The Significance of Written Responses as a Nonverbal Cue that Contributes to Online Young Adult Relationship Initiation

This research study investigates the influence typed statements has on the decision-making process for adolescents when choosing to initiate communicating with an online dating match. Undergraduate students (n=247) were administered a 42-item survey, where participants replied to questions that asked if typed responses to prewritten questions influences their decision to initiate communicating with an online dating match. Results indicate typed responses did not adversely impact whether a person will initiate communicating with a match, but additional data does suggest other nonverbal cues are significant.

What Do Children Learn About Prosocial Behavior from the Media?

Abstract The paper discusses the importance of prosocial behavior from the media and its effects on children. The paper reviews several research studies on prosocial and media on children. The paper also offers implications and limitations dealings with prosocial behavior and media on children. What Do Children Learn About Prosocial Behavior from the Media? In 1970, Lesser asserted that children spend more of their time watching television than sleeping. Over the years there has been an increasing awareness in the importance of children's television. Rushton (1982) defined prosocial behavior as, "that which is socially desirable and in which some way benefits another person, or society at large" (p.2). Harris (1999) argued that media has an enormous amount of potential for producing prosocial behavior. Still and all, Rushton cited over 30 studies that have illustrated a direct relationship between television programs and children's prosocial behavior. Rushton argued that prosocial behavior is shown frequently on television and it, "is what will be learned by viewers as appropriate, normative behavior" (p.255). Therefore, because television has such a huge potential on influencing children and children watch large amounts of television, research in this domain provides useful and vital information for fostering and educating young influential minds. In his book, Harris (1999) mentioned that many studies concerning children and prosocial behavior looked at Sesame Street. Harris summarized a few studies indicating that the show increases cultural awareness. Further, Harris cited studies that have illustrated ho

Needs Assessment of National Communication Association Conference Presentations: Members\u27 Perceptions of Presentation Effectiveness, Values, and Challenges

This study analyzed the National Communication Association (NCA) members’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of their own and their peer presentations and the challenges they faced when preparing and giving conference presentations. Overall, participants (n = 187) feel fairly content with the effectiveness of NCA conference presentations and the value they have gained from them. The effectiveness of others’ presentations has a significant association with members’ perceived value of the conference presentations. The lack of experience and lack of confidence are key variables that heighten anxiety which can impact the effectiveness of presentations. Process anxiety was positively associated with presentation effectiveness whereas performance anxiety was negatively associated with presentation effectiveness. This needs assessment provides informed suggestions for making academic presentations more effective in the future

“People on TikTok aren’t afraid to share stories”: Examining College Students’ Perceptions Regarding Self-Disclosure Behaviors on TikTok

This study is an investigation into undergraduate students’ (N = 256) use of TikTok and perceptions surrounding self-disclosure on the social media platform. Online survey responses regarding mood management theory, uses and gratifications theory, and self-perception were used to identify some of the reasons that users may self-disclose on the platform. Further, the impacts of self-disclosure on self-esteem, belonging, and self-validation were assessed. Implications point to a need for a more comprehensive look at platform use as it affects the self, the self as seen by others, and how self-disclosure impacts important perceptions of worth and wellbeing

RESPONSE OPTIONS FOR SCALES: DOES IT MATTER WHAT WORDS YOU USE?

Scales are a commonly used method for measuring variables in media and communication research. As researchers use scales designed in previous studies, they may find it necessary to alter the scale to fit the subjects or research conditions. The current study sought to explore the effects of these alterations by comparing scores on two scales when response options were changed. When response options were changed, significant differences occurred in the way subjects scored on the scales. This suggests that such alterations need to be carefully considered when designing a study. Findings from this study are especially beneficial for researchers collecting data for online instruments and organizational advancements