Browsing by Subject "Research"

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7

Cultivation Theory And Violence In Media: Correlations And Observations
(2019-05-01) Obert-Hong, Christine; Lewis, Robert
Cultivation Theory represents the idea that people’s perceptions of the real world are unconsciously influenced by their consumption of media. As technology has improved and increased, so too has the amount of information various platforms are able to spread. However, there is an imbalance between the amount of violence depicted in media and the amount that occurs in real life, leading to unrealistic perceptions of a mean world. Most cultivation research is not experimental. For my thesis, I decided to conduct an experiment of my own using YouTube clips emphasizing violent or fearful content, using a variety of established practices and questions, as well as some of my own. Although result were not conclusive, a few patterns consistent with Cultivation Theory were observed in this online context.
Effectiveness of Social Science Research for Public Policy
(Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources, 1972-10) Marshall, Ray; Brook, Kathleen
This paper seeks to synthesize some of the main conclusions a of those who have thought about or studied the uses and limitations of social science research for public policy. The paper is designed to provide some background for a discussion of social science and public policy by government officials, social scientists, and others who are interested in policy research. We deal with the following factors which appear to have influenced the utilization of social science research results: (1) the validity of the scientific approach to social questions, (2) the individual researcher and policy maker and their attitudes toward each other, (3) the communication between researcher and policy maker, (4) the type of research conducted, (5) the type of research organizations involved, (6) the motivation for the research effort, and (7) the nature of the topic being studied.
Effects of perceived brand authenticity on brand trust among LGBTQ+ consumers
(2023-05-04) Owens, Maria; Ciszek, E.
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived brand authenticity and brand trust among LGBTQ+ consumers. It also explored the association of skepticism and self-identification (LGBTQ+, LGBTQ+ ally, or neither). The sample size (n=281) has been adjusted to account for incomplete surveys. 60.14% of the sample identify as heterosexual while the other respondents identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, same gender loving, asexual, queer, heteroflexible, or their sexual identity was not listed. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between perceived brand authenticity and trustworthiness. Additionally, the data shows that LGBTQ+ individuals are more skeptical and less likely to trust brands on social media and companies that post LGBTQ-related messages.
The evolving American research university and non-faculty professional work
(2012-12) Lee, Elida Teresa; Somers, Patricia (Patricia A.); Sharpe, Edwin Reese; Rose, Mary; Moore, John R; Betz, Kay
This exploratory study was a response to claims that non-faculty professionals at universities were the cause of administrative bloat. The purpose of the study was to build from the work of Rhoades (1998) and Kane (2007) to determine whether non-faculty professional employees at the University of Texas at Austin(UT Austin) performed core university work of research, teaching and/or public service. In the spring of 2012 a survey was sent out to 1036 UT Austin non-faculty professional employees. The survey results determined that a sizable number of non-faculty professional employees at UT Austin were performing or directly contributing to research, teaching and/or public service. In addition to the three areas of core work, it was determined that non-faculty professional employees at UT Austin had advanced degrees, published in peer-reviewed journals, had specialized skills and bodies of knowledge, applied for grants and engaged in entrepreneurial activities.
G.R.A.C.E. satellite thermal model
(2012-12) Jones, Fraser Black III; Howell, John R.
I developed a thermal model of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellite for the Center for Space Research to use in verifying their thermal models and for developing the next generation of satellites for their experiments. I chose COMSOL to model the satellite and used ProEngineer and 3Ds Max to generate the mesh from a .STEP file provided by DaimlerChrysler. I adjusted the model based on previous computer models and actual telemetry data from the GRACE satellite provided from 2002 through 2008. Using the model, I developed a sensitivity analysis of the satellites key thermal environment components and used that to recommend design changed for the next generation of satellites. Special attention should be given to redesigning the Star Camera Arrays and the heat transfer between the Main Equipment Platform and the Radiator.
Research for liberation : an extension of pedagogical theory to research practice
(2019-02-08) Harris, Eboneigh L.; Schallert, Diane L.
As part of coursework from my first year of graduate school, I was tasked with developing a proposal for an education intervention. The central mechanism of my proposed intervention was to provide a professional development workshop to teachers. As the framework for retrospectively examining the existence of oppressive practices within my proposal, I draw on three works by Kevin Kumashiro (2004), Leslie Baxter (2005) and Fleckenstein, Spinuzzi, Rickly, and Papper (2008). As part of this examination, I also explore how metaphors are enacted in education research and the implications for using specific metaphors to position research subjects, specifically teachers, within this field. Finally, drawing from pedagogical theory, I consider how education research could be re-envisioned to be more sustainable and equitable in its relationship with participants and stakeholders.
Trauma bonds : physical manifestations of healing
(2022-05-06) Gillmar, Chloe Christina; Lavigne, Sam (Samuel); Garmon, Gray
Trauma Bonds: Physical Manifestations of Healing is a speculative design project that uses traditional and experimental design methods to address addiction-related trauma. By using introspective research methods, I position a younger version of myself as “client” to tackle problems that arose due to my parent’s long-term struggle with substance use disorder (SUD). Through ideation and prototyping, I design objects that respond to the material effects of addiction that I faced as a child and teenager, including cigarette smoke, a lack of resources, and the prevalence of theft. However, these objects serve many purposes beyond solving these problems, including emotional validation, externalizing progress made in processing trauma, and providing a foundation for the next steps in the continuous cycle of healing. This thesis details the similarities between the process of healing and the process of design, as well as providing an exciting glimpse into how design could be used as a tool for somatic therapy and working through trauma.