Research and Insights

Aug. 6-9, 2020
Virtual Conference

Amanda Bradshaw, doctoral student

From Cover-Up to Catastrophe: How the Anti-Vaccine Propaganda Documentary “Vaxxed” Impacted College Students’ Perceptions About Vaccinations

Co-Authors: Debbie Treise, Alexis Bajalia, Easton Wollney, Summer Shelton, Kendra Auguste, Montserrat Carrerra Seoane

Abstract: Through the lens of the Health Belief Model, this study sought to understand how viewing the anti-vaccine propaganda documentary Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe impacted individuals’ perceptions of the measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine and their subsequent expressed intentions to vaccinate prospective children. Qualitative pre/post video interviews were conducted along with think aloud methodology; thematic analysis revealed four themes: viewing vaccination from a Western lens; underlying distrust; skepticism or shaken beliefs, and Aristotle’s three proofs.

Clay Calvert, Brechner Eminent Scholar in Mass Communication and Director, Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project

When is a First Amendment Case Not a First Amendment Case?

Award:  Second Place Faculty Paper, Law & Policy Division

Abstract:  This paper analyzes the United States Supreme Court’s 2019 decision in Manhattan Community Access Corp. v. Halleck.  Specifically, it concentrates on how the justices divided five-to-four along lines of perceived political ideologies in both: 1) selecting different rules to analyze the issues before them, and 2) reaching opposite conclusions about the outcome of the case.  In brief, choosing different rules regarding the state-action doctrine issue led the conservative and liberal blocs to reach counterposed conclusions on the First Amendment speech question.  The paper suggests, in turn, that the outcomes reached by both sides comport with broad-brush stereotypes about the intersection between free expression and the danger that big government purportedly poses to individual liberties.

Sylvia Chan-Olmsted, Director, Consumer Media Research and Telecommunication Professor

Panel: Getting Your Research Published – A Conversation with Editors and Authors

Description: A discussion with academic journal editors & established scholars with extensive publishing experience. Topics to be addressed include picking journals, the review process, what editors look for & tips for improving research productivity.

Media Trust, Risk, and Social Capital During Hurricane: Media Dependency Approach

Co-author: Hyehyun Julia Kim, doctoral student

Abstract: This paper explores media trust and perceived risk using Media Dependency Theory (MSD) to better understand the relationship between people and media during hurricanes. Relationship between social capital and demographic variables are also examined, as social capital acts as important resource in low-income communities. With data collected from 2,015 participants, study findings identify statistically significant relationships between different media outlets and media trust, as well as between demographic variables and social capital in hurricane context.

Panel:  Media Management, Economics and Entrepreneurship and Communicating Science, Health, Environment and Risk Divisions – Making Sense of Technology Buzz Words: Automation, Robotics, and AI

Description: AI applications in the media industry and potential research topics.

Exploring the Dimensions of Media Brand Trust: A Contemporary Integrative Approach

Abstract: As brands become more media-like and news and information platforms gravitate toward infotainment, this project aims at developing a reliable and valid media brand trust scale that reflects the reality of today’s mediated lives. As the first phase of such a process, the study integrated deductive and inductive methods, using literature review to offer a conceptual basis and exploring the identified trust dimensions through the qualitative method of personal interviews. Eight key dimensions were uncovered.

Consumers’ Perception on Artificial Intelligence: Applications in Marketing Communication

Co-authors: Huan Chen, Julia Kim, doctoral student, Irene Sanabria , MAMC student

Award: Second Paper Best Paper Award, Advertising Division Outstanding Papers

Abstract: While many industries have adopted AI for digital marketing purposes, academic research on how consumers experience and perceive AI applications in marketing communication, and what this kind of marketing communication practices mean to them remain unknown, even though such issues might ground the trajectory of its growth at this stage of its evolution. This qualitative study was designed to examine consumers’ perception of AI and AI marketing communication. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data. Findings suggest that 1) consumers’ interpretation of AI is multidimensional and relational with a focus on functionality and emotion, as well as comparison and contrast between AI and human being; 2) consumers’ perception of voice assisted AI centers on the aspects of function, communication, adaptation, relationship, and privacy; 3) consumers consider AI marketing communication to be unavoidable and generally acceptable; and 4) consumers believe that AI marketing communication to be limited in its effect on influencing their evaluation of products/brands or shaping their consumptive behaviors.

Panel:  Media Management, Economics and Entrepreneurship and Communication Technology Divisions: Television Content Strategy and Programming in a Ubiquitous Content and Multiplatform Era

Description:  How changing media consumers and streaming services have led to changes in content development and marketing strategies.

Huan Chen, Advertising Associate Professor

Consumers’ Perception on Artificial Intelligence Applications in Marketing Communication

Co-Authors: Sylvia Chan-Olmsted, Hyehyn Julia Kim (doctoral student), University of Florida, Irene Sanabria (master student)

Awards: Second-Place Paper, Special Topics Paper Award, Advertising Division

Abstract: A qualitative study was conducted to examine consumers’ perception of AI and AI marketing communication. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data. Findings suggest that 1) consumers’ interpretation of AI is multidimensional and relational focusing on functionality and emotion, as well as comparison and contrast between AI and human being; 2) consumers’ perception of voice assisted AI concentrates on different aspects including function, communication, adaptation, relationship, and privacy; and, 3) consumers consider AI marketing communication is unavoidable and acceptable but limited in its effect on influencing their evaluation of products and brands as well as shaping their consumptive behaviors.

CSR Virtual Reality Campaigns by Alcohol Companies: The Role of Self-Value and Prior Drinking Experiences

Co-Authors: Yoon-Joo Lee, Washington State University, Wen Zhao, Fairfield University

Awards: Third-Place Paper, Special Topics Paper Award, Advertising Division

Abstract: This study investigated how consumers immerse into a CSR VR video in a specific context; drunk driving prevention VR video sponsored by an alcohol company. This study’s goal is to explore factors influencing immersive experiences in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR) virtual reality (VR) campaigns.  The findings revealed that different types of self-value (social-CSRO) and prior experiences with alcohol products (alcohol consumption levels) interact in immersing into VR video contents and forming a more positive attitude toward the video.  This study implies that advertising practitioners may need to find important consumer values and prior experiences that are specifically relevant to a CSR VR campaign.

Ways to Relieve Anxiety: Chinese Consumers’ Perceptions of Paid Digital Knowledge Products

Co-Authors: Jie Jin, doctoral student

Abstract: This study interviewed 19 Chinese paid digital knowledge products consumers to explore the essence of Chinese consumers’ experience with paid digital knowledge products in the first- and second-tier cities. Findings revealed that Chinese consumers use paid digital knowledge products to relieve stress and anxiety from real-life competition and insecurity of falling behind. Although consumers realize the limited assistance that paid knowledge products can offer, their acceptance and expectation of paid digital knowledge products are positive.

Mo Chen, Doctoral student

The Warranting Value of Different Information Types from Machines And Humans

Co-Authors: Yu-Hao Lee, Telecommunication Associate Professor

Abstract: It is increasingly common for people to acquire information online using intelligent virtual assistants (IVAs). To understand how people assess the quality and credibility of IVAs information is important. A 2 (source: human vs. IVAs) × 3 (information type: fact, aggregated opinion, individual opinion) experiment was conducted. Results revealed that information type affected the warranting value of the information. Machine heuristics was a significant moderator between the information source and credibility judgments.

Roxane Coche, Telecommunication Assistant Professor, Associate Director, Sports Journalism and Communication Program

Panel: Eyeing the Job Market as a Doctoral Student

Description: How do you launch your academic career? What “soft skills” are appealing to universities as they are evaluating a new faculty hire? How do you know which positions to apply for? What if your skillset/research area does not match exactly what is advertised? Can/should you still apply? What would a “typical” experience be at if you choose to go to R-1 institution versus more teaching focused schools? How about public vs. private universities? We’ll consider these questions and more. We’ll also break down terminology that we all hear thrown around such as “research line” or “seed funding” or other things that scholars would need to know about or how to negotiate for on the job market.

Amy Jo Coffey, Telecommunication Associate Professor

Panel:  Media Entrepreneurs Meet Media Educators: How to Better Prepare the Next Generation of Media Entrepreneurs

Description: Considering the dramatic changes in the media ecosystem over the past few decades, there is a growing interest in media entrepreneurship among students in journalism and mass communication programs. Launching a business in the media industry sounds glamorous but challenging; it encompasses a variety of daunting tasks ranging from generating innovative ideas and implementing business models that could be monetized to finding a balance between playing media’s societal role and generating a profit as a business entity. In recognition of these challenges, this teaching panel offers an opportunity for media entrepreneurs to share their experiences and challenges with media educators who teache media business models and media entrepreneurship. Specific topics addressed by this teaching panel would include generating feasible ideas, business models, monetization, uncertainty, funding, and sustainability. The interactions between entrepreneurs and educators will allow the latter to better prepare the next generation of media entrepreneurs.

Panel: Teaching Computational Methods to Students

Description:  Panelists will discuss how to prepare students to work in a changing media environment and equip them with skills such as computational methods, code literacy, data journalism, measurement and analytics, and web/social media management.

Eve R. Effron, Doctoral student

You’ve Lost that Trusting Feeling: Examining the Consequences and Conditions of the Diminishing Trust in the Press in Rural and Urban US Communities

Co-Authors:  Jay Hmielowski, Yanni Ma, Michael Munroe

Abstract: In this study, we use Social Identity Theory to examine whether political ideology, where people live, and time correlate with trust in news media in the US. Moreover, we examine whether the correlation between ideology and where a person lives with trust in news media lives varies over time. We also examine a three-way interaction to determine if decreases in trust are concentrated among conservatives living in rural areas in the US. Lastly, we examined whether decreases in trust in news media result in lower levels of newspaper use.

Saying vs. Doing:  Examining the Effects of Corporate Issue Stances and Action

Co-Authors: Jay Hmielowski, Melissa Dodd

Abstract: This study expands the body of research surrounding corporate social advocacy (CSA). Using an experimental design, participants were exposed to three conditions for Nike’s engagement with the issue of equal pay. Results indicated that taking a stance with action was associated with more positive outcomes than both the stance-only and no-stance conditions; and taking a stance only was associated with more positive outcomes than the non-stance condition. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Sarah Fisher, Doctoral student

​Media Parenting: Why Some Parents are Not Letting Electronic Media Raise Their Children

Abstract: Parental mentoring has been partially replaced by technology in many families today. The parental influence and open channels of communication between parents and children which have historically been the foundation for a healthy society, have been largely exchanged for technology. Media Parenting describes the use of electronic media as a replacement for parental mentoring. However, some parents are choosing to limit their children’s electronic media use and this study examines their reasoning for this choice.

Sarah Fisher, Doctoral student and John Freeman, Journalism Associate Professor

Discovering the secrets of successful photojournalism programs during industry decline

Abstract: When the news industry converted to online news, primarily between 2005 and 2010, major layoffs resulted in fewer positions for photojournalists. Typically, changes in any industry directly influence the demand for higher education programs that prepare students for that profession. Despite the major industry cutbacks, some photojournalism programs are not only managing to retain enrollment and stay afloat but are thriving. This qualitative study examines six thriving programs through thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with seven representatives (N=7) to discover the secrets of their program’s success. Five themes were revealed as potential “keys to success” for photojournalism programs: Visual communicators rather than newspaper photographers; Creative skills for success; Business courses are a must for a successful photojournalism program; Attitude can make or break careers; Programs that offer strong community support are attractive to students.

John Freeman, Journalism Associate Professor

Poster: Life Under Lockdown: Photojournalism Students Confined @Home Get Creative

Abstract: When the university told students they should head off campus and go “back home” in mid-March, I wasn’t too worried. They could take our school-issued Canon T7i cameras and complete my JOU3601 introductory photojournalism assignments remotely. I would use Zoom for class meetings and then see their work dropped into Canvas. What I hadn’t anticipated was that many would stay in town in their I-live-alone apartments, and those who moved back in with parents would be confined inside at home. How could I modify the uncoming assignments for those who were homebound?

Panel: Don’t Fear Your Flash

Rachel Grant, Journalism Assistant Professor

Panel: Connecting Today’s Students with Jim Crow-era Media History

Jay Hmielowski, Public Relations Assistant Professor

You’ve Lost that Trusting Feeling: Examining the Consequences and Conditions of the Diminishing Trust in the Press in Rural and Urban US Communities

Co-Authors: Eve Heffron, doctoral student, Yanni Ma, Oregon State, Michael Munroe, doctoral student

Abstract: In this study, we use Social Identity Theory to examine whether political ideology, where people live, and time correlate with trust in news media in the US. Moreover, we examine whether the correlation between ideology and where a person lives with trust in news media varies over time. We also examine a three-way interaction to determine if decreases in trust are concentrated among conservatives living in rural areas in the US. Lastly, we examined whether decreases in trust in news media result in lower levels of newspaper use.

The Effect of Advanced Technology on Jobs: Attention, Income, Worry, and Support for a Basic Income

Co-Authors: Alex W. Kirkpatrick, Washington State (first author)

Abstract: Understanding how media use influences public perceptions of advanced technologies is important. In this paper, we examine whether awareness of computers and robots changing the nature of US jobs is associated with worry over the issue. We then assess whether worry is associated with support for a universal basic income policy, and if worry mediates the relationship between attention and policy support. Lastly, we assess whether this indirect relationship varies by household income.

Harrison Hove, Journalism Lecturer

Panel: Innovation and Empowerment: Creating Hands on Broadcast Journalism Experiences During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Description: This teaching panel focuses on creating or re-imagining remote, hands on broadcast experiences that take health and safety restriction during the pandemic into account.  Example activities and assignments will be shared.

Panel: Great Ideas for Teaching (G.I.F.T.) Scholar-to-Scholar (Poster)

Poster:  Building a Global News Special in Your Bedroom

Description: GIFT celebrates new and innovative teaching ideas in mass communication. AEJMC members were invited to submit their best teaching ideas and the top 25 were invited to participate in this poster session.

Jie Jin, Doctoral student

Poster: Ways to Relieve Anxiety-Chinese Consumers’ Perceptions of Paid Digital Knowledge Products

Co-Authors: Huan Chen, Advertising Associate Professor

Abstract: This study interviewed 19 Chinese paid digital knowledge products consumers to explore what’s the essence of Chinese consumers’ experience with paid digital knowledge products in the first- and second-tier cities. Findings revealed Chinese consumers use these products to relieve stress and anxiety from real-life competition and the insecurity of falling behind. Although consumers realize the limited assistance that paid knowledge products can offer, their acceptance and expectation of paid digital knowledge products are positive.

Benjamin Johnson, Advertising Assistant Professor

Panel Moderator: Communication Models and Theories

Panel Moderator: Responsible and Rigorous Scholarship: Advocating Open Research Practices in Journalism and Mass Communication

Hyehyun Julia Kim, Doctoral student

Media Trust, Risk, and Social Capital during Hurricanes: A Media Dependency Approach

Co-Authors: Sylvia Chan-Olmsted, Telecommunication Professor

Abstract: The average cost of damage caused by a tropical cyclone is estimated at $21.5 billion USD (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2020). To mitigate the threat posed by hurricanes, people turn to media for information and knowledge which are critical to survival (Lachlan, Spence, et al., 2009). This paper explored media trust and perceived risk using Media Systems Dependency Theory (MSD) to better understand the relationship between people and media during hurricanes. Demographic variables, especially income and minority status, and resources via social network, social capital, were also investigated. With data collected from 2,015 participants from American hurricane states of Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North and South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas, study findings identify statistically significant relationships between television, mobile weather applications, and social media usage and media trust during extreme weather conditions. Minority status is a significant predictor of social capital, but the opposite is true of income. Lastly, perceived risk and geographical proximity to coastal residence are not significant at determining media dependency. Theoretical and practical implications, as well as directions for future research are discussed.

Moon Lee, Public Relations Associate Professor

Power of Apology: Comparative Analysis of Crisis Response Strategy Effects between China and the United States of America

Frank LoMonte, Journalism Professor, Director of the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information

Panel: Tell Me Your (Source’s) Name: Leaks, Subpoenas, Search Warrants and the State of the Reporter’s Privilege

Clinical Journalism Education: Legal and Ethical Implications of Faculty-Led Reporting Laboratories

Co-Authors: Kathleen Culver, Wisconsin-Madison

Abstract: Campus-based reporting laboratories are producing increasingly sophisticated journalistic work, compensating in part for downsized professional newsroom staffing. Responding to the challenge to reconceive their educational mission around the “teaching hospital” service model, more U.S. journalism schools are launching sophisticated news-gathering operations whose mission includes in-depth, long-form reporting. As educators take greater responsibility for managing complex long-range news stories, the educational setting presents unique challenges, including maintaining continuity in a “newsroom” that turns over its “staff” every half-year, as well as external and internal pressures that may discourage pursuing sensitive subjects. Because this model is rapidly expanding, unanswered legal questions await clarification, including ownership of jointly produced work and legal liability for its consequences, as well as questions about the freedom of students and instructors to pursue their chosen projects while under university oversight.  Based on surveys and interviews with participants in U.S.-based reporting labs, the authors will identify both the substantive and the structural challenges and opportunities associated with producing long-form, in-depth reporting in the university setting. The paper will be both descriptive, in looking at the development and evolution of campus-based investigative reporting, and proscriptive, in seeking to identify “best practices” for those working in the field. The paper will identify, and make recommendations for, areas in which further clarity is needed through research and through public policymaking.

Mira Lowe, Assistant Dean for Student Experiences

Panel: A lasting impact: The End of Ebony and Jet Magazines and Implications for the Media Industry and Media Scholarship

Lincoln Lu, Doctoral student

Measuring Consumer-Perceived Humanness of Organizational Agents in CMC

Co-Authors: Casey McDonald, Tom Kelleher, Susanna Lee, Yoo Jin Chung, Sophia Mueller, Marc Vielledent, Cen April Yue

Abstract: A broad sample (N=172) of participants interacted with either virtual or human agents representing organizations online and completed a survey including items derived from constructs of conversational human voice, anthropomorphism, and social presence. An exploratory factor analysis yielded a central factor indicating consumer-perceived humanness. The new measure was found to be reliable and valid — working as predicted to assess both virtual and human agents and explain significant variance in perceived relational investment and trust.

Hayley Markovich, doctoral student

You Can Have It All With Medicine: A Qualitative Analysis of Gender in DTC Advertisements

Co-Authors: Amanda Bradshaw, Debbie Treise, Matthew Cretul

Mindy McAdams, Knight Chair, Journalism Technologies and the Democratic Process

Panel: Teaching Computational Methods to Students

Description:  Panelists will discuss how to prepare students to work in a changing media environment and equip them with skills such as computational methods, code literacy, data journalism, measurement and analytics, and web/social media management.

Rene Mitson, Doctoral Student

No One Knows What I Do: Strategic Hires and Emerging Professions in the Context of Organizational Absorptive Capacity

Jasmine McNealy, Associate Director of the Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project and Telecommunication Associate Professor

Panel: Scandal, Stigma, and Sexualization: How Sharing Sensational and Sensitive Information Relates to Calls for Privacy Protection

Yu Mu, Doctoral student

Lure of the Rural: Urban Audiences’ Consumption of Rural Self-Media in China 

Abstract: China’s urbanization is not only transforming the physical environment and living conditions for a large population, but it also affects the psychological state and media consumption behaviors. Rural self-media (social media accounts operated by rural users that produce rural-theme content in rural settings) has gained great popularity among Chinese urban audiences. This study proposes a conceptual model that offers a theory-driven explanation for urban audiences’ consumption of rural self-media to facilitate further data testing.

Yufan Sunny Qin, Doctoral student

Toward an Informed Employer: The Implications of Organizational Internal Listening for Employee Relationship Cultivation

Co-Authors: Rita Men, Public Relations Associate Professor

Abstract: This study examined whether and how organizational internal listening (i.e., organizational-level and supervisory-level listening) influences the quality of employee-organization relationships. Informed by the self-determination theory, employees’ psychological need satisfaction for autonomy, competence, and relatedness was examined as a mediating mechanism in this process. An online survey was conducted with 443 employees across various industries in the U.S. Results showed that organizational-level listening positively influenced the quality of employee relationships with the organization both directly and indirectly via satisfying employees’ psychological need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The impact of supervisory-level listening on the quality of employee-organization relationships was fully mediated via employees’ psychological need satisfaction. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Bhakti Sharma, Doctoral student

Yelp!ful or Not? A Heuristic-Systematic Model Approach to Online Reviews on Yelp!

Co-Authors: Frank Waddell, Journalism Assistant Professor

Abstract: Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) has become a primary source for users to seek recommendations and gather information to make purchase decisions. Applying the Hueristic Systematic Model (Chaiken, 1980), this study tested the impact of online reviews presented in the form of both heuristic cues (star ratings) and systematic information (written reviews) on restaurant appeal and behavioral intentions. Results reveal the importance of heuristic cues in new light and add to the existing eWOM literature.

Jieun Shin, Advertising Associate Professor

Partisan Selective Exposure on Social Media

Abstract:  This study examined two different levels of selective exposure phenomenon: the individual level (i.e., a tendency to favor like-minded sources) and network level (i.e., partisan community structures). We linked survey responses from a representative sample of twitter users in the U.S. with their digital trace data from Twitter including media following and exposure to news via their friends. We found that selectivity bias was present in all types of data including self-reported media consumption (survey), media following (digital trace), and indirect exposure to media (digital trace). However, individual- level preferences did not translate into macroscopic network structures in which partisan groups are clustered and isolated. A moderate level cross-cutting exposure and a common use of neutral media hindered extreme partisan segregation. Additionally, we observed an asymmetric pattern of selective exposure between conservatives and liberals. The implications of these findings are discussed with reference to the roles of mainstream media, selective avoidance, and incidental exposure.

Wayne Wanta, Journalism professor

Picturing Presidential Power: Gender differences in photographic coverage of the 2019 Slovakian presidential election

Co-Authors: Simona Mikusova, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia (first author)

Abstract: Photographs published in two Slovakian newspaper were analyzed for gender differences in the country’s 2019 election. Overall, the two main candidates were depicted similarly. The female candidate and eventual winner, Zuzana Čaputová, however, tended to be depicted in more formal poses and with less emotion than her male rival. Thus, while the two candidates were similar on photographic techniques suggesting power, such as camera angles and prominent depictions of faces, the election winner was portrayed as more presidential.

Agenda Setting and Alternative Facts: The Need for Changes in News Media Routines

Abstract: The relationship between journalists and sources has become more complicated because of the false information that is being generated by the internet and government officials. Traditional media routines that emphasize reporting of both sides of issues to show journalistic objectivity is no longer effective or efficient. To combat misinformation and disinformation, reporters may need to modify their news gathering routines. Several suggestions are offered.

Cen April Yue, Doctoral Student

Servant Leadership and Employee Advocacy: The Mediating Role of Psychological 

Empowerment and Perceived Relationship Investment

Co-Authors: Patrick Thelen, Ph.D. 2019 (first author)

Awards: First Place Open Paper Competition, Public Relations Division

Abstract: The current study examines how servant leadership relates with employee advocacy behaviors through the mediating role of psychological empowerment and perceived relationship investment (PRI). Through a quantitative survey with 357 employees who work for a variety of organizations in Chile, the study’s results indicated that servant leadership plays a critical role in fostering psychological empowerment and PRI, which in turn, encourage employee advocacy behaviors. Relevant theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Panel: Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment for All Students