Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Commons^™

For-Profit Business Leaders’ Perceptions Of Technology And Conflict Resolution In The Workplace, Sherry Hamilton Latten

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explored for-profit business leaders’ experiences with technology and conflict resolution. With the rise of technology in communications in the workplace and the risk of miscommunications leading to negative impacts on organizational and individual performance, understanding leader experiences is vital to organizational success. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to understand for-profit business leaders’ (1) perceptions of technology and conflict resolution in the virtual workplace and (2) perceptions of their leadership styles and the impact on conflict resolution in the virtual workplace. Prior literature regarding the impact of technology on communications revealed mixed results with some studies …

Elementos Constitutivos De Los Juegos De Rol: Una Revisión Sistemática De La Literatura [Aj Non-Peer Reviewed], Cristo Leon, Marcos O. Cabobianco

STEM for Success Resources

Los autores analizan las ideas encontradas en la revisión de la literatura referentes al diseño de experiencias lúdicas, la narratología y los mundos ficcionales dentro del contexto de los Juegos de Rol (JdR).

Balloons, Breadcrumbs, And Spoons: Emerging Adults’ Privacy Negotiation And Management Of The (Non)Disclosure Of Chronic Illness-Related Information With A Friend, Robert D. Hall

Department of Communication Studies: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Emerging adults (EAs) experience many changes throughout this life-stage, characterized by self-focus, identity explorations, instability, in-betweenness, and possibilities of optimism (Arnett, 2014). As EAs transition from home of origin into independence, they may place more reliance on social networks apart from their family of origin (e.g., friends, Rawlins, 2009). Yet, chronically ill EAs may experience complications due to the biographical disruption, or interference of expectations in one’s life (Bury, 1982), particularly given that chronic illness is typically viewed as an elderly-related issue rather than occurring with youth (Kundrat & Nussbaum, 2003). Through transitions in the EA life-stage, EAs with chronic …

The Teacher, Yoga, And The Third Eye, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial discusses a dental assistant's concern about a teacher promoting unfounded claims about fluoride and the "third eye" concept, impacting students' choices. The author explores the dubious origins of the third eye idea, referencing a yoga article, and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based approaches in dental care. Drawing from historical examples and challenges in patient beliefs, the editorial stresses the need for clinicians to blend scientific evidence, expertise, and patient preferences in a patient-centered approach. The author advocates presenting valid, reliable information in plain language to empower patients in making informed decisions and highlights the obligation to provide care …

A Framework For Understanding How People Can Draw Different Conclusions Based On The Same Information, Evan Schapiro

Critical and Creative Thinking Capstones Collection

At least partially fueled by misinformation, political polarization is growing in the United States, leading to a breakdown of confidence in our traditional academic and political institutions. A popular belief is that a solution is to train people to think more rationally by eliminating the cognitive biases embedded in their subconscious thought patterns. This paper identifies the influences on my thinking and the framework used to look at these issues from a different perspective through methodological believing and the application of models of learning and conversation. The paper also points out that the methods of scientific inquiry often assume that …

Examining The Cross-Cultural Competence Of United States Christian Missionaries Engaged In Developing Indigenous Leaders: A Mixed Methods Study, Craig W. Goodman

Dissertations

For the past two millennia, missionaries have crossed from one culture to another to bring the Christian message to all cultures of the world. Questions about the effectiveness of these mission efforts have been asked and researched by many; however, one key question remains unanswered: what personal attributes help a person to be more competent at crossing cultures as they interact with people from other cultures? Although cross-cultural competence has been studied in a variety of fields over the past 50 years, the models and assessments used have never been applied to Christian missionaries.

To address this deficiency, this parallel …

A Qualitative Study On Nurse Facilitators Of Mind-Body Skills Groups, Paula D. Blake-Beckford

Mindfulness Studies Theses

The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM), founded by Dr. James Gordon, provides communities with evidence-based Mind-Body Skills Groups (MBSGs) that foster self-care, self-awareness, and self-expression. MBSGs range from 8 to 12-week series on various mind-body practices wherein group members meet, practice, and reflect on the impact of mind-body skills in their lives. Research has demonstrated that participants in MBSGs have positive outcomes. Healthcare professionals (HCPs), especially nurses, gain resiliency from MBSGs. As facilitators of MBSGs, nurses develop essential skills transferable to clinical and educational settings. MBSGs are therapeutic for adult participants with chronic stress. Prior to this thesis, only one …

Using Group Interviews To Innovate The Selection Process For New Graduate Nurses, Karen T. Descent

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

A pilot program in two hospitals using a group interview approach for new graduate nurse selection enabled multidisciplinary leadership participation. The interview process incorporated structured behavioral and scenario-based questions. The pilot shortened the traditional one-to-one interview process by 70% and improved retention one year from hire by 17.5%.

Differences Between Brand Activism And Corporate Social Responsibility In Consumer Perception, Erika Marchiondo

Student Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to determine if there is a perceived difference among consumers between brand activism and corporate social responsibility. Taking a stand in social and political causes has become an unspoken requirement for major brands. Consumers are selective about purchasing from brands that do not adhere to ethical practices. Consumers are also demanding increased brand transparency about the philanthropical causes brands support. I want to determine how aware consumers are of acts of corporate social responsibility and brand activism, and if consumers are able to identify a fundamental difference between behaviors associated with the two terms. …

Yet It Was Good Of You To Share In My Troubles: An Autoethnographic Study Of A Mother-Daughter Relationship Experienced Through A Wounded Body, Kathleen Smith

Masters Theses, 2020-current

This thesis is an embodied autoethnography that examines my experiences of accepting and coming-to-terms with my relationship with my mother through my chronic illness. Utilizing creative vignettes and short personal stories, throughout this autoethnographic thesis project I shine light to my lived experiences as a daughter in a Catholic household, diagnosed with chronic illness in adulthood. I use narrative theorizing to understand how the stories I tell in this thesis create meaning in my relationship with my mother. Through personal narratives I explore themes of autonomy and connection within a mother-daughter relationship, illness narratives and illness as a turning point, …

Giving Feedback [To Residents And Students], Alan Lucerna, James Espinosa, Andrew Vasta

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Advice for giving effective, constructive feedback to residents and students. Part of a Faculty Development Series.

The Value Of Peer Mentoring In A Service Learning Program, Ali Harb, Archana Salek

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Peer mentorship is a critical component of service learning programs (SLPs) at several medical institutions. The objectives of this project were:

• To explore the value of peer mentorship in SLPs within the setting of medical education
• To describe an effective mentorship structure that can be utilized in SLPs by employing reverse mentorship and a near-peer mentorship structure to positively impact participants

Our Stories, Katelyn S. Lopez

Publications and Research

This semester, we participated in the “Our Stories” qualitative research project that involves learning more about students' first year, and first-semester experiences at City Tech during pandemic times. As we organized and read students’ posts, we journaled and practiced reflexivity, a qualitative research process that helps us examine how we are interpreting the data that we are engaging with. T Reflexivity is a process in qualitative research involving frequent examination of one’s position in the project. These positions include one’s assumptions, feelings, and so forth. An essential question for qualitative researchers, according to Leavy (2011), is “Has the researcher engaged …

Sexual Relationships During Covid-19, Katherine Hahn-Boisvert

Honors Capstones

During the early parts of COVID-19, no one knew what to expect. In a world where it was suddenly unacceptable to shake hands or give a hug, how did sexually intimate couples navigate being sexually intimate? In this study, sexual self-disclosures, relationship satisfaction, and sexual communication satisfaction were measured during the COVID-19 pandemic. The costs and rewards of COVID-19 related self-disclosures was also measured to see what people thought was the costliest and how it would impact a sexually intimate relationship. Data was collected using an online survey which had 15 participants. The results indicated that COVID-19 had a negative …

(Un)Matched: Racialized Narratives Of U.S.-Based Japanese Men, Masculinity, And Heterosexuality In Online Dating Apps, Keisuke Kimura

Communication ETDs

In this study, I documented and examined U.S.-based Japanese men’s narratives about their day-to-day experiences in and across online dating contexts. Through the analysis of narratives, I critiqued how multilayered differences (i.e., race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, and more) working with dominant social structures affect their everyday experiences within the spectrum of power, privilege, and marginalization in the transnational space. Specifically, the overarching purposes and goals of this study were to better understand U.S.-based Japanese men’s online dating experiences and to critique the relationalities of how Japanese men’s narratives (i.e., micro-level context) and their beliefs/attitudes within and between cultural communities …

Do You Believe What You Know?: A Quantitative Analysis Of Sexual Education, Sexual Consent, And Rape Myth Acceptance In College Student Attitudes And Actions, Julie Sisler

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Sexual education has long been a heavily debated topic, particularly in relation to appropriateness and effectiveness. The subject is further muddled by the difficulty of effectively addressing sexual consent and sexual assault in sexual education. The topics have garnered additional attention in today’s society, but remain ambiguous and complex. This quantitative thesis sought to examine the relationships between sexual education, sexual consent, and sexual assault, focusing specifically on college populations. Through surveying 445 college students using the Updated Rape Myth Acceptance Scale (IRMA), Sexual Consent Scale (SCS-R), and Affirmative Sexual Consent Situational Knowledge Scale, connections between attitudes and actions regarding …

Batok: The Exploration Of Indigenous Filipino Tattooing As A Collective Occupation, Ana Cabalquinto, Carmela Dizon, Chelsea Ramirez, Mai Santiago

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Batok (also known as Fatek/Burik/Tatak/Batek/Patik) is an indigenous Filipino tattooing practice where the practitioner marks the skin by hand-tapping the ink using bone/wood implements. Previous research on tattooing has explored an occupational science perspective on Western tattooing and its engagement and implication on the individual - recognizing its practice to be considered as an occupation (Kay & Brewis, 2017). Framed in theories of Collective Occupation (Ramugondo & Kronenberg, 2015), Doing, Being, Becoming (Wilcock, 2002), and Belonging (Hitch et al., 2014) the research explores how batok as a collective occupation affects the experiences of Filipino communities. Three individual Filipino people with …

College Student Utilizing Dating Apps During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Sarah Boll

Communication Undergraduate Honors Theses

The following study explores the effect of the global COVID-19 pandemic on the initiation and development of human relationships. During the early days of the pandemic, governments forced shutdowns of businesses and workplaces, and public health officials created social-distancing and facial covering mandates to protect the health of citizens. However, long periods of isolation can foster negative emotions and feelings, such as loneliness, anxiety, and depression. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, humans have an innate need for love and belonging, but the health risks of contracting the virus and social-distancing enforcements significantly threatened the “normal” methods of satisfying this …

Memorable Messages In Brca-Positive Disclosures, Alyssa R. Cam

Honors Thesis

Communication in healthcare involves sensitive topics and memorable messages that can impact the way an individual handles a tough situation. Genetic testing for illnesses, like the BRCA gene mutation, creates a time of uncertainty leading to difficult conversations. Communication behaviors contribute to recalling messages of importance that shape future actions. Support and compassion are significant characteristics in messages when encouraging preventative behaviors and aiding in decision-making. This study investigated common themes of memorable messages in BRCA-positive disclosures by collecting data from 123 individuals who have experienced a positive BRCA diagnosis. Memorable messages from healthcare workers, loved ones, and coworkers or …

The Great Resignation: A Content Analysis Of News Sources' Portrayals Of The Covid-19 Labor Shortage., Mackenzie Williams

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

When workers left the labor market in large numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic, proclamations of a labor shortage emerged extensively throughout the news. In this study, I analyze the coverage of the worker shortage among three news sources with different political orientations. Several themes emerged from analyzing a total of 75 articles. The findings showed that the perspective shown in the article, the cause of the labor shortage, restaurant worker portrayal, support of solutions, and opinion of the labor shortage all differed based on the political identity of the news source. This research supports previous findings that show there is …

Influences Of Youtube Advertising On Young Adults: A Social Identity Perspective, Nathakorn Srithong

Master's Theses

Social media sites, such as YouTube, have provided a platform for many individuals to have online communities and form their own audiences through their shared interests and a sense of belonging. YouTube exemplifies a social environment in which everyone has the potential to be both the consumer and the producer of content and suggests the speed at which social networking innovations can transform the way we interact with other users. Corporations began to deviate new strategies to engage this new online market and have created a salient area to study the potential problems that may arise when ads present cultural …

Imagining Communicative Success: How Imagined Interactions Affect Conflict Management In Romantic Relationships, Melinda Shaw

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Currently, there are no bodies of research that examine the relationship between imagined interactions, relational maintenance, conflict management, and gender identity. Previous research has primarily relied on quantitatively measuring the functionality of imagined interactions and generating an understanding as to why individuals use them. However, this study qualitatively examined the connection between these concepts, specifically how gender identity affects how individuals use imagined interactions to manage conflict with their partner and maintain their relationship. Fifteen participants who are currently in long-term relationships were interviewed and then required to complete the Thomas-Kilmann (1974) conflict management mode survey. Afterward, the responses were …

Six Feet Apart: Relational Turbulence Theory And Coping With Covid-19 Within Long-Distance Relationships, Mia Waymack

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Among research that currently exists, no studies thus far combine elements of COVID-19, long-distance relationships, and Relational Turbulence Theory to explain how each of these elements impacts the others, if at all. Previous research does exist on each of these elements individually, although research regarding the long-term effects of COVID-19 on relationships is minimal considering the pandemic is ongoing. Long-distance relationships have been studied using Relational Turbulence Theory in previous studies within military relationships but have not been studied in connection with either COVID-19 or among college students. This study was conducted by way of qualitative, one-on-one interviews to determine …

Overcoming Self-Objectification Through A Mind Body Awareness Program, Alexandra Winner-Bachus

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

As previous communication scholars have noted, “In light of epidemic levels of self-objectification leading to a host of negative consequences for girls and women, intervention is crucial” (Kite, 2013, pg. III). The purpose of this MA project is to design and conduct a workshop to assist women in resisting self-objectification. The following literature review outlines the theoretical foundations for the project, as well as the most constructive interventions suggested by previous research. I will first review the literature on objectification and self-objectification, then examine the impacts of self-objectification on women. Next, I will discuss what the literature suggests as the …

The Role Of Memes In An Online Community Created By College Students: A Content Analysis, Jessica Probst

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

This paper explores how a community is formed in the Facebook group The M in UMW Stands for Memes and what role memes play in shaping a sense of community and sharing information. Based on previous research, there was a common theme found within the results of the studies; memes can be used to communicate information and a shared understanding is needed to have a sustainable online community. I chose to complete this study using a content analysis which allowed for an evaluation of the shared language used in the posts revealing how this mode of communication creates a sustainable …

Developing Ethical Training Curriculum For University Short-Term Missions, Elizabeth P. Sutphin

Honors Scholars Collaborative Projects

This thesis addresses common problems associated with short-term mission (STM) trips and the gaps in existing training materials for these trips. The research throughout this project is designed to inspire community-specific training materials for college students participating in domestic STM trips through their universities. The final chapter of this thesis includes the framework for a sample curriculum to promote sustainable STM work — providing cross-cultural communication techniques and relationship-building tools to avoid harming the communities students seek to serve.

Challenges Nonprofits Face With Communication Between Volunteers And The Organization And The Damaging Effect It Causes, James Cooke

Symposium of Student Scholars

Discrepancies in information, lack of communication, and losing track of data due to poor communication practices are only some reasons nonprofit organizations are less effective when dealing with emergency events. This issue does not only begin at the volunteer and organization level of communication but even at the interagency level. This article will explore organizations' shortcomings in how communication occurs between the organization's leadership, personnel, and volunteers and will peer into interagency communication issues. Many issues plague the area of communication within nonprofits that operate within disaster areas, like collecting, aggregating, analyzing, and then disseminating it to everyone who would …

"It's Not What It Looks Like!": Motivations And Responses To Infidelity, Jessica C. Cochrane

Student Scholar Showcase

The topic of infidelity is taboo and often perceived negatively, however, it still occurs frequently. What motivates people to commit infidelity? How do people respond to infidelity committed by those they know? This paper takes the opinions of college-aged subjects into consideration through use of paper surveys to discover how young adults perceive infidelity; both why it gets committed and how they would respond to such an act. Subjects were grouped into sex, classification, whether they have committed infidelity or not, and whether they have been cheated on or not. The results that were found were not all expected. It …

Exoskeletons And The Future Of Work: Envisioning Power And Control In A Workforce Without Limits, Gavin L. Kirkwood, J. Nan Wilkenfeld, Norah E. Dunbar

Human-Machine Communication

Exoskeletons are an emerging form of technology that combines the skills of both machines and humans to give wearers the ability to complete physically demanding tasks that would be too strenuous for most humans. Exoskeleton adoption has the potential to both enhance and disrupt many aspects of work, including power dynamics in the workplace and the human-machine interactions that take place. Dyadic Power Theory (DPT) is a useful theory for exploring the impacts of exoskeleton adoption. In this conceptual paper, we extend DPT to relationships between humans and machines in organizations, as well as human-human communication where use of an …

The Effects Of Analog And Digital Cognitive Offloading On Memory, Olivia Sagely

Digital Studies

This study uses responses from a focus group to examine how college students participate in cognitive offloading, and looks at whether doing so with analog or digital methods effects their memory differently. The results from these focus groups are used to conduct an n-gram analysis.