Communication Commons^™

Intercultural Accommodation: Accommodating Communication To People Of Different Groups, Marcus M. Gruwell

Theses and Dissertations

The current study attempts to address the widening division of race and communication due to a large continuation of demographics in Western countries like the United States. Using Communication Accommodation Theory and studies from Postcolonialism to the study, the researcher hopes to develop a more concrete understanding as to why people will change their speaking behaviors when encountering different groups. Concepts of the behavior of Postcolonial mentality and changes in speaking behaviors will better create a more social construct as to why people act in certain ways towards different people

Communicating Consent: An Investigation Of Predictors Of College Student Sexual Consent Communication, Erin L. Link

Theses and Dissertations

Often, sexual consent is only discussed and explored in the context of sexual assault. While consent is often the deciding factor to determine if a crime occurred, consent is also a vital part of an equally enjoyable sexual encounter. The present study examines a variety of variables effects on consent attitudes, norms, and communication behaviors to attempt to identify predictors of college student consent communication. Findings and recommendations are discussed that highlight the necessity of viewing consent as a communicative act.

Lajmet E Rrejshme Dhe Mediat E Reja Online, Edona Jerliu

Theses and Dissertations

Mediat e reja ose ato sociale janë mundësi e re e gjithë atyre që tentojnë të manipulojnë me të vërtetën. Duke qenë kështu, këto media po ndryshojnë edhe mënyrën e komunikimit, njëherësh po demediatizon mediat tradicionale. Ky punim ka për qëllim të analizojë përdorimin e mediave të reja si mundësi e pastër për tentim të manipulimit me publikun. Përmes këtyre mediave, sidomos akterët politikë synojnë të prodhojnë lajme të rrejshme, kështu këta të fundit po krijojnë rrugë të cilat mundësojnë një gjë të tillë, pra “fake news”.

Përveç akterëve politikë, në krijimin e lajmeve të rreme kanë dorë edhe grupet …

Fake Sports, Real Impact? Investigating Social Identity, Identity Construction, And Perceptions Of Self Using Fantasy Sports Leagues As A Platform For Communication Research, Adam James Mason

Theses and Dissertations

The present study used fantasy sports as a vehicle for investigating social identity formation and expression in online communication scenarios. Particularly of interest to the researcher were the mechanisms by which affinity for an individual’s fantasy sports league was generated, perceived public commitment to a fantasy sports identity, and the impact that commitment had on respondents’ behavior and self-concept. It was believed completing tasks associate with fantasy sports competitions and interacting socially with fellow fantasy league participants would have a direct effect on players’ level of collective self-esteem. It was also posited evaluations of collective self-esteem would then predict the …

“Konferenca E Rambujesë – Rrjedha Dhe Pasqyrimi Në Media”, Alba Merovci

Theses and Dissertations

Në Konferencën e Ambasadorëve në Londër të vitit 1912-1913, u vendosën kufijtë e shteteve të Ballkanit. Kosova padrejtësisht u nda nga kufijtë administrativë të Shqipërisë së sotme. Kjo, përveç të tjerash, ndodhi sepse delegacionet shqiptare që morën pjesë në këtë konferencë, që ishin të shumta, nuk kishin qëndrime të harmonizuara. Diversiteti dhe konfliktet midis tyre arritën deri në shkallën e mosdurimit të njëri-tjetrit dhe të moskomunikimit. Kjo ndikoi mjaft që përkrahja e brishtë amerikano/austro-hungareze të mos jetësohet.

Kosova dhe populli i saj, pas kësaj konference, pothuaj një shekull jetuan dhe përjetuan sfida të mëdha. Megjithatë, kontributi i rilindësve tanë bëri …

Corporate Social Responsibility Motivations: How Audiences Respond To A Company’S Motivations Post-Crisis, Sara Torabi

Theses and Dissertations

With the rise of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices, researchers have identified various motivations behind CSR initiatives. These motivations can assist researchers in understanding company behaviors and reputations. This study will compare Maignan and Ralston’s (2002) CSR motivations in an attempt to better identify how these motivations effect (1) customer loyalty, (2) brand reputation, and (3) crisis communication responses. This paper will use Nike Inc.’s 1990 crisis as a case study.

"But She's Snow White, She Would N'T Hurt Anybody": A Critical Analysis Of Gender And Power In Once Upon A Time, Mackenzie Mahler

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines gender performance and its relation to power in the television series Once Upon a Time (OUAT). On the surface, OUAT is a television show that constantly challenges the culturally-ingrained gender norms often found in fairy tales, as it creates new storylines for traditional fairy tales. This warrants a deeper examination of the series to understand if and how it is subverting these typical gender norms. To fully understand how gender operates in OUAT, I examined how gender affects and is affected by hegemony in the show and how this relates to our cultural understanding of gender and …

Narrative In Police Communication: The Art Of Influence And Communication For The Modern Police Organization, Chelsea Fray

Theses and Dissertations

Violence in the City of Rockford, Illinois and surrounding cities has made the Rockford Police Department’s communication vitally important for shaping the future of the community. The primary objective of this project was to gain a greater understanding of how the local police department utilizes one particular communication channel: social media. While some research examining law enforcement’s use of social media exists, this study is unique as it specifically applies Fisher’s (1984) narrative paradigm and key concepts related to public relations functions including relationship building. The analysis revealed that the department does utilize some narrative concepts, but could certainly reevaluate …

Social Aggression In The 2016 U.S. Presidential Primary And General Election Debates, Daniel John Montez

Theses and Dissertations

Through a content analysis, the proposed thesis examines instances of social and verbal aggression within the 2016 US presidential primary and general election debates. Previous studies regarding social aggression have shown that its primary use has been to "œget ahead" in competitive and hostile environments. While acts of social and verbal aggression have been analyzed in interpersonal behavior and mediated entertainment scholarship, it has yet to be examined in the political spectrum, where candidates engage in clash to suppress their opponents. The current study argues that analyzing social and verbal aggression in televised political debates will help broaden the concept …

The Rise Of The Listicle: Using Eye-Tracking And Signal Detection Theory To Measure This Growing Phenomenon, Jason Robert Freeman

Theses and Dissertations

As online technology continues to progress, the modes of communication through which content can be shared have exponentially grown. These include advances in navigational options for presenting information and news online. Though the listicle has been around for centuries, the internet has proliferated its growth, as content producers rely on its structure as a vehicle for sharing information. This research shows that in the case of listicles, format had no direct effect on recall, however, participants who had a greater interest in the content showed significantly higher levels of memory sensitivity. This critical finding suggests that news outlets and content …

Enabling Pain, Enabling Insight: Opening Up Possibilities For Chronic Pain In Disability Rhetoric And Rhetoric And Composition, Hilary Selznick

Theses and Dissertations

In the dissertation “Enabling Pain, Enabling Insight: Opening up Possibilities for Chronic Pain in Disability Rhetoric and Rhetoric and Composition,” Hilary Selznick argues that pain is rhetorical, accessible, and communicable to those without the lived experience of chronic pain. Additionally, she argues for the necessity of considering chronic pain as a disability and not merely as a symptom of a disability. In order to make these arguments possible, Selznick crafts a political-relational-rhetorical methodology that challenges restrictive models of disability and theoretical and commonplace assumptions that pain is resistant to language. Specifically, Selznick’s methodology, which combines disability scholar and activist Alison …

When Eyes And Ears Compete: Eye Tracking How Television News Viewers Read And Recall Pull Quote Graphics, Othello Lennox Richards

Theses and Dissertations

This study applied dual processing theory, the theory of working memory, and the theory of cue summation to examine how the video and audio in a television news story interact with or against each other when the story uses pull quote graphics to convey key information to viewers. Using eye-tracking, the study produced visual depictions of exactly what viewers look at on the screen when the words in the reporter's voice track match the text in the pull quote graphic verbatim, when the reporter summarizes the text in the graphic, and when the reporter's voice track ignores the text in …

Natural Disaster Films: A Social Learning And Perceived Realism Perspective, Melissa Seipel

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the relationship between social learning and perceived realism in the context of an entertainment media text, the 2015 movie San Andreas. As a fictional natural disaster movie, this film depicts several safety and survival techniques that could potentially be observed and adopted by audience members should they face a similar situation (i.e. major earthquake). While the majority of these techniques align with professionally recommended behaviors, a few are misleading. This study investigates the perceptions, attitudes, beliefs, and behavioral intentions different groups of audience members hold concerning the behaviors they observed in the film. Participants were grouped by …

The Right To Be Forgotten: Analyzing Conflicts Between Free Expression And Privacy Rights, Mindy Weston

Theses and Dissertations

As modern technology continues to affect civilization, the issue of electronic rights grows in a global conversation. The right to be forgotten is a data protection regulation specific to the European Union but its consequences are creating an international stir in the fields of mass communication and law. Freedom of expression and privacy rights are both founding values of the United States which are protected by constitutional amendments written before the internet also changed those fields. In a study that analyzes the legal process of when these two fundamental values collide, this research offers insight into both personal and judicial …

Social Scrutiny: How Viewers' Comments Affect Female Tv Journalists' Appearance, Heather Reena Arevalo-Flores

Theses and Dissertations

Television news anchors are often rated based on their appearance. News directors and consultants believe viewers want to see young and attractive women. While the media managers focus on high ratings, there are few studies that specifies how female journalist feel about being judged based on their appearance. There is no research that focuses on the comments female journalist receive on social media. The present research will investigate if viewers’ comments affect a female journalists’ appearance and how it affects her credibility. This qualitative study asks female journalist about comments they have received from viewers on their appearance through social …

A Strategic Communication Plan For The Florida Tech Copy Center, Kathy Villegas Murillas

Theses and Dissertations

The Florida Tech Copy Center with its various constituents on the Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) campus had a need for a strategic communication plan that would increase its awareness and usability of its services. This design project addresses these two needs with a delineated plan that will assist in increasing the Copy Center’s visibility as an in-house digital print center. The plan includes an overall understanding of the challenges the Center currently faces in the form of a situation analysis, goals and objectives, strategies and tactics, a timeline, and a budget. This goal-oriented document formalizes the visual identity …

A Strategic Communication Plan For Dominica-America Scholarship And Culture, Inc., Joan Juliana Joseph

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this design project was to develop a strategic communication plan for a nascent US-based nonprofit organization with a transnational focus. To accomplish this goal, the researcher drew on concepts and propositions of business and communication theories, best practices and recommendations of nonprofit practitioners and consultants, and studies from research centers. This research was necessary to discover the principles and elements critical to the design of a basic strategic communication plan. To develop a plan specific to the real world experiences and challenges of the nonprofit, the researcher utilized a qualitative research methodology using semi-structured interviews and action …

An Exploratory Study Of "The Right Days Game:" A Decision-Making Communication Game For Couples, David R. Cohen

Theses and Dissertations

An exploratory study was conducted using “The Right Days Game,” a decision making communication game in which couples take turns making decisions. for the couple on alternating days for four weeks. Several scales were used as well as an interview to obtain the data. Numerous obstacles were encountered that prevented addressing the original hypotheses.

Approximately 1,000 people clicked on the introduction survey; 81% of these were women. Approximately 50% dropped out when they were asked for their email. An email was sent to the participant’s partner inviting them to join the research. The response rate was 20% with a dropout …

The Digital Surgeon's Warning: Do Disclaimers Have A Place In Beauty And Fashion Advertising?, Jess Gabl

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of disclaimers of photogenic manipulation, models’ body types, and the interaction between the two through the theoretical lenses of social comparison theory and priming effects. In an online experiment, this study employs a 3 (no disclaimer, presence of digital enhancement disclaimer, absence of digital enhancement disclaimer) by 2 (thin model body type and average model body type) factorial analysis to tease apart the effects of disclaimers on consumers (social comparison, self-esteem, and wishful identification) and the organizations that are compelled or choose to employ them (brand attitudes and perceptions of …

Invisible Pain: Looking At Women’S Fibromyalgia Disclosure In The Workplace Through The Lens Of Communication Privacy Management Theory, Robert D. Hall

Theses and Dissertations

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (2014), fibromyalgia is identified as an arthritis-related ailment, but it does not damage tissues or cause any form of inflammation. However, individuals with fibromyalgia still experience pain and fatigue. Based on Arnold et al.’s (2008) conclusion that individuals with fibromyalgia experience disrupted relationships, isolation, and loss of or lack of advancement in an occupation, and because women are diagnosed with fibromyalgia more frequently than men, my focus in the study was on the workplace experiences of women with fibromyalgia. Specifically, I was interested in uncovering how these women …

Just Entertainment: Analyzing The Impacts Of The Narratives In Rap Music, Pamela Michelle Reed

Theses and Dissertations

Does rap music, rich in narratives and metaphors, play a role in shaping the values, beliefs, ideologies and subsequent behaviors of its listeners? We use narratives and proverbs to shape the values, morals, beliefs and subsequent behaviors of our children, so at what point in our lives do they stop functioning in the same manner? Can you recall the day or the moment when narratives no longer affected your belief systems and behaviors? The purpose of this research is to determine whether or not the narratives in rap music have an impact on the personal narratives of persons entering the …

And That’S The Word: Effects Of The Colbert Report On Political Knowledge And Participation, Nicholas Anthony Canfield

Theses and Dissertations

The Colbert Report was a satirical, political, and “fake” news show that lasted for almost a decade on the Comedy Central Network. Although many scholars have argued the program was less impactful and influential than Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show, phenomena such as the “Colbert Bump” show a definite impact on the political lives of many Americans. Using four quantitative surveys from 2008 to 2012, this thesis investigates the effects of watching The Colbert Report on individuals’ political knowledge and political participation. Results indicate non-Republican viewers increased their political knowledge, but not participation, from watching the show. The educational effect …

“I Did N’T Even Think Of This ”: Examining The Influence Of Student Disability Accommodation Training On Basic Course Instructor Attitudes And Self-Efficacy, Jillian A. Joyce

Theses and Dissertations

Despite the growing number of students with disabilities in the university setting, few resources are offered to teach instructors about specific disabilities or provide direction for how to accommodate these students. This study used quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the influence of disability accommodation training on basic communication course instructors’ attitudes and self-efficacy regarding students with disabilities. The training used attribution theory as a lens to specifically focus on stuttering, a disability that is often stigmatized and uniquely affects the basic communication course classroom. I gathered pre-test and posttest data from 12 basic course instructors who attended the training …

Open Mic: A Documentary Film Exploring Humorous Narratives, Ryan T. Cashman

Theses and Dissertations

This documentary investigates hardship and identity through humor. The film shadows the lives of three individuals who are all going through a watershed experience with their identities ranging from changes in their family dynamics, gender, or environment. Participants will be writing and performing a stand-up routine in front of a live audience that focuses on a story about their identity. The film underscores how, or if, the sender’s use of humor helps them cope or achieve closure. The film does not explore the audience’s reaction to humor. Using in-depth interviews with each comic, the film centers around the sender, highlighting …

Good Game Well Played: An Esports Documentary, Gabriella Clare Devia-Allen

Theses and Dissertations

This film explores the operations and cultural practices of the esports community with an emphasis on Twitch as the dominant community platform. Explored sub-communities include Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Duelyst, and League of Legends. A focus on Duelyst allows us to explore the characteristics of an accessible esports culture while also referencing League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive offers an objective look at two of the industry’s most developed esports scenes. This documentary tracks the production of broadcast content, the lifestyles of professional players, and the narratives of the industry’s most involved employees. In doing so, the research draws conclusions …

Ahead In Our Bulletin … Examining Kenyans’ Perceptions Of Cancer Messages In Television News And Use Of These Messages, James Ndone

Theses and Dissertations

Using the data collected from 212 participants, this study examined the perceptions that

Kenyans have toward television news with cancer messages and how the audiences use the messages. Using both close-ended and open-ended survey questions, this study investigated the motives that Kenyans have prior to watching news, how these motives affect their frequency of watching such news, how engaged they are with the news, their views of such news, how television news contribute to their knowledge about cancer, and their personal experiences with cancer.

Some of the results suggest that the motives that Kenyans have are to gain knowledge on …

The Byline Of Europe: An Examination Of Foreign Correspondents' Reporting From 1930 To 1941, Kerry J. Garvey

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis focuses on two of the largest foreign correspondents’ networks the one of the Chicago Tribune and New York Times- in prewar Europe and especially in Germany, thus providing a wider perspective on the foreign correspondents’ role in news reporting and, more importantly, how their reporting appeared in the published newspaper. It provides a new, broader perspective on how foreign news reporting portrayed European events to the American public. It describes the correspondents’ role in publishing articles over three time periods- 1930 to 1933, 1933-1939, and 1939 to 1941. Reporting and consequently the published paper depended on the correspondents’ …

Computer-Mediated Communication Usage And Perceptions Amongst Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Laura A. Massier

Theses and Dissertations

This was a mixed methods study designed to examine the perceptions of young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) regarding usage of computer-mediated communication (CMC), with a focus on benefits, challenges, and support needs. People with ASD are often prone to social and communication difficulties, making it difficult for them to maintain relationships, find and retain employment, and be active members of their communities. Deficits in these areas are particularly hard for young adults who may no longer have regular routines or opportunities for socializing because they have transitioned out of school-based activities. CMC is a relatively new form of …

Gjuha Nё Gazetarinё Online Nё Kosovё, Liridona Bytyqi

Theses and Dissertations

Në punim kemi shqyrtuar dinamikёn e komunikimit nëpër rrjetet sociale posaqёrisht gjuhën që po e përdorin sot ato. Ndryshimet e shpejta dhe dinamike tё teknologjisë informative (marrja e informacionit kudo që gjendet njeriu), mjaftonvetëm kyqja në internet dhe futesh në botën e informimit, kjo ka bёrë që pёrdorimi i rrjeteve sociale tё rritet nё masё tё madhe. Rol tё rёndёsishёm luan edhe gjuha e cila po pёrdoret , si dhe mёnyra pёr tё tёrhequr vёmendjen e lexuesve,pёr tё bёrё bujё ku shpeshёherё po teprohet me ekzagjerimet. Meqenёse kjo ёshtё një temë mjaft e gjerё dhe aktuale nё gazetarinё tonё kёrkon …

Tweeting For A Cause: A Content Analysis Of Successful Charitable Nonprofits' Publishing Strategies On Twitter, Shaela Annice Hougaard

Theses and Dissertations

A study examining the content strategies within Twitter posts, from nine charitable nonprofit organizations was conducted. The content analysis was conducted to identify content strategies (relationship cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship) behind each Twitter post from these nine organizations, within a one-week period. The study also looked at levels of engagement on each tweet as well as interactivity from the organization. The results showed that these nine charitable nonprofit organizations were primarily using stewardship strategies and techniques in their posts. The study also found that relationship cultivation yielded higher levels of retweets and that the relationship cultivation and solicitation combination strategy …