Communication Commons^™

The Development And Validation Of The Online Learning Climate Scale: A Three-Phase Study, Renee Monique Kaufmann

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

With the increasing popularity of and demand for online learning in higher education (Konetes, 2011) comes a need to examine students’ perceptions about classroom climate in these environments. Using the Instructional Beliefs Model (IBM) as a theoretical framework, this dissertation proposes the online learning climate (OLCS) scale for doing so. Informed by both organizational and instructional communication, as well as education, the scale consists of several variables related to instructor role(s) and behaviors, student characteristics, and course-specific structural issues to explain how students perceive climate within a computer-mediated classroom. Ultimately, this three-phase study consisted of: (a) constructing the OLCS, (b) …

Testing The Message: Making Sense Of Converging Multimodal Messages In A Foodborne Illness Outbreak, Bethney A. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

The goal of risk and crisis communication is to reduce and contain the harm inherent in a threat. In order to achieve this goal, risk and crisis scholars call for continued testing of messages surrounding these events; specifically, messages that address the needs of the at-risk message receiver. Previous scholarship suggests that these messages should include adapting and instructing information (Coombs, 2012), and should be designed using pedagogically sound instructional approaches (Frisby, Sellnow, Sellnow, Lane, & Veil, 2011; Sellnow & Sellnow, 2010). In order to meet this call, this dissertation tested an instructionally sound message that includes both adapting and …

Social Support In Young Adult Cancer Survivors And Their Close Social Network Members, Nicholas Thomas Iannarino

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

A cancer diagnosis often causes biographical disruption in the lives of young adult (i.e., 18-39; YA) survivors and their close social network members (i.e., familial, plutonic, or romantic relational partners with whom the survivor has a salient relationship; SNM). In order to integrate their illness into their lives, normatively regain balance and equilibrium, and achieve a “new normal” following a cancer diagnosis, YA survivors and their close SNMs must work to reconstruct their biographies by engaging in tangible interpersonal communication processes often used to initiate and maintain relationships. However, YA cancer survivors report facing social struggles due to the biographical …

Increasing Compliance With A Tobacco-Free Policy Via A Campus Campaign, Rachael A. Record

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

The implementation of a tobacco-free policy is the leading recommendation among health institutes for reducing the harms associated with tobacco exposure–for both smokers and nonsmokers–on college campuses. Despite the health benefits associated with tobacco-free policies, compliance with these policies remains a serious challenge on college campuses. Interventions aimed at increasing smokers’ willingness to comply with tobacco-free policies are essential for improving public health.

Guided by the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the purpose of this study was to (a) investigate the factors associated with tobacco-free policy compliance among undergraduate students and (b) design and evaluate a theory-based campaign aimed at …

Small Group Crisis Response Strategies In Relation To Large Groups, Nina Madeline Sorber

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Crisis communication, as a whole, has been widely studied by many communication researchers. Much of the research focuses on large corporations and devastating crises that become a household name. Crises such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989 or the criminal scandal of the Enron Corporation in 2001 are deliberately studied for the success and failures of its crisis management teams. What remains understudied are the crises of small groups. Socha (1997) describes a small group as being more than two and less than 15 people. With the millions of professional small groups in the world today, crises are …

Relationship Between Narrative And Engagement, Shelley Janine Svedahl

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study examined the use of narrative, specifically storytelling, on the perception of participation in the decision-making process. The changing demographics increased diversity in the workplace, and the need to increase understanding between cultures is particularly important when difference is often perceived as a barrier. A number of studies have been conducted to explore the use of narrative, and it is critical that communicators seek ways to create opportunities for sharing stories. This study utilized an ethnographic focus group and individual interviews involving a sample of eleven First Nations and non-First Nations people employed in a Branch where storytelling is …

Establishing Credibility Online Through Impression Management Strategies, Shauna Vanbogart

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This project sought to understand how individuals establish credibility online through impression management strategies. Applying Goffman’s (1959) impression management theory, the literature review highlighted four leading self-presentation tactics that bolster credibility effectively on the Internet: structure and aesthetics of personal websites, publication of content that is consistent, insightful and authentic, the use of self-disclosure, and verification of expertise through testimonials and references. These four self-presentation strategies were applied to analyze eight entrepreneurs who have successfully built a credible presence online. These case studies were further developed through the design of online course that teaches entrepreneurs how to use impression management …

Silent Voice: Buberian Philosophy And Nonverbal Disability, Elizabeth M. Minium

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Individuals who are developmentally disabled and nonverbal, possessing little if any symbolic expressive or receptive language, are virtually invisible in the United States. This study presupposes that all persons, including those who are nonverbal and/or developmentally disabled, have a unique “voice” and contribution to the communication practices of humanity and society. This philosophical study analyzes the qualities of communication of developmentally disabled, nonverbal individuals and their communication partners through the lens of Martin Buber’s dialogic philosophy. Conclusions suggest: 1) developmentally disabled, nonverbal persons do relate and communicate, and definitions of “communication” and “dialogue” should include those who do not think …

How The Narrative Paradigm Affects Military Stories, Richard Irving Mcnamara

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This project defines how the narrative paradigm can be used with military storytelling to improve the credibility of the U.S. military. Furthermore, it outlines how the American Forces Network (AFN) can model its training with the narrative paradigm to become an innovative organization. The literature review examines the rules that the military has to follow with their stories, the narrative paradigm, transformational leadership and the path to innovation with the intent of creating a path for military Public Affairs leaders to follow while leading an AFN, or any story producing unit. The primary purpose of this project is a completed …

Mothers, Daughters, And The Intent To Breastfeed, Aquila Brooke Mendez-Valdez

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The decision to breastfeed is a deeply personal one for every woman. There are often factors such as family and medical support that are outside a new mother's control and can influence her in how she views the nourishment of her infant. Previous studies have documented the effect doctors, nurses, and lactation consultants have on breastfeeding success. Less popular, however, is investigating how familial support and interpersonal communication plays a role in encouraging or discouraging the practice. This study examines how mothers and daughters communicate about breastfeeding, and the role it plays in both Mexico and the United States in …

Surviving The Digital Age, David Franklin Meland

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This project provides a look at educational studies, theories, and principles to help people understand the enhancing and diminishing characteristics of contemporary communication technologies. The project uses the theoretical framework of media ecology to show that through an understanding of today’s media environments, society can better grasp just how media technology has been, and continues to be, an influential part of everyday life. The primary feature of the project is a comprehensive website – titled Surviving the Digital Age (http://melandd.wix.com/survivingdigitalage) – which also serves as a way to show how media plays an enormous role in shaping who we are …

Rio Grande Valley Student Completion Rates In University Schools Outside Of The Rio Grande Valley, Demetrius James Villanueva

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The goal of this study is to create understanding of why Hispanic students from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas have trouble completing their higher educational goals once they leave the area. This study applies communication accommodation theory to better understand how students adapt their communication styles in their academic, personal, and social lives. This study also applied standpoint theory to see how growing up in the Rio Grande Valley impacts the students’ sense of selves. Ethnographic research was conducted with five students attending four different universities around Texas. Through observations and interviews, the researcher found several ways that the …

Understanding The Role Of Communication Anxiety/Uncertainty Management (Aum) Among Female Teenage Bloggers, Heather Carleston

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study examines how and what female teenagers communicate through blogging; how they manage uncertainty and anxiety within their posts and/or comments; the role communication anxiety/uncertainty plays in self-presentation and self-disclosure for this population; and how, when faced with bullying, flaming and adverse responses, they express and manage anxiety and uncertainty online. Using both Buber’s (1970) I-It and I-Thou philosophy and Gudykunst’s (2005) Anxiety and Uncertainty Management theory, this study examined the blog sites of three female U.S. teenagers. Examining the five most recently published blog posts, the study analyzed the details and self-disclosure levels, from site design and development; …

Indigenous Engagement And Resistance In The 21st Century: Empowering Indigenous Identity With Indigenous Film, Heather A. Hafer Cole

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Indigenous people of the United States have historically been and continue to be objectified and misrepresented in art, history, science, literature, and mass media. This continued colonization contributes to loss of respect for culture, identity crisis among indigenous youth, health disparities of epidemic proportions, poor performance in education, substance abuse, violence and poverty. This qualitative study expands upon existing scholarship in media anthropology (Dilworth, 1996; Ginsberg, 1991 & 2008; and Prins, 2002) and indigenous studies (Rader, 2011; Singer, 2001; and Tuhiwai Smith, 2012) by analyzing the indigenous voice expressed through media practice, storytelling as a tool for empowering indigenous identity …

Using General Systems Theory To Evaluate Channels Of Feedback In A Law Enforcement Agency, Trent Aaron Gerbers

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The principles of General Systems Theory and Management Cybernetics have been used, not only to analyze and evaluate organizational communication, but also to help improve communicative efficiency through the strengthening of message sending/receiving channels. This thesis continues the exploration of channel efficiency and feedback by examining the principles of General Systems Theory and Management Cybernetics through the daily interactions that occur at a municipal police department. The unique ranking structure and paramilitary nature of the law enforcement agency dictates policy that regulates the means of vertical communication between employees, but measuring the department’s current communication system against the principles of …

How Broadcast Journalists Use Twitter To Present The Message Of The State Of The Union: #Sotu, Jeffrey Hayden Haynes

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

With the social media revolution and the sense of urgency people have, the way people receive their news has altered. Twitter is becoming a more popular platform to receive news because of its ability to spread news faster than any other medium. This study addresses the ability of broadcast journalists to spread their agenda using Twitter. This study is a content analysis and quantitative analysis of the Twitter accounts of broadcast journalists Greta Van Susteren and Chris Matthews during the 2014 State of the Union address. Using the Agenda Setting theory and the Two Step Flow model, this study found …

Media Framing, Proximity And Spheres: The Media Account Before And After The August 21, 2013 Syrian Chemical Attack, Jeremy D. Crisp

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The conflict in Syria over the past two years came to the forefront of international policy, and media reporting, following the August 21, 2013, chemical attack within the country which left more than 1,400 civilians dead. The United States administration was thrust into a position to respond in some fashion to those attacks. President Barack Obama and some U.S. policy makers called for limited military intervention. Others officials called for non-intervention. Diplomacy ultimately prevailed. How the media framed the conflict before and after the attack is the crux of this research, as media framing can play a role in how …

Communication And Longevity In Deaf-Hearing Marriage, Michael B. Ballard

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

"Marriage with a hearing person is frowned upon. Deaf marry Deaf approximately nine times out of ten" (Lane et al, 1996, p. 71). With the assistance of Burgoon's (1988) Expectancy Violations Theory and Philipsen's (1997) Speech Codes Theory, this thesis identifies cultural and language conflicts that may arise in Deaf-hearing marriages and questions the general assumption that 90% of all Deaf-hearing marriages end in divorce. This assumed statistic prompts the research question: What communicative practices do spouses use to contribute to the longevity of Deaf-hearing marriages? Fifty-seven individuals completed an original mixed-method survey identifying how they resolve cultural and language …

Communication Education Curriculum For A Multicultural Learning Context, Phatana Ith

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study investigates the socio-academic experiences of international students in higher education through the review of existing research and conduct of original research. There is a need for interpersonal communication curriculum in higher education that addresses a multicultural learning context to meet the growing needs of an internationalized workforce (Qing, 2009). Curriculum that addresses a multicultural learning context should meet the needs of internationalization across the globe (2009). The growing number of international students learning in foreign contexts has increased by nearly 50% in the last 10 years. In order to meet the changing needs in higher education, this study …

Connecting The Multigenerational Workforce Through Interpretive Listening, Lisa Voso

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This thesis provides an overview of research surrounding the multigenerational workforce community in the United States. The research reflects agreement among scholars that there are four generations of workers currently making up the workforce in the United States, including Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation Xers and Millennials. The specific influences and attributes of each generation have shaped their communication preferences and linguistic choices made when the generations communicate with one another in the workplace. During conversations between individuals from two different generations, each may feel as if different languages are being spoken, and many conflicts in the workplace are caused by …

Communication Apprehension And Its Effects On Online Readiness Skills, Lindsay Kristine Miller

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This project developed an assessment instrument testing student communication apprehension in the online environment. The instrument assessed communication apprehension that might be linked to online written communication, computer, and self-regulated learning readiness skills. The development of the instrument is informed by recent scholarship, as well as qualitative research on a community college campus, which sought to investigate and surface the communication apprehension that online students negotiate. This qualitative project utilized two research methods: focus group research of ten online students (five females and five males ranging in age from 18 to 60) and field research interviews of four online teachers …

Communication At Tradeshows--Face-To-Face Versus Online, Megan C. Powers

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The question is regularly posed within communication academia as to whether computer mediated communication (CMC) is a “richer” form of communication than face-to-face (FtF). Similarly, the necessity of meeting FtF with regard to business has been repeatedly called into question since the downturn of the economy in 2008-2009. One reason professionals gather FtF is for tradeshows. This thesis looks at the quality of the communication that takes place at FtF tradeshows, and reveals attitudes and opinions with regard to the importance of the relationship-building and commerce that occurs in person and/or online. The results inform what we can and cannot …

The Lamb As Leader: Identifying The Influence Of Communication Apprehension On The Leader-Subordinate Relationship, Heather Rene Gillespie

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The current study examined the influence that self-awareness of one’s own level of communication apprehension (CA) has on the leader-subordinate relationship. Specifically, the study considered how trait-like CA influences this relationship in the context of the organizational staff meeting. Participants were selected based on their roles as either leader or subordinate (some served as both) in their particular organization. Each participant was asked to complete a questionnaire, including McCroskey’s Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA-24). Follow-up questions were asked to assess the participants’ perception of their communication exchanges with either their leader or subordinate and the role they believed their …

Facebook & Text Messaging: The Effects On Single Family Communication Dynamics, Courtney Sunstrum Meister

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate how two communication mediums, Facebook and text messaging, influence the ways in which single parent families communicate. This study adds to our understanding not only how communication mediums aid in communication dynamics, but also how single parent families communicate amongst themselves. Research was conducted by a thorough investigation of current literature, a survey study taken by 30 participants, and five face-to-face interviews. After the study, it was determined that single parent families utilize Facebook and text messaging to communicate with family members. While these two mediums may not be their primary source …

Media Communication & Professional Sports Stadium Subsidies, Damon Sgrignoli

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

In the previous two decades, professional sports franchise owners secured nearly $20 billion in taxpayer paid subsidies for new stadiums, domes, and arenas. In the geographic area of study, Atlanta Georgia, two public-financed stadium debates occurred between 2012 and 2014. The following study examined sports franchise owners, politicians, and civic and business groups’ use of the mass media to communicate their public messages during the stadium approval process, as well as how the local mass media frames stadium subsidy debates through Agenda Setting and Framing theories. The textual analysis study used a sample of 10 Atlanta Journal-Constitution online newspaper articles …

An Exploration Of Power Distance And Self-Disclosure In Asian And Pacific Islander American Cultures On Guam, Faith Villanueva Realica

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Power distance is a dynamic that can greatly impact the communication between a child and a parent. Parents instruct their children on what are culturally acceptable and unacceptable behaviors and communication methods. These cultural guidelines for interaction and communication remain with the child until adulthood and have the power to influence the child’s level of disclosure. This study is an investigation of power distance in the parent and adult child relationship and its impact on self-disclosure in the Filipino and Chamorro cultures on Guam. The study’s theoretical framework is based on Mulder’s Power Theory and also applies the relationship development …

Don't Have A Cow (Wo)Man!, Barbara Hamilla

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Sitcoms have been a part of the American experience since the dawn of the television. For generations, families have grown up identifying with characters they see every week, and can see themselves within the everyday life situations experienced by characters on their favorite shows. What happens then, when one of America’s favorite sitcoms isn’t really a sitcom? This study is a content analysis of 20 episodes of The Simpsons, from season two to season twenty. Using cultural studies and narrative paradigm, this study examined gender roles and representations in The Simpsons, how they evolved over the life of the program, …

Trayvon Martin: An Examination On How The News Is Presented To The Public, Minnie Larry

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

It is important to see how the news uses framing to structure a story for public consumption. This study seeks to understand how the news media framed the Trayvon Martin case through the use of racial cues. The study will closely examine the fetishization of racial roles by the media through the Trayvon Martin case. The researcher through the use of ethnographic research will examine how a news organization frames this high-profile event that resulted in the death of a young man. We often discuss bias or agenda in news without answering the question why. Trayvon Martin presents an opportunity …

Non Profit Organizations And Social Media: An Exploration Into How Non Profit Organizations Use And Misuse Social Media Outlets Utilizing Framing And Public Spheres, Alexandra Chiulli

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This thesis researched how well social media works with NPOs to effectively communicate with their supporters. Being in a technology age, NPOs have had to embrace social media as being the main form of communication; however, this does not mean that all like to use it. One of the main conflicts in NPOs using social media as the main communicative tool is the loss of personal interaction with their supporters. NPOs began with having to utilize interpersonal communication only and with the new age of technology, they are struggling with keeping up with the different sites as well as the …

A Study Of The Relationships Between Income, Information Channels, And College Match Among Admitted Students At Gonzaga University, Erik Hoffman

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The college admissions process often disadvantages low-income students because they lack equal access to the information channels used by their more affluent peers. Especially for the most selective colleges, income has been shown to substantially impact the application behaviors and enrollment decisions of low-income students. Low-income students are more likely to be “under-matched,” which means they fail to enroll at colleges that meet their academic qualifications. According to one national data sample, 40.9% of all college students are under-matched, and 16.1% are “substantially under-matched,” meaning they are enrolled at a school two levels below their selectivity match (Smith, Pender, & …