Communication Studies Department Theses and Dissertations

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The IUPUI Master's of Arts in Applied Communication focuses on the application of communication theories in various settings.

Classes are small and interactive with emphasis on application of theory. Opportunities for multidisciplinary and independent study are available. The program readies the advanced student for professional career paths and future academic pursuits. Its logistical flexibility allows students to meet their academic and career goals.

The graduate faculty has a wide range of academic expertise and applied experiences with regional and national institutions and organizations and is engaged in a variety of applied research projects in which students have the opportunity to participate.

For more information about the program visit: http://www.iupui.edu/~comstudy/gradprogram.htm

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College Students Perceptions of Quarantine and Social Distancing Methods in the Event of an Influenza Pandemic
(2007-06-23T20:26:31Z) Baker, Kylene Joy; Parrish-Sprowl, John; Sandwina, Ronald; Goering, Elizabeth
In the event of another pandemic influenza, it will be important to understand the public’s perception of quarantine and social distancing methods, as these methods will be the first line of defense in attempting to contain or lessen the severity of the outbreak until a vaccine and medications can be developed and produced in mass quantities. College students perceptions are particularly important to look at as their living situations can vary drastically from the general public, i.e. living far away from home and with roommates. This study looks at college students perceptions of quarantine and social distancing measures that could be implemented in the event of an outbreak of pandemic influenza. The data revealed that undergraduate college students in this study favored the use of government implemented quarantine and social distancing methods, except for requiring that religious services be temporarily canceled. They are also worried about the potential problems that may occur as a result of the implementation of quarantine and social distancing methods, and the only information source that the majority of them trust to give them useful and accurate information regarding an influenza pandemic in their community was their physician or other health care professional. Of most significance to the college student population, as opposed to the general public, is the place of quarantine for the other people that live in the same residence. Fifty-three percent of the respondents in this study favored quarantining the other people living in their residence in a separate quarantine facility compared to 29% in the Blendon (2006) study that surveyed the general adult population in the United States.
Mobile Text Messaging and Connectedness within Close Interpersonal Relationships
(2007-06-26T19:33:52Z) Pettigrew, Jonathan Lyn; Parrish-Sprowl, John; Petronio, Sandra; Sandwina, Ron
Mobile telephones are impacting societies around the world and text messaging, short type-written messages sent via mobile phones, has also garnered international research efforts. Research demonstrates that text messages are being used primarily to commence, advance, maintain or otherwise impact interpersonal relationships. The present study probes relational benefits of text messaging within familial and fraternal contexts. Specifically, the study seeks to answer the research question: How does text messaging impact feelings of “connectedness” (IJsselsteijn, van Baren & van Lanen, 2003, p. 928) within “strong-tie” (Howard, et. al., 2006), dyadic relationships? Findings from nineteen respondent interviews show that texting becomes a channel through which dialectical tensions in relationships are played out. Respondents use texting to both assert autonomy and to maintain connectedness with relational partners. Several participants noted that financial issues were an important consideration but nevertheless subscribed to texting services. Users also perceived texting as more constant and more private than mobile voice interaction. Romantic pairs vis-à-vis non-romantic dyads perceived the benefits of text messages differently.
Responding to the Workplace Narcissist
(2007-07-10T12:30:06Z) Wesner, Bradley S.; Sandwina, Ronald M.; Parrish-Sprowl, John; Sheeler, Kristina Horn
The presence of narcissism in the workplace is well established. Some have even gone so far as to extol the virtues of the narcissistic personality and the effect that it has on the leadership roles in organizations. Still, research suggests that there are more narcissists than there are leadership positions that might be filled. It is well established that the presence of those with strong narcissistic tendencies at the lower levels of organizations are disruptive to the productivity and the morale of the organization as a whole. This paper found that five coping method categories existed: non-responding, quitting one’s job, befriending the narcissist, confronting the narcissist, and going to management. Contrary to existing literature, only quitting one’s job or going to management were perceived by respondents as effective methods.
ROLE MODEL EFFECTS ON HEALTH COMMUNICATION PRACTICES
(2007-07-24T18:23:49Z) Googasian, Mary Elizabeth; Parrish-Sprowl, John; Sheeler, Kristina; Sandwina, Ronald M.
The pursuit of a healthy lifestyle has become an important activity to large portions of the population. Health information and research has become readily available to the general public via the Internet and other communication vehicles and public health programs. As information becomes accessible, so too does the opportunity for individuals to take added ownership in seeking their own health care. The purpose of this research was to examine the role of gender in the decision that leads to individuals seeking regular health care. It focuses on the motivations that influence men and women when managing their regular preventative care. Despite the disparity in health care utilization between men and women, both positive and negative role models positively influence health and wellness. Constructs of masculinity and femininity continue to impact the utilization of health care procurement. Improving our health and providing a role model for our children offers the greatest potential for improving the health of our nation.
Sources and Management of Conflict in Blended Organizations
(2007-08-08T17:23:08Z) Leinbaugh, Daniel A.; Goering, Elizabeth M.; Sandwina, Ron; Parrish-Sprowl, John
The integration of nonstandard (temporary) workers into an organization is called a “blended workforce,” and such an arrangement is a breeding ground for potential conflict. Until very recently, much of the research on nonstandard workers has been limited to exploring those in low-wage positions requiring limited skills and the detriments of such working arrangements. However, with advances in technology that allow working from remote locations and the desire of firms to more quickly adapt to changes in the market, the role of high-skill, high-wage nonstandard workers is steadily growing. Pondy (1967) proposed that conflict episodes are composed of five possible stages: latent, perceived, felt, manifest and the aftermath. These conflict stages provided the framework for the consideration of conflict in blended organizations. Through an extensive literature review of nonstandard workers, this research determined six potential areas of latent conflict in blended organizations. Next, the research determined if those areas of latent conflict move into advanced stages of conflict within blended organizations that integrate high-end nonstandard workers. Finally, the research explored how those conflicts that emerge from the use of a blended workforce are managed.
"Great Expectations" : Communication between standardized patients and medical students in Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
(2007-11-20T16:10:48Z) Budyn, Cynthia Lee; Schrader, Stuart M.; White-Mills, Kim D.; Goering, Elizabeth M.; Schultz, Jane E.
In relationship-centered care, the relationship formed between physician and patient is critical to the creation of positive patient outcomes and patient satisfaction (Inui, 1996; Laine & Davidoff, 1996; Tresolini, 1994). Medical educators have increasingly utilized Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) to assess medical students’ abilities to utilize a relationship-centered approach in clinical interviewing. OSCEs, however, have recently come under scrutiny as critics contend that the overly scripted and standardized nature of the OSCE may not accurately reflect how medical students build and maintain relationships with patients. Although some studies have looked at how standardized patients help teach medical students interviewing skills, few studies have looked specifically at how the structured nature of the OSCE may influence relationship-building between standardized patients and medical students. Therefore, this study asks the question “How is relationship-centered care negotiated between standardized patients and medical students during a summative diagnostic OSCE?” Using an ethnographic methodology (Bochner & Ellis, 1996), data consists of an ethnographic field journal, transcripts of semi-structured interviews with SPs and medical students, and transcripts of headache and chronic cough videotaped scenarios. Using grounded theory (Strauss & Corbin, 1990, 1998), a back-and-forth thematic analysis was conducted in discovering the saturation of conceptual categories, linking relationships, and in critically comparing interpretive categorical concepts with relevant literature (Josselson & Leeblich, 1999). Findings suggest that standardized patients and medical students hold differing expectations for 1) diagnostic information gathering and 2) making personal connections upon entering a diagnostic summative OSCE. SPs “open up” both verbally and nonverbally when medical students “go beyond the checklist” by asking discrete diagnostic questions and when overtly trying to connect emotionally. Fourth year medical students, however, expect SPs to “open-up” during what they experience as a rushed, time-constrained, and overly structured “gaming” exercise which contradicts their own clinical experiences in being more improvisational during empathetic rapport building. Differences between SPs and medical students’ expectations and communication practices influence how they perform during summative diagnostic OSCEs. Findings may suggest the re-introduction of more relationship-focused OSCEs which positions SPs as proactive patients who reflexively co-teach students about the importance of making personal connections.
Conflict management styles : a predictor of likability and perceived effectiveness among subordinates
(2008-08-13T18:25:49Z) Copley, Rachel D.; White-Mills, Kim D.; Dobris, Catherine A.; Sandwina, Ronald M.
As greater numbers of women throughout the past few decades have assumed managerial roles in organizations, the question of whether gender differences exist in the ability to manage effectively has become an important concern. According to Korabik, Baril, and Watson (1993), conflict management skills are a fundamental aspect of leadership effectiveness and “perceptions of how females handle crisis and conflict often are cited as blocks to the female manager’s ascent to the executive suite” (Shockley-Zalabak, 1981, p. 289). Additionally, the importance of likability of supervisors by their subordinates has become of greater importance in the past few years as researchers have discovered that more people leave their job because they do not like their supervisor than for any other reason (Agrusa, Spears, Agrusa, & Tanner, 2006; Joyce, 2006). The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in supervisor’s conflict management styles and to determine how they relate to both effectiveness and likability among their subordinates. Specifically, research was conducted to reveal a) what differences exist between conflict management styles chosen by women and men leaders, b) if a relationship exists between conflict management styles and likeability among subordinates, c) what influence conflict management styles have upon perceived effectiveness among subordinates, and d) what correlation exists between likability and perceived effectiveness.
Politics In/Action: A Communication Analysis of Factors which Cultivate Civic Engagement Among Youth
(2009-01-16T17:40:10Z) Henderson, Crystal L.; Goering, Elizabeth M.; Sandwina, Ron; Parrish-Sprowl, John
The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors which promote and/or dissuade America’s youth (thirteen to nineteen) from becoming civically engaged. This is particularly important because currently these young people are one of the fastest growing demographics in America. Like generations before it, this demographic stands to inherit the social and political tasks of the current day as well as those that will unfold over their lifetime. But, because research suggests a large proportion of this group are apathetic to this process we need to know what can be done to cultivate civic mindedness among this demographic so that stakeholders can effectively appeal to this demographic’s sense of civic duty. There are many ways to figure out the communication processes which promote engagement among youth. Yet, probably the best way to accomplish this task is to actually talk with young people about their own experiences and ask them to identify factors, which have promoted and/or dissuaded them from becoming civically engaged. Therefore, this thesis does exactly that. It asks the questions and explores the answers that the youth themselves give regarding their own experiences with civic engagement and the factors that promoted or dissuaded them from becoming engaged. It is also important to note that civic engagement is defined in many ways, but rather than having a priori definition, this study allows the definition to emerge from the data. Finally, the following is a review of the literature pertaining to the factors which tend to promote civic engagement among youth as well as what is absent in promoting or fostering civic mindedness among this demographic.
How Was Passion Stirred Through Interactivity in Obama's Blog?
(2009-03-18T18:47:54Z) Liu, Yifei; Sheeler, Kristina; Vargus, Brian; Parrish-Sprowl, John
The impact of new technology on the current presidential campaign has prevailed. A small but fundamental change quietly took place in the candidate’s website—Barack Obama’s official campaign blog. The campaign is now operating two sub-blogs at the same time, the Obamablog (also known as the Obama HQ blog) and the Community Blog. The former becomes a must-have tool in a political campaigner’s strategy, whereas the latter, which allows visitors to actually write, publish, and manage posts, is novel. This new function seems an audacious step up from the rest of the blogs of this kind since the 2004 presidential election because it gives citizen users freedom to express their own ideas that could put the campaign on an impromptu situation to respond.
Japanese Boy-Love Manga and the Global Fandom: A Case Study of Chinese Female Readers
(2009-09-03T13:32:27Z) Li, Yannan; Parrish-Sprowl, John; Goering, Elizabeth M.; Sandwina, Ronald M.
Boy-love (or BL) manga (comic book) is a subgenre of Japanese girl’s manga. It features the homoerotic relationships between beautiful young boys and is popular among young straight women. This thesis explores the transnational influence of BL manga on young women and examines how Chinese female readers perceive and interpret this cultural artifact. An online survey has been conducted to answer key questions including: Who consumes BL productions in Chinese-speaking communities, how is BL fandom formed and what are the patterns of such fandom. Outcomes indicate women enjoy the queer fantasy deriving from reading BL manga and such fantasy should not be stigmatized or pathologized.

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