Search results

Title: Promoting Behavioral Intentions to Defend Victims of Bullying among College Students with an Interactive Narrative Game.
Creator: Wu, Yijie, Arpan, Laura M., Boot, Walter Richard, Raney, Arthur A., Lustria, Mia Liza A., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of...
Show moreWu, Yijie, Arpan, Laura M., Boot, Walter Richard, Raney, Arthur A., Lustria, Mia Liza A., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Show less
Abstract/Description: Bullying and cyberbullying nowadays have become an issue that a substantial number of college students have to deal with. However, most people do not think they occur as frequently in universities as in high schools or middle schools, and few of them are willing to intervene in a bullying situation when they see one. The goal of this dissertation was to explore ways to promote victim defending behaviors among college students from two perspectives: 1) to examine the psychological and personal...
Show moreBullying and cyberbullying nowadays have become an issue that a substantial number of college students have to deal with. However, most people do not think they occur as frequently in universities as in high schools or middle schools, and few of them are willing to intervene in a bullying situation when they see one. The goal of this dissertation was to explore ways to promote victim defending behaviors among college students from two perspectives: 1) to examine the psychological and personal factors that determine college students’ behavioral intentions to help victims and 2) to investigate the effects of playing an anti-bullying interactive narrative game on behavioral intention to help victims. To fulfill this goal, two studies – one survey and one experiment – were designed. The first study was a survey to examine psychological factors (i.e., attitude, self-efficacy, injunctive norms, descriptive norms, and personal moral norms) and personal factors (i.e., age, gender, and trait empathy) that might influence behavioral intention to defend victims of bullying. Results from Study 1 showed that psychological factors like injunctive norms perceptions, self-efficacy, and personal moral norms regarding victim defending behaviors as well as personal factors including age, gender, and trait empathy can influence a college student’s intention to help victims of bullying. Following this, an experiment was conducted using a mixed 2 (Medium of Intervention: Interactive narrative game/Non-interactive narrative video) × 2 (Outcome Valence: Positive/Negative) × 2 (Time: Pre-test/Post-test) factorial design with an additional control group. The experiment investigated whether medium of intervention and outcome valence influenced college students’ behavioral intention to defend bullied victims through the mechanisms of presence, identification, counterfactual thinking, and guilt. Results from Study 2 showed that playing an anti-bulling interactive narrative game, Life is Strange, increased college students’ intention to defend victims of bullying due to its ability to facilitate internal ascription of responsibility, personal moral norms for victim defending, and empathy for victims through evoking players’ strong sense of presence in the game. Experiencing a negative outcome in the game also increased intention to help victims later via players’ feeling of guilt. These results and their implications are discussed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: 2019_Spring_Wu_fsu_0071E_15252
Format: Thesis

Title: The Role of Ideographs in Nonprofit Branding: Abortion as Ideograph and Its Role in the 2012 Susan G. Komen/Planned Parenthood Social Media Crisis.
Creator: Willingham, Christine Marie, Houck, Davis W., McDowell, Stephen D., Rayburn, J. D. (Jay D.), Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of...
Show moreWillingham, Christine Marie, Houck, Davis W., McDowell, Stephen D., Rayburn, J. D. (Jay D.), Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Show less
Abstract/Description: This dissertation traces the discursive and political history of abortion and concludes "abortion" is an ideograph, a term coined by Michael Calvin McGee to describe an ultimate term or slogan representing an ideology and acts as a motivating force in political discourse. Next, this dissertation examines the role of abortion as ideograph during the Susan G. Komen/Planned Parenthood social media crisis in 2012 and its impact on brand image. The crisis threatened Komen's reputation; thus,...
Show moreThis dissertation traces the discursive and political history of abortion and concludes "abortion" is an ideograph, a term coined by Michael Calvin McGee to describe an ultimate term or slogan representing an ideology and acts as a motivating force in political discourse. Next, this dissertation examines the role of abortion as ideograph during the Susan G. Komen/Planned Parenthood social media crisis in 2012 and its impact on brand image. The crisis threatened Komen's reputation; thus, exemplifying the characteristics of a paracrisis (Coombs & Holladay, 2012) and revealed dissonance between brand identity and brand image. Prior to the crisis, candidates running for office had pledged to eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood and emphasized its role as the nation's "largest abortion provider." To shift the narrative from abortion provider to health care provider, Planned Parenthood leveraged the attention generated by the crisis to enhance its brand image. The following artifacts were selected for analysis: media reports, legislation and court cases about abortion, comments posted during the crisis to Komen's Facebook page, blog posts, and press releases of advocacy groups and congressional leaders. A rhetorical analysis of the texts revealed rhetors viewed Komen's action as a political decision in response to conflicting ideological beliefs about abortion. Komen's longstanding partnership with Planned Parenthood and the use of "pro-choice" language in its brand communication facilitated a brand image of Komen as supporting the right of a woman to make choices relevant to her personal circumstances. The news that Komen would be "halting grants to Planned Parenthood" prompted Komen's publics to reevaluate their understanding of the organization's brand values. Pro-life supporters understood Komen's decision as an acknowledgment of the harmful effects of abortion to women while pro-choice supporters viewed the decision as a betrayal of its brand values. The crisis demonstrates the power of ideographs to motivate and unite like-minded publics; however, the ideograph can also pose a threat to brand credibility by dividing organizational publics along ideological lines. Komen's failure to understand its brand image as supportive of women's right to choice led to organizational action viewed as contrary to brand values and resulted in the loss of brand equity.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: 2019_Summer_Willingham_fsu_0071E_15254
Format: Thesis

Title: Factorial Validity and Measurement Invariance of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile: Caregiver Questionnaire.
Creator: Hooker, Jessica L., Wetherby, Amy M., Schatschneider, Christopher, Catts, Hugh W. (Hugh William), Wood, Carla, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information...
Show moreHooker, Jessica L., Wetherby, Amy M., Schatschneider, Christopher, Catts, Hugh W. (Hugh William), Wood, Carla, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication Science and Disorders
Show less
Abstract/Description: Individuals with developmental language disorders experience an array of challenges that persist from childhood into adulthood, highlighting the need for advancements in early detection and intervention for this population. The identification of young children who are at risk for persistent language delays continues to be fraught with instability and a reduced reliability. There is a continued need for robust and valid measures of early language and communication that can adequately...
Show moreIndividuals with developmental language disorders experience an array of challenges that persist from childhood into adulthood, highlighting the need for advancements in early detection and intervention for this population. The identification of young children who are at risk for persistent language delays continues to be fraught with instability and a reduced reliability. There is a continued need for robust and valid measures of early language and communication that can adequately characterize trajectories of communication development in very young children. This study examined the latent factor structure and measurement invariance of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scale Developmental Profile Caregiver Questionnaire (CQ), a measure of early social communication and symbolic behavior, in an archival sample of 3498 children aged 8-25 months ascertained through primary care screenings. A stepwise approach using confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis was implemented to compare the dimensionality and invariance of the CQ across six age groups. Results of confirmatory factor analyses showed hypothesized measurement models of the CQ evidenced borderline to poor fit across age groups, preventing further examination of measurement invariance across age. Exploratory analyses revealed the presence of problematic items characterized by low variance in responses and low endorsement of the Not yet response category. Problematic items were addressed through exclusion or modification of the item’s response format. Two patterns of extracted factors emerged during exploratory factor analyses, a two-factor model for the 8-10, 14-16, 23-25 months age groups and a three-factor model for the 11-13, 17-19, and 20-22 months age groups. A consistent sounds and words use factor was extracted across the four oldest age groups regardless of the number of extracted factors. The present study highlights directions for future research regarding the use of the CQ, including aspects of the measure that can be adjusted to improve its measurement of early social communication abilities in infants and toddlers.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: 2019_Fall_Hooker_fsu_0071E_15510
Format: Thesis

Title: Self Discrepancy, Instagram Photomanipulation, and Negative Romantic Relationship Outcomes.
Creator: Stewart, Veronica Tyler, Clayton, Russell B., Jordan-Jackson, Felecia F., Ferchaud, Arienne, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, Department of...
Show moreStewart, Veronica Tyler, Clayton, Russell B., Jordan-Jackson, Felecia F., Ferchaud, Arienne, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, Department of Communication
Show less
Abstract/Description: Social Networking Sites (SNSs) have gained increased scholarly attention due to their increased popularity as a social and communication phenomenon. SNSs have altered the expectations and standards for interpersonal and intrapersonal communication perceptions and processes. As visual social mediums, SNSs such as Facebook and Instagram use have been examined under the theoretical lenses of social comparison theory (Frampton & Fox, 2018; Hendrickse, Arpan, Clayton, & Ridgway, 2017; Perloff,...
Show moreSocial Networking Sites (SNSs) have gained increased scholarly attention due to their increased popularity as a social and communication phenomenon. SNSs have altered the expectations and standards for interpersonal and intrapersonal communication perceptions and processes. As visual social mediums, SNSs such as Facebook and Instagram use have been examined under the theoretical lenses of social comparison theory (Frampton & Fox, 2018; Hendrickse, Arpan, Clayton, & Ridgway, 2017; Perloff, 2014) and self-discrepancy theory (Bessenoff, 2006). However, there are few studies that have examined the associations between Instagram users’ self-discrepancies, photo manipulation frequencies, and romantic relationship outcomes. Thus, guided by self-discrepancy theory (Higgin, 1987) and recent work on romantic relationship outcomes and social media usage, the aim of this thesis is to examine a sequential correlation between self-discrepancy, photo manipulation, Instagram-related relationship conflict, and negative romantic relationship outcomes among Instagram users. Specifically, it was predicted that increased actual-ideal self-discrepancies would predict negative romantic relationship outcomes through increased Instagram photo-manipulation and Instagram-related conflict. A total of 264 Instagram users aged 18 to 63 years (M = 21.34, SD = 4.99) completed an online survey questionnaire. Analysis of a serial multiple mediator model using bootstrapping methods indicated that actual-ideal self-discrepancy was sequentially associated with increased photo-manipulative behavior and Instagram-related conflict, which was related to increased negative romantic relationship outcomes. These findings suggest that when Instagram users alleviate an actual-ideal discrepancy in the form of photo-manipulative behaviors on Instagram, risk of Instagram-related conflict and negative romantic relationship outcomes may follow.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: 2019_Fall_Stewart_fsu_0071N_15513
Format: Thesis

Title: Identifying the Relationship between Frequency and Variety in Relation to Dialect Awareness: AAE to SAE.
Creator: Campbell, Denisha, Hall-Mills, Shannon S., Wood, Carla, MacRae, Toby, Catts, Hugh W., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication...
Show moreCampbell, Denisha, Hall-Mills, Shannon S., Wood, Carla, MacRae, Toby, Catts, Hugh W., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication Science and Disorders
Show less
Abstract/Description: This study examined the role of variety and frequency of dialectal features in relation to dialect awareness of African American English (AAE) and Standard American English (SAE) forms. Participant data was derived from oral and written language tasks examining sixty-eight third and fifth grade students’ dialect awareness in both oral and written modalities. Oral language samples were elicited with the Favorite Game or Sport task (Nippold, Hesketh, Duthie, & Mansfield, 2005) and were coded...
Show moreThis study examined the role of variety and frequency of dialectal features in relation to dialect awareness of African American English (AAE) and Standard American English (SAE) forms. Participant data was derived from oral and written language tasks examining sixty-eight third and fifth grade students’ dialect awareness in both oral and written modalities. Oral language samples were elicited with the Favorite Game or Sport task (Nippold, Hesketh, Duthie, & Mansfield, 2005) and were coded for morphological and phonological features of AAE. Descriptive statistics were reported to indicate the frequency and variety of dialectal features present in the children’s language samples. Frequency and variety of dialectal features were compared by examining student performance on an editing task to differentiate AAE and SAE forms in a written passage and on a repetition task derived from the DELV-S to determine accuracy of spoken SAE. By acknowledging previous research, it was predicted that both the frequency and variety of AAE features in oral language samples would significantly and positively correlate with the children’s performance on the editing and repetition task. Results indicated a significant positive relationship between frequency and variety of dialectal features, a significant negative relationship between dialect density and oral dialect awareness, and a significant positive relationship between dialect awareness in the oral and written modalities. These results are consistent with previous research that suggests a denser dialect results in poorer performance on tasks that require understanding of standard American English.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: 2018_Su_Campbell_fsu_0071N_14664
Format: Thesis

Title: Death Desensitization, Terrorism News, and Sectarian Prejudice: A Mixed Methods Application of Terror Management Theory in Lebanon.
Creator: El Masri, Azza, Merle, Patrick F, Arpan, Laura M., Raney, Arthur A., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: Over the last 30 years, Terror Management Theory (TMT) has been applied in over 500 studies. However, the bulk of literature in TMT remains from Western countries, where death may not take as an explicit role in one’s life as it does in other areas prone to high death exposure. The purpose of this study stems from a need to explore the impact of death on outgroup prejudice in Lebanon, where 18 sects divide and pit citizens against one another not just through physical conflict but also...
Show moreOver the last 30 years, Terror Management Theory (TMT) has been applied in over 500 studies. However, the bulk of literature in TMT remains from Western countries, where death may not take as an explicit role in one’s life as it does in other areas prone to high death exposure. The purpose of this study stems from a need to explore the impact of death on outgroup prejudice in Lebanon, where 18 sects divide and pit citizens against one another not just through physical conflict but also through inflammatory media rhetoric. Taking TMT as a theoretical basis, the research proposed a mixed methodological application, and advanced three hypotheses and one research question. In Study 1, 105 Lebanese undergraduate students were recruited across the country for a quasi-experiment mimicking TMT’s traditional protocol. Data showed that participants were more likely to get news from the outlet that reinforced their religious worldview, especially when they identify with it. However, threat to one’s ingroup manipulated through a terrorism news story – did not predict sectarianism nor did the mortality salience induction method. Independently, proximity to the attack and sect partially explain outgroup prejudice. In Study 2, ten in-depth interviews were conducted between December and January 2018, yielding four a priori themes. The results suggest that in high death exposure areas, such as in Lebanon, TMT’s protocol may not be the adequate method to understand outgroup prejudice. This may be due to death desensitization.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: 2018_Sp_ElMasri_fsu_0071N_14575
Format: Thesis

Title: The Fine Line between Famous and Notorious: Research in Public Figures' Crisis Response Strategies Using the Situational Crisis Communication Theory.
Creator: Bartman, Andrea, McDowell, Stephen D., Dennen, Vanessa P., Rayburn, J. D., Lee, Jaejin, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: This dissertation sought to explore public figures’ crises and crisis response messages through the lens of the situational crisis communication theory. The categories of public figures in this study are athletes, celebrities, and politicians. This research project focused on public figures’ apology messages for transgression crises, which are classified in the situational crisis communication theory as organizational misdeeds with injuries and organizational misdeeds without injuries. This...
Show moreThis dissertation sought to explore public figures’ crises and crisis response messages through the lens of the situational crisis communication theory. The categories of public figures in this study are athletes, celebrities, and politicians. This research project focused on public figures’ apology messages for transgression crises, which are classified in the situational crisis communication theory as organizational misdeeds with injuries and organizational misdeeds without injuries. This project used a content analysis of YouTube videos to determine the type of crisis a public figure experienced and the type of response they used to address their crisis. There were 47 public figures with 51 crisis response videos in the content analysis. Of the public figures in this research 25 employed an apology strategy in their crisis response video. The second part of this study was three focus group discussions that used one crisis response video that featured an apology message for each of the three categories of public figures. Alex Rodriguez was chosen as the athlete, OJ Simpson was chosen as the celebrity, and Anthony Weiner was chosen as the politician. Focus group participants discussed what they felt the public figure did well, did not do well, and could have done better during their crisis response message. Participants had many responses to these research questions, but a main theme for each topic was they felt the public figures’ use of emotion was good, they felt the public figures did not apologize well, and they felt the public figures could have done a better job sharing how they plan to prevent a similar situation from happening again. The implication of this research is the possibility of using the situational crisis communication theory as a way to help individuals like public figures respond to a crisis in addition to the organizational crises the theory has typically been used for previously.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: 2018_Sp_Bartman_fsu_0071E_14414
Format: Thesis

Title: It's All about the Money: The Political Economy of Climate Change Editorial Coverage.
Creator: Garcia, Christopher James, Clayton, Russell B., Opel, Andy, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: Critical political economic methods are used in this study to examine climate change editorials published by prestige press newspapers in the United States between the years 2014 to 2017. This includes exploring elements of corporate ownership for each newspaper of interest, editorial sourcing practices and ideological messages perpetuated within global warming editorial coverage. Political economic methods are utilized due to their ability to expose how neoliberal social, political, and...
Show moreCritical political economic methods are used in this study to examine climate change editorials published by prestige press newspapers in the United States between the years 2014 to 2017. This includes exploring elements of corporate ownership for each newspaper of interest, editorial sourcing practices and ideological messages perpetuated within global warming editorial coverage. Political economic methods are utilized due to their ability to expose how neoliberal social, political, and economic values shape the tone and substance of editorial content available for mainstream news consumption. The history behind the pro-capitalist agenda of mainstream news media in the United States is reviewed to contextualize how this study is rooted in the methods of a historical, political economic approach. This paper specifically recalls shifts in financial and political power within the news industry beginning in the 1850s while supplementing this information with the corporate histories of each newspaper utilized in the analysis. The three newspapers analyzed in this study include the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal. This thesis was conducted utilizing the search terms “global warming” and “climate change” on ProQuest historical newspaper database. After filtering for results from the desired publications, the editorial content was textually analyzed to examine ownership influence over climate change editorials through an analysis of sourcing patterns and ideologies perpetuated within editorial news content. This study’s results found that while each newspaper of interest showed varying degrees of support for climate change prevention efforts and belief in climate science evidence, all three publications were similar in their unwavering support for pro-market policies as solutions for climate change-related issues. Furthermore, each newspaper examined had a history of close collaborative efforts between ownership and editorial board staff. These cooperative relationships become potential conflicts of interest when understood in the context of modern day newspaper ownership – primarily with regard to the increased investment in newspaper companies by non-news related business entities. Given that all three newspaper companies analyzed in this study have investors directly engaged with the oil and gas industries, climate change coverage in particular can be seen as a potentially risky action that could have a negative impact on corporate profitability. In this context, each newspaper’s affinity for pro-market ideology and sources sympathetic to capitalism can be understood as a consequence of political economic interests that subtly influence the range of available discourses within mainstream news media.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: 2018_Sp_Garcia_fsu_0071N_14565
Format: Thesis

Title: Ain't No Sunshine: The Political Economy of Florida's Fight for Solar.
Creator: Huebner, Alex, Kazmer, Michelle M., Opel, Andy, Graves, Brian, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: This dissertation interrogates how Florida’s major electric utility companies actively suppressed the nascent solar energy industry in their effort to consolidate solar energy production into their hands during the 2015-2016 election cycle. Along with this, newspaper coverage of this issue was analyzed to determine how the fight was presented to the public and whether prevailing commercial pressures that influence the news production process affected the coverage of this issue. Finally,...
Show moreThis dissertation interrogates how Florida’s major electric utility companies actively suppressed the nascent solar energy industry in their effort to consolidate solar energy production into their hands during the 2015-2016 election cycle. Along with this, newspaper coverage of this issue was analyzed to determine how the fight was presented to the public and whether prevailing commercial pressures that influence the news production process affected the coverage of this issue. Finally, audience commentary about this issue was explored to determine how Facebook users made sense of this issue and whether the commentary reflected the prominent themes that were also present in the news coverage. Results highlight the economic and political ties between the utility companies and their support network as well as the solar supporters and their affiliated network that squared off in this fight. Additionally, findings reveal that commercial pressures to the news production process resulted in news coverage that portrayed this issue this to the public from a small handful of viewpoints, limiting the range of perspectives from which this issue may legitimately be discussed. Furthermore, results indicate that Facebook users who commented on this issue largely reflected the same perspectives and concerns that were present in the news coverage. Final conclusions and recommendations for changes to the news production process are provided.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: 2018_Sp_Huebner_fsu_0071E_14429
Format: Thesis

Title: Gender Identity and Engagement in Health Behaviors.
Creator: Scholz, Kendra, Sypher, Ulla, Clayton, Russell B., Arpan, Laura M., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the link between gender identity and engagement in three health behaviors—alcohol consumption, marijuana use, and the non-medical use of prescription stimulants. Historically, health research has focused on how biological sex (i.e. male and female) is associated with engagement in health behaviors, thereby ignoring the role that gender identity (i.e. masculine and feminine) plays in making health decisions. The primary goal of this study was to...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to investigate the link between gender identity and engagement in three health behaviors—alcohol consumption, marijuana use, and the non-medical use of prescription stimulants. Historically, health research has focused on how biological sex (i.e. male and female) is associated with engagement in health behaviors, thereby ignoring the role that gender identity (i.e. masculine and feminine) plays in making health decisions. The primary goal of this study was to offer a more contemporary understanding of health research by considering gender identity instead of biological sex in order to suggest a more accurate way for researchers to investigate health behaviors and, consequently, develop more effective interventions. A secondary goal of this research was to add to the established literature exploring the close relationships between the three health behaviors. Throughout this paper, sex is used to indicate the biological dichotomy of male and female, and gender is used to indicate the cultural representations of masculinity and femininity. This study uses Social Constructionism, Social Learning Theory, and Gender Schema Theory as theoretical foundations for the hypotheses. The role that gender identity plays in predicting alcohol use, marijuana use, and the non-medical use of prescriptions stimulants in a college-age population was investigated. It was hypothesized that gender identity would be more accurate than sex in predicting engagement in health behaviors. Participants were recruited from several Communication courses at Florida State University during the spring 2017 semester. In total, 205 respondents completed the online survey; ultimately 174 responses were included in data analysis. The Bem Sex-Role Inventory was used to measure gender identity, the AUDIT-C was used to measure alcohol consumption, the UNCOPE was used to measure marijuana use, and the Stimulant Medication Use Questionnaire was used to measure prescription stimulant misuse. The results did not show significant relationships between gender identity or sex and the three health behaviors. However, the results did show significant relationships between the three health behaviors. The results indicate that, in the current sample, neither gender identity nor sex predict alcohol consumption, marijuana use, or the non-medical use of prescription stimulants, though the three health behaviors are related to one another, which supports the literature regarding substance use.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: 2018_Sp_Scholz_fsu_0071N_14578
Format: Thesis

Title: hat's the Beef with Veganism?: An Experiemental Approach to Measuring Attitude Change after Documentary Exposure.
Creator: Connon, Courtnee, Merle, Patrick F, Graves, Brian, Rayburn, J. D., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: Veganism is a growing dietary trend in the U.S. and scientific evidence is showing that it may be necessary for more people to make the lifestyle change in the near future. However, previous research shows predominantly negative attitudes toward vegans among omnivores. The purpose of the present study was to measure attitude change in millennials after viewing a documentary about the environmental and ethical implications surrounding veganism in order to see if documentaries are an effective...
Show moreVeganism is a growing dietary trend in the U.S. and scientific evidence is showing that it may be necessary for more people to make the lifestyle change in the near future. However, previous research shows predominantly negative attitudes toward vegans among omnivores. The purpose of the present study was to measure attitude change in millennials after viewing a documentary about the environmental and ethical implications surrounding veganism in order to see if documentaries are an effective tool in changing the stigma of veganism. The study utilized a questionnaire with seven scales measuring attitude change toward vegans, animal welfare, and the environment. In addition, the questionnaire included the new ecological paradigm scale, behavioral beliefs, control beliefs, in-group meat eating identification, and perceived threat of veganism. The study implemented a pretest-posttest experimental design with two treatment groups. Each group was shown a different 35-minute segment form the documentary “Cowspiracy”. The study showed positive attitude change after watching the documentary for attitudes toward vegans and the environment. There were statistically significant results between attitudes toward veganism, the environment and animal welfare based on political affiliation. Democrats had more positive attitudes about each of the topics compared to republicans after viewing the documentary. This research is significant because it shows a possibility for creating more positive attitudes toward veganism after showing a documentary such as “Cowspiracy” to non-vegans. The results lay a solid foundation for future research in this area by establishing that attitudes have the possibility of changing after watching the documentary “Cowspiracy”. There is an opportunity for further research to take what we’ve learned about changing attitudes to apply toward behavior change with the implementation of qualitative research.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: 2018_Sp_Connon_fsu_0071N_14584
Format: Thesis

Title: Unpacking Social Bias: An Analysis of Socioeconomic Group Status and Transcaribe-Related in News Item Media Framing.
Creator: Escobar Salazar, Nivia, Muhamad, Jessica Wendorf, Cortese, Juliann, McDowell, Stephen D., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of...
Show moreEscobar Salazar, Nivia, Muhamad, Jessica Wendorf, Cortese, Juliann, McDowell, Stephen D., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Show less
Abstract/Description: With an estimated cost of $175 million for 11 kilometers of rail (DNP, 2014), Transcaribe, a bus rapid transit system (BRT) was designed to facilitate mobility and sustainability throughout the city of Cartagena, Colombia, while stabilizing usage costs and fees and reducing emission rates linked to carcinogenic pollutants. It is expected that under optimal conditions the system would mobilize 39% (15.7 million) of the more than 40 million passengers transported via the corridor (Canabal, 2015...
Show moreWith an estimated cost of $175 million for 11 kilometers of rail (DNP, 2014), Transcaribe, a bus rapid transit system (BRT) was designed to facilitate mobility and sustainability throughout the city of Cartagena, Colombia, while stabilizing usage costs and fees and reducing emission rates linked to carcinogenic pollutants. It is expected that under optimal conditions the system would mobilize 39% (15.7 million) of the more than 40 million passengers transported via the corridor (Canabal, 2015); however, as of January 2017 adoption rates are calculated to have reached a mere 1.2 million (Boyano, Romero, & Ramos, 2016). As such, it has become imperative to understand what factors might be contributing to lowers than expected usage rates. Understanding how the media portrays Transcaribe-related news items is an important first step. Therefore, the study consisted of a deductive examination of Transcaribe-related stories in the Cartagena, Colombia regional’s newspaper El Universal. Through applying a media framing scale (Semetko & Valkenburg, 2000; Wendorf Muhamad & Yang, 2017) news items were examined for the presence or absence of five new frames: (1) attribution of responsibility (AR); (2) conflict frame (CF); (3) morality frame (MF); (4) human interest (HI); and (5) economic consequences (EC). Differences in absence or presence of frames between low and high socioeconomic neighborhoods were noted. Results indicate attribution of responsibility frame (n = 287) was the most frequently employed frame, followed by human interest frame (n = 165), conflict frame (n = 193), economic consequences frame (n = 104), and morality frame (n = 20). Attribution of responsibility is the most frequently used frame, present in low socioeconomic level (n = 173) and high socioeconomic level (n = 177). There were two hypotheses (HI, EC) supported and three (AR, CF, and MF) hypotheses rejected.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: 2018_Sp_EscobarSalazar_fsu_0071N_14558
Format: Thesis

Title: Using Computer-Mediated Communication to Reduce Loneliness in Older Adults.
Creator: Williams, Jaclyn Michele, Thyer, Bruce A., Lustria, Mia Liza A., Tripodi, Stephen J., Ralston, Penny A., Florida State University, College of Social Work, College of Social Work
Abstract/Description: Loneliness in older adults is a problem. Loneliness negatively impacts the physical, mental and social health of an individual leading to problems including increased risk of poor health, cognitive decline, and death. As older adults utilize over 2.7 times more of U.S. personal health care expenses than should occur given their proportion of the population, the health of older adults is a societal issue. The current study examines the feasibility of a method to reduce loneliness in older...
Show moreLoneliness in older adults is a problem. Loneliness negatively impacts the physical, mental and social health of an individual leading to problems including increased risk of poor health, cognitive decline, and death. As older adults utilize over 2.7 times more of U.S. personal health care expenses than should occur given their proportion of the population, the health of older adults is a societal issue. The current study examines the feasibility of a method to reduce loneliness in older adults by teaching participants various methods of computer-mediated communication (CMC). Participants were older adults who qualified as lonely utilizing a loneliness scale. The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase was a test of the intended intervention – a course on computer-mediated communication taught to a group of lonely older adults. In Phase 1, the researcher examined participant loneliness scores before and after the course was given, and the course on computer-mediated communication was examined for areas of improvement. The second phase implemented the intervention, with the changes recommended in Phase 1. The second phase also included the examination of hypotheses related to: the connections between CMC training and the level of use of computer mediated communication by older adults, the link between CMC training and computer self-efficacy in older adults, the determination of if an increase in CMC use by older adults is followed by improvement in social support or social network (two constructs linked with loneliness), and the determination if CMC use is followed by a reduction in social or emotional loneliness.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: 2018_Fall_Williams_fsu_0071E_14852
Format: Thesis

Title: Snap It Together: Exploring the Role of Snapchat Live Stories in the Collective Identity and Action of Offline Communities.
Creator: Rowlett, Jerrica Ty, Sypher, Ulla, Harlow, Summer, Dennen, Vanessa P., Jordan-Jackson, Felecia, McDowell, Stephen D., Florida State University, College of Communication and...
Show moreRowlett, Jerrica Ty, Sypher, Ulla, Harlow, Summer, Dennen, Vanessa P., Jordan-Jackson, Felecia, McDowell, Stephen D., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Show less
Abstract/Description: Social media have altered various aspects of society, including identity management, collective action, and civic engagement. One of the more recent social media to enter the scene is Snapchat, an application that allows users to create snaps (photos or short videos) to share with others. Snapchat has several features that make it unique, yet this research focuses on the Snapchat Map and Snapchat Live Stories feature of the application. These features allow members of a physical offline...
Show moreSocial media have altered various aspects of society, including identity management, collective action, and civic engagement. One of the more recent social media to enter the scene is Snapchat, an application that allows users to create snaps (photos or short videos) to share with others. Snapchat has several features that make it unique, yet this research focuses on the Snapchat Map and Snapchat Live Stories feature of the application. These features allow members of a physical offline community to share snaps to the map, generating a content that anyone in the world can view. This research explores this feature of Snapchat, bringing into question the community building potential and identity management strategies of the platform, particularly in instances of civic engagement. This mixed-methods research utilized qualitative textual and visual analyses of Snapchat Live Stories, as well as quantitative content analysis of the data. Additionally, a survey was distributed it 495 active Snapchat users to learn about their experiences with the app. Findings show that Snapchat has the affordances necessary to create a sense of community among individuals, but it seems that most users are not interacting with these application features, bringing into question the usability of the applications. Findings also suggest that the affordances of Snapchat do not easily permit collective action among members of a community or increase perceived political self-efficacy. The application can provide a more wholistic view of a community, giving insider-perspective through camera angles that allow the viewer to feel as if they are present.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: 2019_Spring_Rowlett_fsu_0071E_14998
Format: Thesis

Title: User Generated Branding versus Brand Generated Advertising on Facebook: The Impact of Content Source on Perceptions, Attitudes and Purchase Intention.
Creator: Diwanji, Vaibhav Shwetangbhai, Cortese, Juliann, Chapa, Sindy, McDowell, Stephen D., Florida State University, College of Communication & Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: This study examined the influence of User Generated Branding (UGB) on consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions by comparing it to brand generated advertising on the world’s largest social media website: Facebook (eMarketer, 2016). The research was theoretically grounded by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which helped in understanding how consumers’ attitudes toward a behavior would form their behavioral intentions. The advent of User Generated Branding on Facebook has radically...
Show moreThis study examined the influence of User Generated Branding (UGB) on consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions by comparing it to brand generated advertising on the world’s largest social media website: Facebook (eMarketer, 2016). The research was theoretically grounded by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which helped in understanding how consumers’ attitudes toward a behavior would form their behavioral intentions. The advent of User Generated Branding on Facebook has radically changed the communication patterns between brands and consumers. Facebook, at its core, is a place for interpersonal communications. Therefore, it offers its members with emotional benefits through networking and conversations. But, as it is slowly evolving into a marketing platform (Scale, 2008), users have found many practical commercial implications in terms of information search on the platform before deciding to purchase an item. UGB refers to “the strategic and operative management of brand-related user generated content (UGC) by the brand and its consumers to achieve brand goals (Burmann & Arnhold, 2009, p. 3).” Brand-related user generated content is any type of data, information or media, voluntarily created and contributed by regular people who are consumers of a specific brand, which comes across as useful or entertaining to other consumers (Krumm et al., 2008). On the other hand, brand generated advertising is any form of media-related strategies and tactics, usually paid, deployed by a business in order to establish as well as maintain effective and ongoing communications with its customers (Stuhfaut & Davis, 2010). The current research tried to explore into this collaboration between consumers and brands as well as other consumers on Facebook (Saxena & Khanna, 2013). The present research posited that UGB, as an added consumer interaction touch point about brands on Facebook, could play a more decisive role than brand generated ads in shaping users’ perceptions, attitudes, and purchase intentions. 669 undergraduate students from a major university in Southeastern USA voluntarily participated in this research. In an online survey, the subjects were randomly assigned to one of the two experimental conditions, framed as either a UGB Facebook post or a brand generated ad post. Inattentive and inconsistent responses were eliminated using dummy test questions. So, the final sample size consisted of 539 participants (n = 539). The findings suggested that there was not a statistically significant difference in how these two sources of content impacted users’ attitudes and purchase intentions (p = .05). Both UGB posts and brand generated ads on Facebook were seen to play complementary roles in influencing consumers’ intentions to purchase. This research offered useful insights to marketers and advertisers in finding the right kind of content combination on Facebook that would induce favorable perceptions, attitudes and purchase intention. Practical implications showed that, on Facebook, brands should flexibly adapt their promotional strategies to users’ brand-related interactions. From an academic perspective, the present study was seen to contribute toward filling the prevailing gap in the literature in investigating consumer behavior patterns related to UGB on Facebook, considering the ever increasing popularity of the website (de Vries et al., 2012).
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: FSU_SUMMER2017_Diwanji_fsu_0071N_13948
Format: Thesis

Title: Nuclearization as National Security a Comparative Analysis of Framing and Frame Building in Indian and Pakistani Newspapers.
Creator: Saleem, Awais, McDowell, Stephen D., Coutts, Christopher, Opel, Andrew R., Graves, Brian, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of...
Show moreSaleem, Awais, McDowell, Stephen D., Coutts, Christopher, Opel, Andrew R., Graves, Brian, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Show less
Abstract/Description: Global politics is a complex game, particularly when conflict dominates the relationship between countries. South Asia is no different as both India and Pakistan have fought four wars since achieving independence from the British in 1947. Both countries have acquired nuclear capability but the tense nature of the bilateral relationship has given rise to fears of a potential nuclear war in the region. There were hopes of a thaw in relationship after the new governments assumed power following...
Show moreGlobal politics is a complex game, particularly when conflict dominates the relationship between countries. South Asia is no different as both India and Pakistan have fought four wars since achieving independence from the British in 1947. Both countries have acquired nuclear capability but the tense nature of the bilateral relationship has given rise to fears of a potential nuclear war in the region. There were hopes of a thaw in relationship after the new governments assumed power following the general elections in Pakistan (2013) and in India (2014). However, these hopes were quickly dashed following an escalation in cross-border firing incidents along the line of control (LoC) in the Kashmir valley. The status of Kashmir valley has become a flashpoint of bilateral conflict between India and Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan occupy parts of the valley and blame each other for illegal occupation and infiltration to justify the use of aggressive tactics. India and Pakistan have a collective population of close to 1.5 billion (almost twenty percent of the global population). Both countries rank consistently low on human development and press freedom indices, but the respective governments in India and Pakistan continue to divert large chunks of their annual budgets for defense-related expenditures instead of providing better health, education, and infrastructure facilities to their citizen. In such a scenario, the media’s role in framing this conflict becomes critical. It merits attention to explore whether the media is part of the problem or part of the solution. Therefore, this dissertation applies Galtung’s (2002) peace journalism model to the coverage of Kashmir conflict during 2016. The news coverage of the Uri attack on September 18, 2016 in the Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 16 Indian soldiers and the Bhimber attack in the Pakistani-administered Kashmir that killed seven Pakistan soldiers was chosen for the content analysis to explore how the English-language newspapers in India and Pakistan (three top-circulating newspapers in each country) framed the bilateral conflict. The findings showed that the coverage in both India and Pakistan had a similar pattern. It was primarily episodic, was using mainly conflict frames and lacking focus on solutions of the conflict, was relying on official sources to further the national security narrative prevalent in each country, and was showing a clear tendency to promote war journalism at the cost of marginalizing the human cost of war. The second part of the analysis in this dissertation was based on interviews with journalists (15 each from India and Pakistan) to explore the processes attached to frame-building. The journalists were asked questions about the framing of stories related to bilateral conflict and which factors were likely to affect this coverage. They were also asked about the presence of pressure groups, censorship, organizational policy, alternatives available, and suggestions for improvement in the standards of coverage. The responses indicated that news television had gained a place of prominence in each country and was driving the content of print and social media as well. It was revealed that the private media ownership structure in both India and Pakistan, backed by big media houses, was aggravating the situation. The media owners in India were found to be hand in glove with the religious right-wing that had seen a rise in Indian mainstream politics after 2014 elections while the media owners in Pakistan had a nexus with the powerful military establishment in their country. The journalists revealed during the interviews that these media owners were getting good ratings on television by focusing on bilateral conflict, which meant good business, while they were able to use that clout in the ruling establishments for tax breaks and other benefits as well. The journalists generally did not express much hope in the track-II dialogues or social media as an alternative forum unless the overall environment between both countries improved. It was surprising that the interviewed journalists showed little concern about what impact such coverage could likely have on the public perception. The study also explores an interplay of framing and securitization. The findings provide a clear idea that the coverage of bilateral conflict in India and Pakistan justifies war and has a securitization agenda (Buzan, 1997). The implications of such coverage in making the audience more accepting of the hawkish foreign policy steps taken by their respective governments as well as the consequences for the overall peace and stability of the region have been discussed. How the findings of this study contribute to the existing literature on conflict framing, war/peace journalism, and securitization is also part of this dissertation. It shows that researchers should also focus on frame-building processes to put the news frames in context. In the conclusion, limitations of this research as well as future directions for researchers interested in the study of framing and framing-building have also been discussed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: FSU_SUMMER2017_Saleem_fsu_0071E_14066
Format: Thesis

Title: Company Benefits and Social Benefits: Exploring Strategies for Multinational Consumer Goods Companies to Implement Mutually Beneficial Social Marketing Programs.
Creator: Sadek, Nashwa Nader, Harlow, Summer, Cortese, Juliann, Merle, Patrick F., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: The aim of this thesis was to present social marketing to multinational consumer goods companies as a concept that, unlike commercial marketing, not only benefits the company but also benefits society. Through in-depth interviews and document analysis, this thesis qualitatively analyzed two social marketing campaigns, one launched by Nestle Pakistan and the other by Henkel Egypt. Using the social exchange theory as a framework for analysis, this thesis offers examples and types of benefits...
Show moreThe aim of this thesis was to present social marketing to multinational consumer goods companies as a concept that, unlike commercial marketing, not only benefits the company but also benefits society. Through in-depth interviews and document analysis, this thesis qualitatively analyzed two social marketing campaigns, one launched by Nestle Pakistan and the other by Henkel Egypt. Using the social exchange theory as a framework for analysis, this thesis offers examples and types of benefits that companies and society gain from social marketing. Additionally, this thesis illustrates some of the challenges of social marketing, demonstrating ways and strategies to address these challenges and maximize the benefits of social marketing for the company and society. Most importantly, this thesis identifies ways in which consumer goods companies can fund social marketing campaigns without increasing their overall budgets.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: FSU_2017SP_Sadek_fsu_0071N_13759
Format: Thesis

Title: The Persuasive Effect of Narrative with Different Story Ending, Counterfactual Thinking, and Eleboration.
Creator: Cui, Di, Raney, Arthur A., Dennen, Vanessa P., Arpan, Laura M., McDowell, Stephen D., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: Counterfactual thinking is a psychological concept used to explain the phenomenon that individuals reflectively imagine different outcomes for events that have already happened. This dissertation examined the application of counterfactual thinking in the field of media psychology. Specifically, it discussed the question of whether readers can generate counterfactuals from fictional contexts. This dissertation also examined the influential factors of counterfactuals, including the influence of...
Show moreCounterfactual thinking is a psychological concept used to explain the phenomenon that individuals reflectively imagine different outcomes for events that have already happened. This dissertation examined the application of counterfactual thinking in the field of media psychology. Specifically, it discussed the question of whether readers can generate counterfactuals from fictional contexts. This dissertation also examined the influential factors of counterfactuals, including the influence of story plot, involvement (identification and transportation), and individual characteristics, and the functional roles of generating counterfactuals. By analyzing the results of two experiments, the author found that participants who were more highly transported into the narrative world were more likely to generate counterfactuals. Meanwhile, the study results indicated that counterfactual thinking might be a factor of generating counterfactual thinking. However, the study did not find a relationship between counterfactual thinking and agreement with story-consistent beliefs.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: 2018_Sp_Cui_fsu_0071E_14516
Format: Thesis

Title: Case Study of a Psycholinguistic Approach to Assessment and Treatment of Speech Sound Disorder.
Creator: Berteau, Emily A. (Emily Anne), Macrae, Toby, Ingvalson, Erin, Lansford, Kaitlin L., Florida State University, Florida State University College of Communication and Information,...
Show moreBerteau, Emily A. (Emily Anne), Macrae, Toby, Ingvalson, Erin, Lansford, Kaitlin L., Florida State University, Florida State University College of Communication and Information, School of Communication Science and Disorders
Show less
Abstract/Description: The psycholinguistic model is a theoretical framework that details the speech processing system at various levels of input, storage, and output. In the case of a child with complex speech-language impairment, this study sought to determine if: (1) a psycholinguistic approach to assessment was effective in identifying the participant’s level(s) of speech and language deficit and (2) if intervention targeted to the identified level(s) of deficit was effective in treating the participant’s...
Show moreThe psycholinguistic model is a theoretical framework that details the speech processing system at various levels of input, storage, and output. In the case of a child with complex speech-language impairment, this study sought to determine if: (1) a psycholinguistic approach to assessment was effective in identifying the participant’s level(s) of speech and language deficit and (2) if intervention targeted to the identified level(s) of deficit was effective in treating the participant’s speech and language difficulties. First, a comprehensive battery of assessments was administered to identify the participant’s speech processing difficulties and relative strengths. Then, treatment was targeted to specific areas of deficit indicated by assessment. Results indicate that psycholinguistic assessment was effective in identifying the participant’s levels of breakdown in speech processing. Treatment results were variable, although considerable gains were made on primary objectives such as phonological awareness, reading and spelling, and speech production. Overall, findings suggest that a psycholinguistic approach may be appropriate for some children with complex speech-language impairment, although rapid gains may not be seen in each targeted area.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: FSU_SUMMER2017_Berteau_fsu_0071N_13876
Format: Thesis

Title: Seeing Is Believing: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Media Representations of Domestic Violence in Sport.
Creator: Anderson, Lauren Christine, Newman, Joshua I., Raney, Arthur A., Giardina, Michael D., Nudd, Donna M., Graves, Brian, Florida State University, College of Communication and...
Show moreAnderson, Lauren Christine, Newman, Joshua I., Raney, Arthur A., Giardina, Michael D., Nudd, Donna M., Graves, Brian, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Show less
Abstract/Description: On February 15, 2014, Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was arrested for assaulting his then fiancé, Janay Palmer, at the Revel Casino in Atlantic City (Bien, 2014). Four days later, a video surfaced via TMZ, which showed Rice dragging an unconscious Palmer out of an elevator at the casino. In June, the NFL held a disciplinary hearing with Rice, and on July 24, the league suspended Rice for two games. Fast-forward a month and a half, on September 8, TMZ released another video, which...
Show moreOn February 15, 2014, Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was arrested for assaulting his then fiancé, Janay Palmer, at the Revel Casino in Atlantic City (Bien, 2014). Four days later, a video surfaced via TMZ, which showed Rice dragging an unconscious Palmer out of an elevator at the casino. In June, the NFL held a disciplinary hearing with Rice, and on July 24, the league suspended Rice for two games. Fast-forward a month and a half, on September 8, TMZ released another video, which showed Rice punching Palmer in the face inside the elevator at the casino back in February (Bien, 2014). That same day, the Ravens terminated their contract with Rice and released him from the team, and shortly thereafter, the NFL suspended Rice from the league indefinitely. The public outcry over the assault video generated a national conversation around intimate partner violence unlike anything seen before (Blow, 2014). Rice's assault arguably became the most publicized incident of domestic violence since O.J. Simpson, and therefore, it is important to analyze the media narratives surrounding it. As McDonald (1999) noted, media coverage of domestic abuse committed by male athletes may "offer some of the most visible cases of domestic violence available for public consumption," functioning "as significant sites where larger cultural understandings of domestic violence are constructed, contested, and struggled over" (p. 112-113). With the purpose of discovering how journalists construct particular understandings of domestic violence that (re)produce dominant ideologies, I conducted a critical discourse analysis of multiple mainstream media sources, including national newspapers, local Baltimore newspapers, online sports news, and women's magazines. Additionally, because the entire Ray Rice assault case—from his initial arrest until he appealed his suspension—occurred over a seven-month timespan, it was important to map the (re)construction of the assault over time. Thus, I isolated five important time frames for analysis, broken into one-week intervals, in order to examine the initial framing of each event. The research questions that I sought to address were as follows: 1) Do journalists give voice to domestic violence victims, or do they continue to silence the voices of victims and support the hegemonic structure of oppression? 2) Do journalists discuss the larger cultural problem of domestic violence, or do they continue to treat domestic violence as an individual issue? 3) As new information is released and different events unfold, does the narrative change, and if so, what is the instigating factor? That is, how do different objects of reference construct particular understandings of domestic violence and possibly change the narrative? In answering these research questions, I argue that, after Rice's initial arrest and through his two-game suspension, many journalists conformed to previous patriarchal narratives that have consistently blamed the victim, excused the perpetrator, and ignored the social problem of domestic violence. In doing so, journalists continued to reinforce dominant ideologies that silence the voices of victims and support the hegemonic structure of oppression. Although several critical narratives emerged after Rice's two-game suspension in July, it was not until TMZ released the second assault video in September that the narrative drastically changed. There was a clear shift in coverage after the release of the second assault video, as many journalists began critiquing tone-deaf narratives that have consistently blamed victims, excused perpetrators, and ignored the social problem of domestic abuse. With this, journalists began talking about domestic violence in a much more sensitive way than ever before. Although this discourse is crucial to changing the national conversation surrounding domestic violence, several problems still exist. First, it took a video of domestic abuse for most of these discussions to emerge. In regards to victim blaming, it appears that much of society—and certainly the NFL—does in fact need to see it to believe it. Second, even after the release of the assault video, football remained more important than domestic violence to many fans and journalists. While many fans continued to support the running back on social media and at Ravens games, many journalists focused on the game of football more than Rice's assault. Third, a majority of the critical narratives that emerged throughout the Ray Rice assault case focused on the league's (mis)handling of the assault. While these narratives are certainly important, they shift the focus away from the real issue—domestic violence. Fourth, although critical narratives surrounding domestic violence finally came to the forefront after the release of the second assault video, the number of articles that actually discussed domestic violence as a cultural problem were few and far between. Fifth, in order for these critical narratives surrounding domestic violence to emerge, Palmer's physical body had to be continually revictimized, and she was stripped of any agency she once had. Thus, although critical discussions surrounding domestic violence emerged during the Ray Rice assault case, there are still many issues surrounding gender and power that must be discussed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: FSU_2017SP_Anderson_fsu_0071E_13850
Format: Thesis

Title: Impact of Group Affirmation on Environmental Message Acceptance, Risk Perception and Behavioral Intention.
Creator: Wang, Zihan, Arpan, Laura M., Becker, Betsy Jane, Cortese, Juliann, Lustria, Mia Liza A., Florida State University, College of Communication & Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: Many environmental campaigns use threatening messages that feature the severity of the problem and the irreversible consequences to encourage pro-environmental behaviors. However, individuals tend to respond to threatening information defensively. Defensive message processing strategies help people distance themselves from the uncomfortable feeling without actually changing the existing attitudes and behaviors. As a result, people will likely to reject the message, deny the problem, or engage...
Show moreMany environmental campaigns use threatening messages that feature the severity of the problem and the irreversible consequences to encourage pro-environmental behaviors. However, individuals tend to respond to threatening information defensively. Defensive message processing strategies help people distance themselves from the uncomfortable feeling without actually changing the existing attitudes and behaviors. As a result, people will likely to reject the message, deny the problem, or engage in biased processing of the message instead of changing their behaviors. Thus, how to reduce defensive processing of the message is one of the major tasks in environmental communication. Self-affirmation theory suggests that by affirming alternative sources of self-integrity, individuals will be able to reduce defensive processing of messages and evaluate risks more objectively. Past research has attempted to use individual-level values to achieve self-affirmation manipulations. This dissertation examined the self-affirmation framework at a group level by investigating whether affirming the group that an individual belongs to increases the acceptance of threatening information, risk perception and behavioral intention among college students. By using the group resources, the ultimate goal of this project is to design more practical interventions that can be used in public communication campaigns. The first study tested a new manipulation with group values incorporated into the pro-environmental public service announcements (PSA). Participants were randomly assigned to view either a PSA with group values highlighted or a control PSA. Results demonstrated that exposure to information about group values could influence participants' self-efficacy, but not other variables, such as attitudes toward the PSA, perceived message strength, risk perception, or behavioral intention. Participants' environmental concern moderated the effect of affirmation on perceived message strength. For participants with low environmental concern, affirmed participants reported a significantly higher perceived strength of the message than non-affirmed participants; but for participants with medium or high environmental concern, the group affirming message did not influence participants' perceived strength of the message compared to the control message. The second study tested a more visual-based manipulation. Participants were randomly assigned to view in-group beautiful photos, out-group beautiful photos, in-group not beautiful photos, or out-group not beautiful photos, before they were exposed to view an environmental risk message. Results demonstrated that participants who viewed in-group photos had more positive attitudes towards the message and reported greater on perceived message strength, compared with participants who viewed out-group photos. But the photos' aesthetic quality did not make a difference in the outcome variables. Instead of traditional manipulations, such as essay writing, this dissertation explored two affirmation manipulations, which require no writing from audiences but achieve the goal of affirmation. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed, as well as the suggestions for future research.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: FSU_2017SP_Wang_fsu_0071E_13735
Format: Thesis

Title: Media Stereotype Effects on the Social Identity of Appalachians.
Creator: Gonyea, Laura Katherine, Harlow, Summer, Clayton, Russell B., Jordan Jackson, Felecia F., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of...
Show moreGonyea, Laura Katherine, Harlow, Summer, Clayton, Russell B., Jordan Jackson, Felecia F., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Show less
Abstract/Description: Much research analyzes the effects of media stereotyping on attitudes toward marginalized groups. However, few studies have examined how these marginalized groups react to media stereotyping of their own group. In addition, little research has explored the media stereotyping of Appalachians, and currently no research has examined media effects on attitudes toward Appalachians. To fill these gaps in the literature, this mixed-methods thesis used cultivation theory, explicit attitudes, and...
Show moreMuch research analyzes the effects of media stereotyping on attitudes toward marginalized groups. However, few studies have examined how these marginalized groups react to media stereotyping of their own group. In addition, little research has explored the media stereotyping of Appalachians, and currently no research has examined media effects on attitudes toward Appalachians. To fill these gaps in the literature, this mixed-methods thesis used cultivation theory, explicit attitudes, and social identity theory as a framework to better understand how stereotypical media portrayals of Appalachians influence attitudes toward this group, and to determine how accurate Appalachians think media stereotypes are about themselves. Relying on an online survey (N=404) of closed- and open-ended questions, this thesis explored media consumption of Appalachians (N=104) and non-Appalachians (N=300), and their attitudes toward Appalachians. The relationship between media consumption and social identity of Appalachians also was examined. For all participants, the quantitative results indicate a correlation between media consumption and some stereotypes of Appalachia, such as "backwards," racist, and technologically illiterate. The qualitative results indicate that non-Appalachians see Appalachians as "White trash," conservative, uneducated, and poor. Appalachians, however, reject these negative stereotypes and instead associate themselves with positive stereotypes, such as being friendly, musical, close to nature, and hospitable. While there was so significant relationship between media consumption and social identification, this thesis revealed that Appalachians were split in terms of their social identity, adding to our understanding of social identity theory. This thesis contributes to the scant body of literature examining how marginalized populations react to media stereotypes about themselves, and raises questions about the relationship between media cultivation and social identity.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: FSU_2017SP_Gonyea_fsu_0071N_13886
Format: Thesis

Title: The Group Decision-Making Communication Effectiveness (GDMCE) Scale: Development of a New Integrated Measure for Evaluating Group Decision-Making Effectiveness.
Creator: Bodkin, Lawrence Edward, Rayburn, Jay D., Perrewe, Pamela L., Cortese, Juliann, McDowell, Stephen D., Florida State University, College of Communication & Information, School of...
Show moreBodkin, Lawrence Edward, Rayburn, Jay D., Perrewe, Pamela L., Cortese, Juliann, McDowell, Stephen D., Florida State University, College of Communication & Information, School of Communication
Show less
Abstract/Description: The ability of groups to make the most effective decisions possible has long been a primary focus of the decision-making communicative process within any group. As such, the effectiveness of groups in making decisions has been an integral part of communication theory and research for decades. Even though past group decision-making effectiveness research has demonstrated that specific approaches to evaluating group effectiveness have been successful in explaining much of what caused groups to...
Show moreThe ability of groups to make the most effective decisions possible has long been a primary focus of the decision-making communicative process within any group. As such, the effectiveness of groups in making decisions has been an integral part of communication theory and research for decades. Even though past group decision-making effectiveness research has demonstrated that specific approaches to evaluating group effectiveness have been successful in explaining much of what caused groups to be effective, each theory and its resulting research offered only partial solutions. The functional perspective is a task-focused approach analyzed within existing group function that largely ignores the pre-group inputs and group structural effects that have been found to exist within and have an effect on group decision-making effectiveness. The structural perspective is a mostly structurally-focused approach analyzed within pre-group input and group structural functions with little to no task-based or specific group functioning considerations offered to enhance group decision-making effectiveness. In addition, additional research calling for the integration of these two theoretical perspectives has gone unheeded. The purpose of this dissertation was to propose a new integrated communication measure of group decision-making communication effectiveness (GDMCE) that would seek to provide a more comprehensive explanation for the specific influences of functional and structural perspectives on group decision making, measuring both the task-related and structurally-related decision-making effectiveness of groups and providing the opportunity for groups to explore those factors that might be supporting or undermining their decision-making effectiveness. This new integrated GDMCE measure was developed using prevailing research methodologies for new scale development that advocate a specific multi-step procedure. First, a two-part procedure established content validity for the measure through initial item to definition appropriateness. Second, an additional test of content validity was conducted through strength of item to total ratings. Third, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to validate the underlying structure of the new measure. Fourth, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to confirm the fit of the new measure. Fifth and finally, the new measure was evaluated for convergent, discriminant and criterion-related validity. Ultimately, the new measure confirmed 12 factors from previous research and demonstrated convergent, discriminant and criterion-related validity.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: FSU_2017SP_BodkinJr_fsu_0071E_13757
Format: Thesis

Title: Transfer of Vocabulary Knowledge Across Languages in English Language Learners.
Creator: Dahl, Alison M., School of Communication Science and Disorders
Abstract/Description: English language learners compose a growing percentage of the student population in the United States and are at risk for reading and academic problems. It is important to understand how English language learners acquire language in order to facilitate academic success. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between vocabulary knowledge development in Spanish and English. Spanish and English vocabulary was measured in order to examine relationships across languages. The...
Show moreEnglish language learners compose a growing percentage of the student population in the United States and are at risk for reading and academic problems. It is important to understand how English language learners acquire language in order to facilitate academic success. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between vocabulary knowledge development in Spanish and English. Spanish and English vocabulary was measured in order to examine relationships across languages. The potential transfer of vocabulary acquisition skills across languages was suspected throughout the implementation of this study. To better understand the potential, vocabulary knowledge was measured and compared in Spanish and English prior to an eight week reading intervention. Subsequently, vocabulary performance was measured and compared following intervention. The results of this study depicted moderate to strong significant correlations between Spanish vocabulary knowledge and English vocabulary knowledge, at pre-test and post-test. The significant findings pertaining to this study support the idea of vocabulary knowledge transfer across languages. The outcomes of this study present clinical and educational implications for vocabulary development and thus language acquisition of English language learners.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0543
Format: Thesis

Title: Comparison of Narrative Skills of Kindergarten English Language Learners with Monolingual Kindergarten Peers.
Creator: Meckler, Kili, Wood, Carla, School of Communication Science and Disorders
Abstract/Description: Embracing diversity in children's language requires an understanding of differences in narrative language samples of children from culturally, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. This paper describes narratives of 47 kindergarten children, examining linguistic diversity in Spanish-English speaking ELLs and dialectical differences in African American children who speak non-mainstream American English.
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0549
Format: Thesis

Title: Early Social Communication Predictors of Preschool Emergent Literacy Skills in Toddlers 18-24 Months of Age.
Creator: Reinhardt, Vanessa Panetta, Wetherby, Amy M., Catts, Hugh W., Lonigan, Christopher J., Schatschneider, Christopher, Taylor, Jeanette E., Florida State University, College of...
Show moreReinhardt, Vanessa Panetta, Wetherby, Amy M., Catts, Hugh W., Lonigan, Christopher J., Schatschneider, Christopher, Taylor, Jeanette E., Florida State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology
Show less
Abstract/Description: Learning to read is a major developmental achievement with wide ranging societal, educational, and economic costs associated with low literacy attainment. A robust body of literature has documented the stability and persistence of reading difficulties in early elementary school, underscoring the importance of identifying and intervening with children at risk early in development, before they enter formal education. Current efforts to identify children early in development who will require...
Show moreLearning to read is a major developmental achievement with wide ranging societal, educational, and economic costs associated with low literacy attainment. A robust body of literature has documented the stability and persistence of reading difficulties in early elementary school, underscoring the importance of identifying and intervening with children at risk early in development, before they enter formal education. Current efforts to identify children early in development who will require specialized educational support are missing a significant segment of children, and in turn, the opportunity to intervene early. This study evaluated competing models of the factor structure of emergent literacy skills and examined predictive relations between social communication skills in the second year of life and later emergent literacy skills using structural equation modeling (SEM) within a longitudinal sample of preschool children (4–5 years) with diverse early developmental skills. A similar latent structure of emergent literacy skills was found for children with typical development (TD) and early developmental delay (EDD), yet differences in how specific emergent literacy skills relate to one another were documented between groups, possibly reflecting differences in emergent literacy development between children with TD and EDD. Analyses also documented predictive relations between early social communication and preschool emergent literacy skills, supporting the characterization of literacy development as a continuous developmental process beginning early in life. This study extends the current literature by documenting relations between early social communication skills in the second year of life and later preschool emergent literacy skills using a well-characterized longitudinal sample of young children with diverse early developmental abilities.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_FA2016_Reinhardt_fsu_0071E_10751
Format: Thesis

Title: Crisis Preparation: How Exposure to a Pre-Crisis Plan Affects Stakeholder Trust and Forgiveness.
Creator: Peirce, Kalani, Merle, Patrick F., Cortese, Juliann, Lee, Jaejin, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: To limit the reputational damage inflicted on an organization during crises, crisis communication scholars have spent considerable effort analyzing the appropriate crisis response strategies that coincide with certain crisis situations (Benoit, 1997; Coombs 1995, 2006, 2007; Coombs & Holladay, 2014; Seeger & Ulmer, 2002). Although it is valuable and essential to gain understanding of the implications of post-crisis communication, scholars have also alluded to the importance of pre-crisis...
Show moreTo limit the reputational damage inflicted on an organization during crises, crisis communication scholars have spent considerable effort analyzing the appropriate crisis response strategies that coincide with certain crisis situations (Benoit, 1997; Coombs 1995, 2006, 2007; Coombs & Holladay, 2014; Seeger & Ulmer, 2002). Although it is valuable and essential to gain understanding of the implications of post-crisis communication, scholars have also alluded to the importance of pre-crisis preparation and the devising of a pre-crisis plan (Coombs, 2007; Coombs & Holladay, 2001, 2002, 2006; Heath 1997). However, a majority of crisis communication research has focused on post-crisis reactive strategies rather than pre-crisis preparation and prevention (Avery, Lariscy, Kim, & Hocke, 2010). In addition, crisis communication scholars have studied the influence of the organization-public relationship (OPR), a dominant public relations paradigm, on organizations post-crisis reputational assessments (Brown & White, 2011; Coombs, 2000). Nevertheless, no known research has examined the effects of pre-crisis plan exposure on post-crisis evaluations of organizations, specifically the attitudinal measures trust and forgiveness. As a result, the current study sought to empirically test the effects of transparently communicating a pre-crisis plan to stakeholders on their levels of organizational trustworthiness and forgiveness. To test this effect, a 2 X 1 between-subject experiment was conducted, in which participants were either exposed to a pre-crisis plan or an alternative plan (i.e. control group). Following a two-day delay, participants were then exposed to a crisis scenario description and corresponding crisis response, as suggested by SCCT. Lastly, dependent measures and demographics were reported. Participants who completed the experiment were rewarded extra credit. Statistical analysis revealed that while stakeholders who are exposed to a pre-crisis plan do report slightly higher levels of organizational trustworthiness and forgiveness in comparison to those not exposed to a pre-crisis plan, the mean difference between the groups is not significant. However, it is important to report that analysis of scale items did reveal a significant difference between groups on their evaluations of organizational dependability. Thus, several implications and future research opportunities are suggested. Most importantly, this study expanded the OPR research in crisis communication scholarship by alluding to the need for further analysis on pre-crisis communication and its effect on organizational dependability. In addition, by empirically testing the effects of pre-crisis plan exposure, the current study attends to the call for further research in crisis preparation (Avery et al., 2010).
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_FA2016_Peirce_fsu_0071N_13580
Format: Thesis

Title: Appearance-Related Comparisons Mediate the Relationship between Instagram Use and Body Image Concerns.
Creator: Hendrickse, Joshua Agate, Arpan, Laura M., Raney, Arthur A, Clayton, Russell B., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Instagram use and body image concerns among female university students and to test whether appearance-related comparisons on Instagram mediated this relationship. A direct relationship between Instagram use and body image concerns was not found, but appearance-related comparisons on Instagram mediated the relationship. The results suggest that Instagram negatively affects the body image of users who engage in appearance-related...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Instagram use and body image concerns among female university students and to test whether appearance-related comparisons on Instagram mediated this relationship. A direct relationship between Instagram use and body image concerns was not found, but appearance-related comparisons on Instagram mediated the relationship. The results suggest that Instagram negatively affects the body image of users who engage in appearance-related comparisons. Another purpose of this study was to determine the role of intrasexual competitiveness for mates and to test whether individual differences in competitiveness influenced individual tendencies to engage in appearance-related comparisons on Instagram. Results showed a significant positive relationship between intrasexual competitiveness for mates and appearance-related comparisons on Instagram. Furthermore, appearance-related comparisons mediated the relationship between Instagram use and drive for thinness. Future studies should consider exploring the relationship between intrasexual competitiveness for mates, social media use, and body image concerns using experimental designs.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_FA2016_Hendrickse_fsu_0071N_13460
Format: Thesis

Title: How to Maximize Self-Efficacy in Health Messages?: Examining Self-Affirmation Effects on Responses to Messages and Behavior-Specific Cognitions.
Creator: Lee, Young Sun, Arpan, Laura M., Whyte, James, Cortese, Juliann, Lee, Jaejin, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: In health promotion, while health messages may capture the attention of their target population, individuals seem unwilling to change their behaviors, especially when they are highly engaged in their current behaviors (Kunda, 1987; Weinstein, 1999). Self-efficacy has been one of the most crucial elements that facilitates health-related theories and predicts health attitudes and behaviors (Fishbein, 2000; Schwarzer & Fuchs, 1996). Based on self-affirmation theory (Steele, 1988), a growing body...
Show moreIn health promotion, while health messages may capture the attention of their target population, individuals seem unwilling to change their behaviors, especially when they are highly engaged in their current behaviors (Kunda, 1987; Weinstein, 1999). Self-efficacy has been one of the most crucial elements that facilitates health-related theories and predicts health attitudes and behaviors (Fishbein, 2000; Schwarzer & Fuchs, 1996). Based on self-affirmation theory (Steele, 1988), a growing body of literature has examined that people can reduce defensive processing and increase message acceptance and adaptive behavioral changes (Harris & Epton, 2009; Sherman & Cohen, 2002; Silverman, Logel, & Cohen, 2013). However, very little is known about what maximize a message’s impact on self-efficacy in self-affirmation. Therefore, this current study aims to explore whether and how self-affirmation may influence a person’s perception of own capabilities. This study investigated the self-affirmation effects using value affirmation manipulation for self-affirmation condition and journey control for control condition manipulation. The results indicated that self-affirmation increase message recipients’ self-efficacy toward the suggested behaviors, more positive attitudes toward the behavior and behavioral intention. However, when considered respondents’ existing self-efficacy as a moderation factor, affirmed people with greater initial self-efficacy tend to report more positive attitudes toward the suggested behavior than control group. Self-affirmation for participants with lower existing self-efficacy, however, did work negatively influence their attitudes toward the behavior. When considered recipients’ personal relevance to the behavior, affirmed participants with high relevance reported greater perceived susceptibility for the risk compared to non-affirmed participants. Implications of the findings suggest that self-affirmation is highly likely to lead to message recipients’ adaptive responses, especially their perceived self-efficacy toward the suggested behavior. Also, other personal factors such as existing self-efficacy as a baseline belief or personal relevance toward the specific behavior can be a contributor of self-affirmation effects. This dissertation study found a strong predictive power of existing self-efficacy and personal relevance on message responses and behavior-specific cognition; thus, health practitioners should consider those personal factors when they develop health promotion messages for their target audience.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_2016SU_Lee_fsu_0071E_13372
Format: Thesis

Title: Evaluating Uses and Adoption of Media Innovations in Disaster Warnings: A Case Study of Sindh-Pakistan.
Creator: Shaikh, Mariam, McDowell, Stephen D., Brower, Ralph S., Rayburn, Jay D., Lustria, Mia Liza A., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of...
Show moreShaikh, Mariam, McDowell, Stephen D., Brower, Ralph S., Rayburn, Jay D., Lustria, Mia Liza A., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Show less
Abstract/Description: The advancement of technological innovations and global reforms for improving early warning systems as a key risk-reduction principle is transforming modern practices in risk communication. However, in the global context, this transformation varies greatly among regions, especially in less-resourced areas. The result is uneven preparedness that leads to unnecessary and major losses of life and infrastructure and property damage. How well governments in less-resourced regions are adequately...
Show moreThe advancement of technological innovations and global reforms for improving early warning systems as a key risk-reduction principle is transforming modern practices in risk communication. However, in the global context, this transformation varies greatly among regions, especially in less-resourced areas. The result is uneven preparedness that leads to unnecessary and major losses of life and infrastructure and property damage. How well governments in less-resourced regions are adequately prepared to achieve this technological and global homogenization is the vital question. Communication research on media innovations lacks examination of how well integrated disaster warning services are performing as critical components of public service. This dissertation takes these observations as its starting point and seeks to elaborate differential elements of governance that may influence capabilities of public agencies’ function in the communication of disaster warnings. One goal of this research is to fill the gap in disaster and communication scholarship and study the characteristic elements and uses of innovation by examining the accompanying challenges in less developed regions. Applying the concepts of governance and public service in studying disaster warning undermines the traditional bias that the challenges inherent in risk and crisis communication are primarily organizational. The other more important purpose is to offer specific insights in three principal areas of innovations in the communication of warnings by: (a) understanding the dynamics of how media innovations occur in disaster communication practices; (b) elaborating the factors that promote or inhibit the development of such innovations; and (c) generating theoretical and practical propositions for improvements in public service delivery of disaster warnings through innovations. In the process of achieving these goals, a more specific understanding of the warning communication process among the various organizational units of public service systems in disaster management of the region studied was achieved. In this study, theoretical and methodological decisions were made on the basis of the central proposition guiding this evaluation: the communication of disaster warnings is a public service. Although global governance actors guide risk-reduction policy initiatives, they are enacted at the national and sub-national levels. The study explores the dissemination system of disaster warning in Pakistan, and Sindh. Its southern province is examined as a sub-national level and as a less-resourced, disaster-prone region. The insights from this case study can be applied to guide evaluative research further for similar regions where limited resources and capabilities to innovate warning systems exacerbate the situation and result in a substantial increase in losses. This study used a sequential mixed method evaluative research design. Initial findings were analyzed and integrated for holistic representation of findings. The study draws conclusions from two key aspects in the uses and adoption of media innovation development in public service. The first is the variant approaches to innovations across each level of government. It found that, at the policy level, and considering the limited capabilities vis-à-vis the scope of transformation, the approach to innovation development is transitional. In view of the extent of discretionary authority and available support at the managerial level, the approach to adopting new technology is driven by each disaster experience. Depending on the expertise and resources available within the context of local agencies and communities, a hybrid form of innovation development is approached at the operational level that utilizes technology in the communication of warnings. Secondly, the aspect of a more balanced and unified policy design and the implementation of innovations. The study found that a risk-based and audience segmented approach in nationally defined policy imperative guides the transition from linear to a non-linear, or non-hierarchical, communication system; from traditional to networked communication modes; and from traditional (one-way) to advanced (two-way/interactive) communication tools in the communication of warnings. The study found that the policy and planning measures as well as managerial decision-making for innovation is geared only towards those risks that occur frequently in the region, such as floods and cyclones. For other risks, the managerial decision-makers develop new protocols and strategies to utilize new media and technology tools only when the risk is manifested and damages occur, such as the heat hazard in summer 2015. Importantly, the study observed that for emergency managers at the local district level, besides floods, and cyclones, the emerging risks also include civil conflicts, terrorist attacks, and other extreme natural hazards such as droughts, heat hazards, and flash floods for which no planning or new practices have been developed by the provincial authorities. The study observed three major factors that affect both the approaches to develop an innovation and the kind of change it brings to the system. These are: cost, climate change, and contextual factors. The important implications of these findings suggest that while various cost variables and climate changes affect policy, plans, and subsequent practices adversely, the constantly advancing media and technological context of the region offers great opportunities to adopt potential media innovations for effective service delivery of disaster warnings. The study also observed that role of both global and sub-national level actors in governance is significant in characterizing policy design and implementing specific plans for innovation in a warning system. While global actors have a key role in defining specific policy design and initiatives, regional actors at the sub-national level play a fundamental role in implementing plans. Given the meta-inferences, this dissertation proposes a scarcity-abundance framework as an extension of innovation scholarship in less-resourced regions for more even adoption of media innovation. It contends that context variables that characterize “abundance” can address the challenge of scarcity. The expanding outreach of media and telecommunication based industries in the region offer possibilities for government sector to counter the limitations towards successful innovations. For practical implications, policy adaptation to constantly changing media, climate-change, and technology for the viable adoption of media innovation can bridge the current gaps in innovation adoption.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_2016SU_SHAIKH_fsu_0071E_13284
Format: Thesis

Title: Information Exchanged in Mentoring Between Faculty Advisors and Their Doctoral Students.
Creator: Lee, Jongwook, Burnett, Gary, Burnett, Kathleen M. (Kathleen Marie), Morris, Richard Jack, Stvilia, Besiki, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information,...
Show moreLee, Jongwook, Burnett, Gary, Burnett, Kathleen M. (Kathleen Marie), Morris, Richard Jack, Stvilia, Besiki, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Information
Show less
Abstract/Description: Socialization of doctoral students refers to the learning and adjustment process through which they acquire information and knowledge about their work, department, university, and discipline. This dissertation explores characteristics and activities of mentoring relationships and examines information types exchanged in the relationships using a mixed method design that combines qualitative interview and quantitative survey methods. The study draws upon a socialization content framework...
Show moreSocialization of doctoral students refers to the learning and adjustment process through which they acquire information and knowledge about their work, department, university, and discipline. This dissertation explores characteristics and activities of mentoring relationships and examines information types exchanged in the relationships using a mixed method design that combines qualitative interview and quantitative survey methods. The study draws upon a socialization content framework developed in organizational settings. Interviews with ten library and information science (LIS) doctoral students from nine universities in the United States (U.S.) were conducted. Based on data from these interviews, ideal mentoring was defined as a supportive relationship that combines professional and interpersonal characteristics. The author also identified sixteen types of information exchanged in doctoral mentoring: Language, History, Coursework, Research, Skills, Teaching, Networking, Structure, Politics, Goals, Strategies, Values, Norms/Tradition, Rules/Policies, Benefits, and Personal life. In addition to the identification of content dimensions, the author observed four meaningful levels to which the content types can be applied: Work, School/Department, University, and Discipline. The author tested and generalized interview findings through surveying 132 LIS doctoral student participants in the U.S. The survey findings supported the importance of both professional and interpersonal characteristics of mentors, although the participants placed more value on professional than interpersonal characteristics. When comparing participants' perceptions of their current mentors/advisors and ideal mentors, current mentors were quite similar to ideal mentors, although there were statistically significant differences on many characteristics between current advisors and ideal mentors. Moreover, the survey confirmed that information exchange occurs in all of the sixteen types, although frequencies varied. In particular, information exchange was more frequent in the group of participants who considered their advisors to be mentors than it was among those who did not. It was also found that there is a changing pattern in the overall frequency of information exchange across the stages of doctoral work. This dissertation presented faculty mentor characteristics comprehensively and concretely, which will enable faculty advisors to reflect on and improve their mentoring practices. It also suggested doctoral students' experiences from the perspective of information, which contributes to increasing our understanding of its role in the doctoral training process. Through investigation of the types of information exchanged, the author attempted to make the immeasurable and invisible dimension of mentoring measurable and visible in order to illustrate the important role of information and information exchange. Finally, the author proposed a modified definition of mentoring/mentors, adding the dimension of information to existing definitions. Theoretically, the current study addressed the dearth in content framework research in academic settings, especially academic mentoring, and it established a foundation for the examination of interpersonal information behavior in mentoring. Practically, the list of mentor characteristics identified from the study could be referenced to evaluate advisors/mentors, allowing them to address shortcomings. In addition, the study findings may help characterize and understand the doctoral study process from the perspective of information science, which can be used for improving current doctoral advising/mentoring practices, contributing to decreasing students' attrition rates and promote their professional and personal success. Last but not least, the information types can be used to develop a measurement system that evaluates the effectiveness of knowledge transfer and mentoring.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_2016SP_Lee_fsu_0071E_13025
Format: Thesis

Title: Citizens' Political Information Behaviors during Elections on Twitter in South Korea: Information Worlds of Opinion Leaders.
Creator: Lee, Jisue, Mon, Lorri M., Rohlinger, Deana A., Burnett, Gary, Hinnant, Charles C. (Charles Christopher), Florida State University, College of Communication and Information,...
Show moreLee, Jisue, Mon, Lorri M., Rohlinger, Deana A., Burnett, Gary, Hinnant, Charles C. (Charles Christopher), Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Information
Show less
Abstract/Description: This research investigated South Korean citizens' political information behaviors on Twitter during the 2014 Seoul Mayoral election. By using the mixed methods design of network analysis, tweet content analysis, and interviews, this research examined how citizens collaboratively engaged in the political communication and deliberation via Twitter during an election campaign. Intensive interviews with 13 citizen opinion leaders on Twitter provided the insights into understanding how their...
Show moreThis research investigated South Korean citizens' political information behaviors on Twitter during the 2014 Seoul Mayoral election. By using the mixed methods design of network analysis, tweet content analysis, and interviews, this research examined how citizens collaboratively engaged in the political communication and deliberation via Twitter during an election campaign. Intensive interviews with 13 citizen opinion leaders on Twitter provided the insights into understanding how their perceived societal types, norms, and perception of information value led to certain information sharing behaviors. Also explored was the dynamics of interactions within the virtual public sphere of Twitter as reflected in the conflicts and synergies of multiple information worlds. The Theory of Information Worlds (Jaeger & Burnett, 2010) was used to better understand the current phenomenon of citizens' virtual political communication and deliberation via social media. This research was the first to apply the Theory of Information Worlds into an empirical study examining social worlds of Twitter. This mixed methods research reported both quantitative and qualitative findings identified through the lens of Theory of Information Worlds. Findings from the perspective of network and tweet content analysis demonstrated what information citizens discussed and shared and how they engaged in the collaborative information sharing behaviors (e.g., selective information exposure and/or avoidance) driven by perceived social types, norms, and the perception of information values—opposing political orientations. The separated information worlds were clearly observed through the boundaries between two groups of citizens sharing respective political orientation. The qualitative findings from semi-structured interviews particularly featured how individuals considered as the same social type (e.g., media representatives) interpreted the shared social and/or occupational norms and differently applied them into particular information behaviors. The alteration in interpreting social and/or occupational norms resulted in the creation of conflicts as well as synergies within, between, and across the information worlds. In particular, use of a variety of interview modes in this research (i.e., emails, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) programs, and face-to-face interviews) offered practical strategies, implications, benefits, and drawbacks of interviewing social media users. This research demonstrated the increasing importance of conducting qualitative interviews with social media users in the era of Internet research as well as it suggested a number of practical strategies for how to design, conduct, and analyze intensive interviews. The strategies included the process of identifying purposive set of subjects, recruiting participants, interview scheduling, participant retention, recording, transcribing, translation of the responses, and presentation of the results. Overall, this research attempted to achieve three goals: 1) to provide a holistic and comprehensive view of South Korean citizens' collaborative political information behaviors via Twitter during the election campaign; 2) to investigate the possibility of application of the theory of Information Worlds; and 3) to highlight the importance of using mixed methods design for researching individuals' political information behaviors via social media platforms. Given the lack of research from non-Western politically less stable countries, this case study from South Korean election provided richer empirical findings to the growing body of knowledge.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_2016SP_Lee_fsu_0071E_13138
Format: Thesis

Title: Inspecting the News: An Evaluation of Exemplification Effects in News Reports about Food Safety Inspections.
Creator: Ray, Elizabeth Cate, Merle, Patrick F., Rayburn, Jay D., Lee, Jaejin, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: News stories about food safety at restaurants in Florida typically employ illustrative exemplars (examples) that describe violations discovered by state regulators. Previous research indicates that vivid exemplars can alter the public's perceived health risks. This study further explored whether or not exemplars, when presented through a reporter's personal testimony, affect participants' perceptions or behaviors. Through an experiment, participants (N = 286) were randomly exposed to one of...
Show moreNews stories about food safety at restaurants in Florida typically employ illustrative exemplars (examples) that describe violations discovered by state regulators. Previous research indicates that vivid exemplars can alter the public's perceived health risks. This study further explored whether or not exemplars, when presented through a reporter's personal testimony, affect participants' perceptions or behaviors. Through an experiment, participants (N = 286) were randomly exposed to one of two conditions: (a) a news story featuring exemplars without personal testimony and (b) a news story featuring exemplars with personal testimony from a reporter. Participants were asked to rate perceived risks and likely behavior. Data showed significant differences between conditions and participants were clearly impacted by the exemplars presented, rating the perceived risks as high and noting a likely change in their behavior. Results are discussed in terms of practical implications for reporters, state regulators, public relations professionals and restaurateurs.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_2016SP_Ray_fsu_0071N_13243
Format: Thesis

Title: The Socially Inclusive Role of Curatorial Voice: A Qualitative Comparative Study of the Use of Gatekeeping Mechanisms and the Co-creation of Identity in Museums.
Creator: Coleman, Laura-Edythe Sarver, Marty, Paul F., Koslow, Jennifer Lisa, Gross, Melissa, Kazmer, Michelle M., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information,...
Show moreColeman, Laura-Edythe Sarver, Marty, Paul F., Koslow, Jennifer Lisa, Gross, Melissa, Kazmer, Michelle M., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Information
Show less
Abstract/Description: Museums, and museum professionals, engage in a significant role within society. This dissertation is a qualitative exploratory study of the ways in which museum professionals promote or hinder the social inclusivity of museums through curatorial voice. Through a series of exhibit evaluations and intensive interviews, the researcher investigates the mechanisms used to craft curatorial voice within museums that handle contested subject material. This research seeks to broaden the understanding...
Show moreMuseums, and museum professionals, engage in a significant role within society. This dissertation is a qualitative exploratory study of the ways in which museum professionals promote or hinder the social inclusivity of museums through curatorial voice. Through a series of exhibit evaluations and intensive interviews, the researcher investigates the mechanisms used to craft curatorial voice within museums that handle contested subject material. This research seeks to broaden the understanding of curatorial voice, as viewed through the theoretical lenses of gatekeeper theory and co-creation of identity, with the explicit purpose of aiding in the development of professional guidance to help make museums more socially inclusive.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_2016SP_Coleman_fsu_0071E_13076
Format: Thesis

Title: The Past Is Awake: Situating Composers' Mobile Practices within Their Composing Histories.
Creator: Craig, Jacob William, Yancey, Kathleen Blake, Marty, Paul F., Gants, David L., Neal, Michael R., Florida State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of English
Abstract/Description: This dissertation identifies and explores the composers’ practices through five aspects of composing practices: technology, affect, prior practice, environment, and sociality. Taken together, these five dimensions describe a concept of composing practices as being shaped by composers’ past experiences, uses of technologies, interactions with environments, interactions with others, and affective states like preferences and beliefs. This exploration of composing practices brings together and...
Show moreThis dissertation identifies and explores the composers’ practices through five aspects of composing practices: technology, affect, prior practice, environment, and sociality. Taken together, these five dimensions describe a concept of composing practices as being shaped by composers’ past experiences, uses of technologies, interactions with environments, interactions with others, and affective states like preferences and beliefs. This exploration of composing practices brings together and elaborates existing Writing Studies research like Kevin Roozen's which traces composing practices writers develop over time and across contexts and Stacey Pigg's which examines how writers' interactions with physical and virtual environments support their writing and learning. The research questions focusing this study ask (1.) if and what role these five dimensions play in the emergence of practices in composers; (2.) if any of these dimensions play a more significant role than the others; (3.) and if one or more dimension plays a greater role in the emergence of practice, why? To answer the research questions focusing this study, I use a three-part methodology: a retrospective interview, a recorded observation, and a culminating interview. First, through the retrospective interview, I develop an account of what material environments and writing technologies participants have used over time and across contexts. Such contexts include different courses or subjects at moments in their schooling and different contexts outside of school like home. Second, through the observation and final interview, I developed an account of what writing technologies and environments participants currently use and why those are the technologies and environments composers prefer. Having synthesized and interpreted these three datasets, I constructed a case study of each composer’s current practices. Through these case studies of composers’ practices, this research resulted in the following five claims: (1.) composers employ a consistent set of practices when producing texts for school and outside of school, and these practices are not included in traditional models of process; (2.) The composing practices composers develop, adapt, and employ are informed by their experiences composing in-school and out-of-school; (3.) composers have developed the practices they employ over the course of their lives, and composers’ past composing experiences figure prominently in the composing practices they currently employ. This is particularly the case for practices and aspects of practices that were part of their development as composers; (4.) composers attend to their composing environments—dwell—by making choices about where to compose as part of the composing process, and in many cases, their attention to environment is informed by a past environment—an originating writing sanctuary—where they reached an important point in their development; and (5.) belief-formation plays a significant role in the composing practices composers adapt and employ because the beliefs that composers develop about their practices and the efficacy of their practices organize and emphasize specific practices in their composing process. As a result, this dissertation shows what practices composers are employing to adapt to the effects of mobile networked technologies and what is involved in the emergence of composers’ practices.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_2016SU_Craig_fsu_0071E_13388
Format: Thesis

Title: Public Diplomacy or Propaganda: A Case Study of Voa Deewa Pashto Radio Service for the Tribal Region of Pakistan & Afghanistan.
Creator: Gul, Mehnaz, McDowell, Stephen D., deHaven-Smith, Lance, Proffitt, Jennifer M., Merle, Patrick F., Rayburn, Jay D., Florida State University, College of Communication and...
Show moreGul, Mehnaz, McDowell, Stephen D., deHaven-Smith, Lance, Proffitt, Jennifer M., Merle, Patrick F., Rayburn, Jay D., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Show less
Abstract/Description: Governments since World War I have instituted radio broadcasts in foreign countries as a means of informing and influencing local populations, particularly in times of war and other conflicts. Frequently considered propaganda, such broadcasts also have been seen as a tool of public diplomacy, an evolving concept that generally refers to the use of mass communication, foreign exchanges, and other non-traditional diplomatic tools to advance foreign policy goals and cultivate positive...
Show moreGovernments since World War I have instituted radio broadcasts in foreign countries as a means of informing and influencing local populations, particularly in times of war and other conflicts. Frequently considered propaganda, such broadcasts also have been seen as a tool of public diplomacy, an evolving concept that generally refers to the use of mass communication, foreign exchanges, and other non-traditional diplomatic tools to advance foreign policy goals and cultivate positive international relations. This study concerned a particular case, the U.S. public diplomacy tool Voice of America (VOA) Deewa, a Pashto language radio service for the Tribal areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. VOA Deewa was an ideal case for examining questions of public diplomacy and propaganda since it operates in a poor, neglected, war-stricken region where Taliban members spread anti-American sentiments and many citizens hold anti-American attitudes, that have been exacerbated by U.S. drone strikes in the region. Though the United States established the VOA Deewa to contain Taliban anti-America propaganda and change the hearts and minds of local citizens, it has been criticized as propaganda. To examine this assertion, and the extent to which VOA Deewa exhibited features of public diplomacy, extensive data were collected from senders, messages, and receivers. Twenty-seven VOA Deewa shows broadcast at the time of 2013 drone strikes were analyzed to determine the extent and nature of drone strike news and other topics. In addition, 11 Deewa staff from Washington D.C. and Pakistan were individually interviewed and focus groups with 78 university students belonging to Tribal regions were conducted, as well as 5 telephone interviews with locals and face-to-face individual interviews with 18 Internally Displaced Persons. Data collection and analysis was triangulated, and all qualitative content/textual analysis was conducted using Nvivo software. The findings indicate that a highly qualified, native Pashtun VOA Deewa staff delivered balanced and objective journalism on a variety of topics (education, health and hygiene, business and finance, social and moral ethics, freedom, democracy) from a U.S. perspective but with a focus on the target region. In addition, the shows frequently highlighted women's, human, and political rights, which are lacking in the Tribal region. Overall, VOA Deewa served as an effective platform for delivering awareness-raising messages, empowering local voices, and connecting locals to locals through on-air call-in programs that increased the sharing of ideas, understanding, and unity. Thus, VOA Deewa was found to serve as a public diplomacy instrument in accord with the VOA charter, and as such, to incorporate characteristics of positive propaganda and strategic communication. Though the findings may be unique to the VOA Deewa case, they contribute to the development of a theoretical framework for public diplomacy and provide a direction for future research.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_2015fall_Gul_fsu_0071E_12726
Format: Thesis

Title: What Reagan Said to the Evangelicals: The Religious Rhetoric of Ronald Reagan.
Creator: Ryor, John Charles, Houck, Davis W., Porterfield, Amanda, Proffitt, Jennifer M., McDowell, Stephen D., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School...
Show moreRyor, John Charles, Houck, Davis W., Porterfield, Amanda, Proffitt, Jennifer M., McDowell, Stephen D., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Show less
Abstract/Description: This dissertation examines the religious rhetoric of Ronald Reagan as part of a strategy to rebuild his political base following a disappointing level of support after his first two years in office. In particular, this examination will focus on a triad of speeches given to Christian Evangelicals within ninety days of a re-election Memorandum issued by Reagan Pollster, Dick Wirthlin. I will closely examine the texts of Reagan's early 1983 speeches to the National Religious Broadcasters,...
Show moreThis dissertation examines the religious rhetoric of Ronald Reagan as part of a strategy to rebuild his political base following a disappointing level of support after his first two years in office. In particular, this examination will focus on a triad of speeches given to Christian Evangelicals within ninety days of a re-election Memorandum issued by Reagan Pollster, Dick Wirthlin. I will closely examine the texts of Reagan's early 1983 speeches to the National Religious Broadcasters, National Prayer Breakfast and the National Association of Evangelicals. In doing so I will show the way that the three speeches worked to convey the President's agenda in language that was commonly shared not only by those three groups but also by President Reagan. I'll argue that by using an intensified language of identifying symbols and linguistic nuances, the President was able to speak with a rhetorical urgency that was rooted in both the history of the Evangelical movement and Ronald Reagan's personal religious experience. Additionally, I'll show how Reagan's ability to linguistically identify with politically conservative Evangelical Christians was how he was able to successfully regain their confidence. The project will include original archival research from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and first person interviews with key Evangelical leaders who will assist in helping to better understand the context in which these speeches were given. The primary question asked and answered will be: "What did President Reagan say to rouse the support and attention of Evangelicals as part of a rebuilt coalition for his 1984 reelection?"
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_2015fall_Ryor_fsu_0071E_12816
Format: Thesis

Title: From Laughter to Learning: The Effects of Political Satire on Political Acquisiton.
Creator: Hamrick, Hunter K., Department of Political Science
Abstract/Description: This thesis examines the effect and various aspects that Political Satire shows have on the political acquisition of people. The intention of this thesis is to highlight the effects that political satires such as the Colbert Report and the Daily Show, have on a person's ability to recall political nformation presented to them in the form of broadcast media.
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0476
Format: Thesis

Title: Non-Lingual Rehearsals: A Study in Performer Communication.
Creator: Boener, Ellen, School of Theatre
Abstract/Description: This thesis uses a practical performance framework to examine the significance of linguistic and non-linguistic communication between performers. The project consisted of setting up non-lingual rehearsal spaces in which performers were asked to encounter each other in a nondiscursive environment. The observations from these workshops formed the basis for my analytical work. The focus of my project ultimately became to examine the methods of communication utilized by the performers and the...
Show moreThis thesis uses a practical performance framework to examine the significance of linguistic and non-linguistic communication between performers. The project consisted of setting up non-lingual rehearsal spaces in which performers were asked to encounter each other in a nondiscursive environment. The observations from these workshops formed the basis for my analytical work. The focus of my project ultimately became to examine the methods of communication utilized by the performers and the types of material they were choosing to communicate in the absence of language.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0568
Format: Thesis

Title: The Use of a Mobile-Based Decision Support System in Agriculture: An Interpretive Case Study in Southwest and Central Bangladesh.
Creator: Ismail, Omar S., School of Communication
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research is to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of a new mobile-based decision support system among farmers in rural Bangladesh. A Decision Support System (DSS) is an area of the Information System (IS) discipline that focuses "on supporting and improving managerial decision-making" (Arnott and Pervan 658). This study is an interpretive case study exploring the adoption of a mobile-based DSS for accessing agricultural information in a rural context....
Show moreThe purpose of this research is to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of a new mobile-based decision support system among farmers in rural Bangladesh. A Decision Support System (DSS) is an area of the Information System (IS) discipline that focuses "on supporting and improving managerial decision-making" (Arnott and Pervan 658). This study is an interpretive case study exploring the adoption of a mobile-based DSS for accessing agricultural information in a rural context. Research questions are: 1) How do the end-users (farmers and extension officers) define the system to be useful in their work? 2) Is it easy for farmers to use the mobile application for farming? Conversely, are the applications creating complexity in their normal duties? 3) What are the factors playing an important role in using the decision support system? 4) How essential are the facilities provided by the agency in using the decision support system. Alongside the analysis of recent documents, the data collection process includes interviews and focus group discussions with farmers and extension workers, and participant observation. The outcome of this research will be a qualitative assessment of a decision support system in the context of rural Bangladesh. This study can help to determine the future variables that can help future researchers to consider for quantitative study. Also, the case study helps to draw a richer picture of the use of a mobile-based DSS in a rural environment.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0569
Format: Thesis

Title: The Role of Tradition in Northern Ireland's Print Media Coverage of the Twelfth Parades.
Creator: Kapusta, Annalise, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: The media's role in societies of conflict is a subject of debate among many scholars. Some have argued that the very nature of media and their tendencies towards sensationalism are contradictory with peace. This study addresses the media's role in Northern Ireland's peace process. Although a peace agreement was approved in 1998 after nearly thirty years of conflict and over 3,000 casualties, the peace process in Northern Ireland is still ongoing. To this day, walls separate Catholic and...
Show moreThe media's role in societies of conflict is a subject of debate among many scholars. Some have argued that the very nature of media and their tendencies towards sensationalism are contradictory with peace. This study addresses the media's role in Northern Ireland's peace process. Although a peace agreement was approved in 1998 after nearly thirty years of conflict and over 3,000 casualties, the peace process in Northern Ireland is still ongoing. To this day, walls separate Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods; sectarian murals and flags reinforce the division instead of aiding reconciliation; and further peace agreements are at a standstill. This study examines print media coverage of a contentious, annual event in Northern Ireland: the Twelfth Parades, when the Orange Order marches through cities every twelfth of July to celebrate Protestant culture. However, these parades often pass through Catholic neighborhoods and occasionally provoke dangerous confrontation. I looked at the national newspapers' coverage of the Twelfth Parades in 2013, when a police blockade sparked days of riots and violence following the event. Overall, this research questions and examines how the Twelfth Parades are justified and legitimized in the media, with particular attention to a commonly used media frame of "tradition," despite the disorder and violence often surrounding it. My study's larger implications relate to the media's role in peacemaking and how they can harmfully contribute to preventing peace in Northern Ireland, as well as other conflict-ridden areas of the world.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0551
Format: Thesis

Title: Acoustic Measures of Stress in Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
Creator: Berteau, Emily A., School of Communication Science and Disorders
Abstract/Description: Disordered stress has been proposed as a potential diagnostic marker of CAS. This study examines the use of the durational aspect of stress, particularly vowel and consonant duration, in distinguishing children with suspected CAS from those with non-CAS SSDs and those with typical speech and language development. Rhythm metrics that were over 80% successful in distinguishing among speakers with dysarthria, another disorder characterized by abnormal stress, were used to measure the variability...
Show moreDisordered stress has been proposed as a potential diagnostic marker of CAS. This study examines the use of the durational aspect of stress, particularly vowel and consonant duration, in distinguishing children with suspected CAS from those with non-CAS SSDs and those with typical speech and language development. Rhythm metrics that were over 80% successful in distinguishing among speakers with dysarthria, another disorder characterized by abnormal stress, were used to measure the variability of vocalic and consonantal intervals. These metrics were analyzed to compare children with suspected CAS, children with non-CAS SSDs, and children with typical speech and language development. Results showed that children with CAS had the least variable vocalic durations and most variable consonantal durations. The CAS group was the only group to have more variability in consonantal durations than vocalic durations, and the relative difference between vocalic and consonantal variability was greatest in the CAS group. Further research should more closely examine the comparative differences between vocalic and consonantal variability within each group of children.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0546
Format: Thesis

Title: Refusing to Play by the Rules: A Political Economic Analysis of Broadcasters' Sidecar Agreements.
Creator: Crotty, Richelle M. (Richelle Marie), Proffitt, Jennifer M., McDowell, Stephen D., Newman, Joshua I., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School...
Show moreCrotty, Richelle M. (Richelle Marie), Proffitt, Jennifer M., McDowell, Stephen D., Newman, Joshua I., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Show less
Abstract/Description: In 2013, Gannett Company, Incorporated acquired the Belo Corporation and its twenty broadcast television licenses (Gannett.com, 2013b). However, for seven of these television stations, outright ownership by Gannett would be in direct violation of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) newspaper broadcast cross-ownership rule (NBCO) and the local television ownership rule, also referred to as the duopoly rule (Turner, 2014). To retain control, if not outright ownership, of these...
Show moreIn 2013, Gannett Company, Incorporated acquired the Belo Corporation and its twenty broadcast television licenses (Gannett.com, 2013b). However, for seven of these television stations, outright ownership by Gannett would be in direct violation of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) newspaper broadcast cross-ownership rule (NBCO) and the local television ownership rule, also referred to as the duopoly rule (Turner, 2014). To retain control, if not outright ownership, of these stations, Gannett entered into Joint Sale Agreements (JSAs) and Shared Service Agreements, also known as sidecar agreements, with Sander Media and Tucker Media Management, which allowed Gannett to circumvent the NBCO and duopoly rules (Malone, 2013). Specifically, the agreements concerned seven television stations in five Designated Market Areas (DMAs): Phoenix, Arizona; Tucson, Arizona; Louisville, Kentucky; St. Louis, Missouri; and Portland, Oregon. These DMAs raised concerns in terms of the NBCO rule and the duopoly rule because Gannett already owns and operates either a top four broadcast television station or a major daily newspaper in these areas, which critics suggest would severely impact the number of unique voices in each DMA. The research questions that this thesis addresses include: how did sidecar agreements gain traction as a business practice for broadcasters despite the NBCO and duopoly rules? How are the sidecar agreements realized specifically between Gannett, Sander, and Tucker? And, how do the sidecar agreements allow Gannett to exert undue influence on Sander and Tucker? Ultimately, this research will demonstrate the importance of the NBCO and duopoly rules in protecting the democratic function of the media.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9582
Format: Thesis

Title: Dopamine Action on Behavioral Response and Medial Amygdala Neural Response to Chemosensory Communication Signals in Male Mice.
Creator: Simonton, Ariel R. (Ariel Rae), Meredith, Michael, Houpt, Thomas A., Hull, Elaine M., Florida State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biological Science
Abstract/Description: Chemical signals are an important mode of communication and behavior regulation in many mammalian species. Non-volatile signals are sent by one animal and received by a second animal, typically of the same species. They are detected by the vomeronasal organ, which transmits information through the accessory olfactory bulb to the medial amygdala. Within the medial amygdala, non-volatile odors are categorized based on the behavioral relevance to the receiver. Non-relevant biological odors...
Show moreChemical signals are an important mode of communication and behavior regulation in many mammalian species. Non-volatile signals are sent by one animal and received by a second animal, typically of the same species. They are detected by the vomeronasal organ, which transmits information through the accessory olfactory bulb to the medial amygdala. Within the medial amygdala, non-volatile odors are categorized based on the behavioral relevance to the receiver. Non-relevant biological odors activate only the anterior medial amygdala, whereas relevant biological odors activate both the anterior and posterior medial amygdala. The main intercalated nucleus, which lies adjacent to the medial amygdala, contains inhibitory GABA-ergic neurons, is activated by non-relevant odors, and may be responsible for suppressing posterior medial amygdala response to those odors. Intercalated cell groups are known to be inhibited by dopamine meaning the main intercalated nucleus may be involved in categorization through the effects of dopamine at the D1 receptor. The experiments presented here investigate the roles of the main intercalated nucleus, dopamine, and learning on medial amygdala activity in mice. Within the main intercalated nucleus different doses of the dopamine agonist (SKF-38393) lead to different activation depending on which odor was presented, however this activation was not correlated with medial amygdala activity. Instead, the dopamine agonist increased medial amygdala activity in a dose dependent, but not odor dependent, manner. Classical conditioning to change an odor's significance from non-relevant to relevant did not affect medial amygdala activity, although dopamine did blunt the effect of odor learning within the basolateral amygdala. Finally, both the dopamine agonist and antagonist (SCH-23390) disrupted the expected pattern of investigation of a novel non-relevant odor after habituation to a relevant odor. These results suggest that dopamine may be involved in main intercalated nucleus activity and investigation of non-relevant odors, but the role of both dopamine and the intercalated nucleus in medial amygdala activation remains unclear.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9683
Format: Thesis

Title: Do People Purchase What They Viewed from Youtube?: the Influence of Attitude and Perceived Credibility of User-Generated Content on Purchase Intention.
Creator: Wang, Cen, Parker, Brian Thomas, Cortese, Juliann, Jordan Jackson, Felecia F., Florida State University, School of Communication, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: With the rapid development of social media in the last decade, consumers are able to share their purchase and use experiences online with other users (Henning-Thurau, Gwinner, Walsh, & Gremler, 2004). Research about the significance of user-generated content (UGC) increased; however, analysis about UGC on YouTube and how it influenced consumers future purchase intention were scarce. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between attitudes toward UGC on YouTube, the...
Show moreWith the rapid development of social media in the last decade, consumers are able to share their purchase and use experiences online with other users (Henning-Thurau, Gwinner, Walsh, & Gremler, 2004). Research about the significance of user-generated content (UGC) increased; however, analysis about UGC on YouTube and how it influenced consumers future purchase intention were scarce. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between attitudes toward UGC on YouTube, the perceived credibility of UGC, and the factors that influence purchase intention of products being reviewed. This study aimed to answer the question whether differences existed between active and passive YouTube users' attitudes toward UGC and their purchase intentions. One hundred and seventy YouTube users completed the online survey, but the final sample size was decreased to 131, because the lie item test removed the respondents who did not read the questions carefully. The results showed that positive correlations between each variable were significant at alpha = .05 level. Active users and passive users not only held different attitudes toward UGC and different purchase intentions for the products being reviewed, but also the predictive power was varied. For active users, parasocial interaction explained the most variance of purchase intentions; however, user activity had the most predictive power for passive users' on their future buying behavior.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9483
Format: Thesis

Title: The Resurgence of Cold War Imagery in Western Popular Culture.
Creator: Van Jelgerhuis, Daniel, Wakamiya, Lisa Ryoko, Romanchuk, Robert, Edwards, Leigh H., Florida State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Modern Languages and...
Show moreVan Jelgerhuis, Daniel, Wakamiya, Lisa Ryoko, Romanchuk, Robert, Edwards, Leigh H., Florida State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics
Show less
Abstract/Description: The portrayal of Russia in Western popular culture has served various purposes, particularly between 1945 and 1991. With a few exceptions, Soviet citizens, particularly Russians, have been shown as, alternatingly, backwards peasants and cunning enemies. In the post-1991 period, this tradition of showing Russia as the enemy continued in film and television, but tapered off in favor of more seemingly relevant foes on the world stage. While film analyses focusing on the portrayal of Russia and...
Show moreThe portrayal of Russia in Western popular culture has served various purposes, particularly between 1945 and 1991. With a few exceptions, Soviet citizens, particularly Russians, have been shown as, alternatingly, backwards peasants and cunning enemies. In the post-1991 period, this tradition of showing Russia as the enemy continued in film and television, but tapered off in favor of more seemingly relevant foes on the world stage. While film analyses focusing on the portrayal of Russia and Russians have been done, the renewal of focus on Cold War imagery in reference to Russia and the West has not been commented on. Because of the so-called Illegals Program uncovered in 2010, the attempted "reset" between the United States and the Russian Federation, increased Western media coverage of human rights issues in Russia, and many other types of exposure, including the annexation of Crimea and the conflict with Russia-backed anti-Kiev militias in eastern Ukraine, Russia has taken center-stage and is subject not only to international scrutiny, but also to rehashed prejudices and outdated knowledge of the country that stems from old antagonisms. The television programs The Americans, Archer, and Doctor Who all look at Russia and the relationship of Russia with the West through a Cold War lens. I argue that this resurgence is in response to both Cold War nostalgia and a renewal of Russia's relevance on the world stage. By analyzing these programs, it will be shown that the types of information and impressions that are being promoted by popular culture of late at once serve to provide nuance to an ordinarily one-sided and limited portrayal of Russia and its people, and at the same time reinforce old, stale images of the "Evil Empire" that only serve to prevent understanding and cooperation between the citizens of the West and of Russia.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9476
Format: Thesis

Title: Predictive Factors of Clinical Trial Participation: An Examination of the Impact of Race on Behavioral Intentions.
Creator: Frady, David Michael, Rayburn, Jay D., Hartline, Michael D., Houck, Davis W., Korzenny, Felipe, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of...
Show moreFrady, David Michael, Rayburn, Jay D., Hartline, Michael D., Houck, Davis W., Korzenny, Felipe, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Show less
Abstract/Description: Significant disparities in healthcare among African-Americans are still prevalent in the U.S. with black patients having a higher incidence of common chronic diseases (heart disease, cancer and strokes), die at a higher rate, and lose more years of life as a result of the conditions. One area where the healthcare gap is particularly prevalent is clinical trial participation, with 1% of trial participants identifying as black despite a comprehensive meta-analysis including 70,000 subjects...
Show moreSignificant disparities in healthcare among African-Americans are still prevalent in the U.S. with black patients having a higher incidence of common chronic diseases (heart disease, cancer and strokes), die at a higher rate, and lose more years of life as a result of the conditions. One area where the healthcare gap is particularly prevalent is clinical trial participation, with 1% of trial participants identifying as black despite a comprehensive meta-analysis including 70,000 subjects indicating that minority patients are just as willing to participate in medical trials as non-Hispanic White patients. Mistrust of the medical community and a long history of malpractice in experiments on minorities (i.e. Tuskegee Syphilis experiments, Vertus Hardiman case, and the Henrietta Lacks cases for example) could easily be used as justification of this mistrust, however several studies have shown that while African Americans are aware of the past abuse, awareness of those events does not significantly affect attitude toward participation. A structural model utilizing Ajzen and Fishbein's Theory of Planned Behavior was used in an attempt to explain the inconsistency between the positive attitudes of minority patients regarding participation in clinical trials and the distinct lack of actual participation. The model included measures of attitude, social norms, control and difficulty as functions of behavioral intention to participate in clinical trials and multiple-group structural equation modeling analysis of survey data from 117 black and 457 white participants was used to test group differences. Despite strong loadings on intentions by attitude, based on the structural model it cannot be concluded that the TPB model predicts intentions to participate well for this sample. None of the other constructs had any meaningful effect on intentions, indicating the TPB model does not work well for this sample. Moreover, due to insignificant loadings by social norms, control, and difficulty, it is impossible to distinguish any differences between groups on the constructs with the exception of attitude, which was not significantly different between groups. This study confirmed previous research that showed similar attitudes toward participating in clinical trials by black and white participants and did not find any evidence for including other constructs in future recruiting efforts.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9602
Format: Thesis

Title: Rhetoric, Religion, and Representatives: The Use of God in Presidential Inaugural Addresses from 1933-2009 as Reflections of Trends in American Religiosity.
Creator: Roche, Megan Alexandria, Proffitt, Jennifer M., Houck, Davis W., McDowell, Stephen D., Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study is to explore the rhetorical functions of references to God and the Bible in the first presidential inaugural addresses from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Barack Obama. The Inaugural Address serves to reunite the nation after the division of an election. The language used in this address reflects the culture and identity of the nation it speaks to. Through a modern rhetorical analysis of the inaugural addresses from 1933-2009, this thesis aims to identify the trends in...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to explore the rhetorical functions of references to God and the Bible in the first presidential inaugural addresses from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Barack Obama. The Inaugural Address serves to reunite the nation after the division of an election. The language used in this address reflects the culture and identity of the nation it speaks to. Through a modern rhetorical analysis of the inaugural addresses from 1933-2009, this thesis aims to identify the trends in American religiosity, as can be seen through particular use of references to God and uses of biblical metaphor as a rhetorical and persuasive tool in the inaugural address.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9456
Format: Thesis

Title: When Appearance and Language Disagrees: Effects of Culturally Incongruent Cues in Advertising.
Creator: Leslie, Neleen Shandele, Korzenny, Felipe, Hartline, Michael D., McDowell, Stephen D., Chapa, Sindy, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School...
Show moreLeslie, Neleen Shandele, Korzenny, Felipe, Hartline, Michael D., McDowell, Stephen D., Chapa, Sindy, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Show less
Abstract/Description: The growing multicultural population in the United States has resulted in more and more individuals negotiating multiple ethnic identities in their daily lives. Despite the increasingly multicultural nature of the U.S. populations, academia and industry are still lagging in both research and advertising that fully reflects the multicultural nature of the American consumer. In this study, the author investigates the effects of cultural incongruence on advertising. Specifically, using...
Show moreThe growing multicultural population in the United States has resulted in more and more individuals negotiating multiple ethnic identities in their daily lives. Despite the increasingly multicultural nature of the U.S. populations, academia and industry are still lagging in both research and advertising that fully reflects the multicultural nature of the American consumer. In this study, the author investigates the effects of cultural incongruence on advertising. Specifically, using accommodation theory as a framework, the study explores how incongruence between source appearance and language affects viewers' perceptions of the source's credibility, attractiveness as well as overall attitudes toward the commercial, the brand and intent to purchase. The results of this study found that incongruence between source appearance and language results in lower ethnic identification with the ad for Non-Hispanic Whites, when compared to participants from other ethnic groups but no significant differences for Hispanics. It was found that incongruence between source appearance and language does not produce significantly different perceptions of source trustworthiness, similarity, or significantly different ad message involvement, attitude towards the brand or ad for any ethnic group. Finally, while incongruence between source appearance and language results in significantly higher liking for the model and significantly stronger purchase intentions among Non-Hispanic Whites exposed to an African American model, there were no significant differences for other models, or for Hispanics exposed to ads that contained incongruence between source appearance and language.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9379
Format: Thesis

Title: Inside the Echo Chamber: Television News Coverage of the CIA Drone Program.
Creator: Bedgio, Darcy, Proffitt, Jennifer M., McDowell, Stephen D., Opel, Andy, Florida State University, College of Communication and Information, School of Communication
Abstract/Description: Broadcast and cable television news coverage of the CIA's drone program from 2002 through 2013 is reviewed critically. Corporate ownership is examined to determine whether the need to generate profits has an influence on news coverage of the issue. This thesis looked specifically at the quality of the coverage of the legal and ethical issues of the CIA drone program and whether the coverage looked at all facets of the controversial aspects of the program. To carry out this analysis, the...
Show moreBroadcast and cable television news coverage of the CIA's drone program from 2002 through 2013 is reviewed critically. Corporate ownership is examined to determine whether the need to generate profits has an influence on news coverage of the issue. This thesis looked specifically at the quality of the coverage of the legal and ethical issues of the CIA drone program and whether the coverage looked at all facets of the controversial aspects of the program. To carry out this analysis, the database LexisNexis was utilized to search news transcripts for this time frame using both the search terms "unmanned military aircraft" and "cia AND drones." These transcripts were then examined to determine which qualified as a discussion of the issues. Broadcast and cable news were then compared in light of the political economic framework of the propaganda model to determine whether corporate ownership has an influence over news coverage, particularly when it comes to news stories on national security issues that bring together powerful defense and government interests. This thesis finds that coverage of the drone program only becomes a serious issue when the policymakers in Washington begin to become divided on the issue, suggesting that rather than facilitating a truly democratic debate with a variety of perspectives, television news follows a discourse set by the political and economic elite. This was the same even for publicly-owned PBS, who, in the midst of the most drone program coverage, produced a drone documentary funded by drone manufacturer Lockheed Martin and did not present a significantly different range of views or more critical coverage of the program than cable news outlets.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9290
Format: Thesis

Theses and Dissertations (244)	+ -
Undergraduate Honors Theses (20)	+ -

Communicative disorders (49)	+ -
Study and teaching (13)	+ -
Mass media (10)	+ -
Rhetoric (8)	+ -
Information science (6)	+ -

Political science (6)	+ -
Social aspects (6)	+ -
Audiology (5)	+ -
Communication in politics (5)	+ -
Speech (5)	+ -
Communication and technology (4)	+ -
Digital media (4)	+ -
Journalism (4)	+ -
Library science (3)	+ -
Marketing (3)	+ -
Religion (3)	+ -
Social psychology (3)	+ -
America (2)	+ -
Children (2)	+ -
Communication, International (2)	+ -
Culture (2)	+ -
Gender expression (2)	+ -
Gender identity (2)	+ -
Human ecology (2)	+ -
Medical sciences (2)	+ -
Politics and government (2)	+ -
Public health (2)	+ -
World Wide Web (2)	+ -
African Americans (1)	+ -

Slavic countries (1)	+ -
United States (1)	+ -

text (264)	+ -
doctoral thesis (12)	+ -
master thesis (11)	+ -

Search In

Pages

Pages

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Collection

Topical Subject

Geographic Subject

Genre

Type of Resource

Language

Creator

Owner