective of …

Non-Traditional Learning In Stem: How Students Autonomy And The Impact Of Teacher Delivery Develops Deeper Conceptual Understanding At The Middle School Level, Sarah Kelly

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Non-traditional forms of curriculum development and delivery have shown particular promise in supporting the autonomy of students particularly in relation to science. Programs such as OPENSCIED are inquiry based- learning that promotes problem solving skills and cross curricular development supported by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This mixed method research study sought to illuminate how these types of curricular programs influence student autonomy and learning, especially with the implementation of OpenSciEd within Des Moines Public Schools. The study utilizes student state testing (ISASP)data alongside teacher surveys, interviews and observations to investigate the strengths or potential deficits of inquiry based …

Characterizing Genetic Diversity And Testing For Fisheries Induced Evolution In Southeastern Kansas Populations Of Bluegill (Lepomis Macrochirus), Morganne C. Borsh

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is a popular and versatile sport fish with wide distribution. Fisheries management of the species is generally nebulous due to the additive role of environmental factors, genetics, social interactions, and alternative reproductive tactics in determining bluegill growth. Size structure could be further influenced by angling pressure: large parental males are more susceptible to harvest than smaller cuckolders. The systematic removal of large individuals through angling can result in stunted populations via fisheries induced evolution (FIE). In southeastern Kansas, bluegill from popularly fished impoundments are projected to have smaller sizes compared to isolated or inaccessible impoundments from the …

Can White Nationalist Rhetoric Increase Prejudice Toward Mexican Immigrants?, Nathan Lewey

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The Western populism wave of ethno-nationalism (i.e., exclusionary resistance to egalitarianism: exclusionist belief in the superiority of ingroup goals over superordinate goals that are inclusive of all cultures) may increase prejudice toward minorities (Schmuck & Matthes, 2017). Integrated threat theory (ITT; Stephan & Stephan, 1996) states that prejudiced attitudes are mediated by four types of threat, which are affected by quantity and quality of intergroup contact (Stephan et al., 2000). These threats include realistic threat (e.g., fear of losing one’s job to an immigrant), symbolic threat (e.g., fear of losing one’s societal values/norms to a foreign culture), intergroup anxiety, and …

The Flow Experience Of Adults Age 50 And Older In Recreational Doubles Pickleball, Glynis Worthington

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Pickleball, often described as a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is America’s fastest-growing sport. An estimated 4.8 million players enjoyed the game in 2021, 40% greater than in 2019 (Sports & Fitness Industry [SFIA], 2022). The game is especially popular with older players when played recreationally (for fun rather than prepare for or participate in competitions) in a doubles format (four players per court) (USA Pickleball Association [USAPA], 2022). This study identifies the degree adults age 50 and older experience flow (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990) while playing recreational doubles pickleball.

The Long Dispositional Flow Scale – Physical (DFS-2) was used to …

Assessment Of Conservation Reserve Program Enhancements At Contract Renewal: Impact On Monarch Butterfly (Danaus Plexippus) Habitat, Tristan L. Murphy

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a migratory species whose primary breeding range is the upper Midwestern United States. In 2022, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature listed the monarch as endangered due to milkweed and migratory habitat loss. One of the most promising opportunities for monarch recovery is to enhance habitat quality on private land currently enrolled in the USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). In order to qualify for re-enrollment in the program and continuation of annual government payments, farmers must show adequate habitat quality or enhance their site by overseeding after burning, herbicide application, …

No Need To Set The Alarm, I’Ve Been Up Since 2:30am! Why My Teaching Job Keeps Me Up At Night: A Phenomenological Research Study On Empathic Strain Of Iowa Educators, Lindsey Cornwell

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Empathic strain describes a stressor on individuals in professions in which one cares for others who have endured their own trauma or stress (Mathieu, 2021). While previous studies have looked mainly at medical, social work and law enforcement fields as being some of the most impacted by empathic strain, more recently educators have been identified as those challenged with this phenomenon.

Through a phenomenological qualitative study, which included a Facebook marketed Qualtrics survey on empathic strain, four individual interviews and a metaphorical data analysis focus group experience, the lived experiences of educators with empathic strain were collected. Each of the …

“I Can’T Do This Anymore, But I Have 1000 More Kids To Serve”: A Qualitative Study Of Full-Time Residential Summer Camp Staff Burnout, Sarah Cohen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Early pioneers of burnout defined it as “to fail, wear out, or become exhausted by making excessive demands on energy, strength, or resources'' (Freudenberger, 1974, p. 159; Freudenberger, 1977; Schaufeli & Enzmann, 1998). The traditional structures and activities of summer camps play a large role in creating experiences for staff and campers alike, but can lead to full-time staff working long hours with little time off and a culture of being overworked as a symbol of dedication to the program. While burnout research has become more popular over the past few decades, little is known about how burnout is experienced …

Principals’ Knowledge Of Trauma-Informed School Practices, Elsa Leyhe

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Trauma has become a larger issue in schools, and it is necessary for school administrators, specifically principals, to be fully aware of and equipped to deal with trauma in the student body. There is limited quantitative research on what principals currently know about trauma and trauma-informed practices. To help fill this need for more quantitative data, this research study surveyed principals in two Midwest states to address the following questions: To what extent do principals know about traumainformed care in schools? Did the principals receive any training on trauma-informed care in their graduate/certification programs? Did they seek training on their …

The Pandemic-Uncanny: Self-Estrangement And Environment In Out There And Bliss Montage, Kersten Khaley

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the WHO on March 11, 2020. The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency lasted from January 30, 2020, to May 11, 2023. During this time, abundant literature across disciplines began appearing, assessing the pandemic experience and aftermath. However, there needs to be more investigation and application of the term uncanny in the pandemic experience and literature.

Two short story collections, Out There by Kate Folk and Bliss Montage by Ling Ma, both published in 2022, are works of pandemic literature demonstrating the pandemic's inherent uncanniness and the human experience. The term pandemic-uncanny represents an inherent attachment …

Graduate Recital Yuxiao Sun, Piano, Yuxiao Sun

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Yuxiao Sun presented a solo piano recital on November 2, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. in Davis Hall of the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at the University of Northern Iowa. This recital marked a partial completion of her Master of Music degree in Piano Performance. The program included the following works: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 “Appassionata” by Ludwig van Beethoven, Partita No.1 in B flat Major, BWV 825 by Johann Sebastian Bach, and Pour le Piano, L. 95 by Claude Debussy.

Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 “Appassionata” by Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig …

Anchored To A Community: Middle School Students’ Experience Of Belonging In The Classroom: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Angela Thera Butler

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

A student’s sense of belonging in the classroom makes a difference. Students who experience a feeling of belonging within the learning environment are more engaged and prepared to learn and contribute. Students who do not feel this sense of belonging in the classroom often pull away from school norms, and may separate themselves from formal education entirely. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of belonging for a small group of 6th grade students from a suburban, midwestern school. Experiences and intentions of three educators who shared these students were also collected and compared to the experiences and perceptions …