Annotated Bibliography: Communication Framing

Annotated Bibliography

Aden, R., Pearson, P., & Sell, L. (2010). Placing townies: The symbolic work of naming. Communication Quarterly, 58(3), 279-296.

Aden, Pearson, & Sell (2010) studied the use of naming in social circles by surveying a group of undergraduate college students. Aden et al. tested the existing body of research suggesting that naming conventions carry with them implied definitions and that these names work to delineate social boundaries and acceptable behaviors. Aden et al. also sought to extend previous research creating a causal connection between the communicative practice of naming, and understanding the behaviors of the people and places defined by those names. The researchers concluded that naming does, in fact, have social implications for those labeled and that these names serve to both include and exclude certain population groups. The information contained in this article would be useful for anyone studying social communication.

Mizera, L., Tulviste, T., Konstabel, K., & Lausa, E. (2013). Silent and slow Estonians, emotional and fast Russians: A comparative study of communication stereotypes in two neighboring countries. Communication Quarterly, 61(3), 268-283.

Mizera, Tulviste, Konstabel, & Lausa (2013) studied the stereotypical communication patterns ascribed to Estonians and Russians by surveying a sample of these ethnic groups. Mizera et al. tested the accuracy of existing auto- and heterostereotypes regarding these Estonians and Russians, and extended research in the field regarding the general perception of communication patterns exhibited by the respective ethnicities. The researchers found that the existing stereotypes for each group were generally accurate, and Russians were largely perceived as ideal communicators. Mizera et al.’s study would be useful for anyone's issues related to intercultural communication and relations.

Roberto, A., Eden, J., Savage, M., Ramos-Salazar, L., & Deiss, D. (2014). Prevalence and predictors of cyberbullying perpetration by high school seniors. Communication Quarterly, 62(1), 97-114. DOI: 10.1080/01463373.2013.860906.

Roberto, Eden, Savage, Ramos-Salazar, & Deiss (2014) studied cyberbullying by surveying high school freshman about their online communication practices. Roberto et al. tested the reliability of the skills deficiency model, as well as other predictor variables identified by the researchers as part of a comprehensive literature review. The researchers concluded that approximately one-third of high school freshmen engage in a cyberbullying activity. They also concluded that verbal aggression, risky behaviors and cyberbullying victimization were all accurate predictors of this pattern of behavior. Roberto et al.’s study is useful for anyone creating cyberbullying education and prevention programs.

Seo, K., Dillard, J. P., & Shen, F. (2013). The effects of message framing and visual image on persuasion. Communication Quarterly, 61(5), 564-583. DOI:10.1080/01463373.2013.822403.

Seo, Dillard, & Shen (2013) studied the influence of message framing and visual imagery in public health campaigns by surveying college students enrolled in an undergraduate communication class. Seo et al. tested whether, absent other novelty, the use of these techniques would have a positive or negative effect on the student’s perception of performing a repetitive task. The researchers found that framed messages are less effective when combined with visual imagery. Their research regarding the impact of message framing combined with visual imagery on fear was inconclusive. Seo et al.’s research is useful for anyone preparing written or visual communications with the intention of persuading an audience. The findings are particularly noteworthy to anyone anticipating that the success or failure of the persuasion will be tied to a cognitive response.

Stewart Loane, S. & D’Alessandro, S. (2012), Communication that changes lives: Social support within an online health community for ALS. Communication Quarterly, 61(2), 236–251.

Stewart Loane & D’Alessandro (2012) studied the impact of online health communities on disabled patients by monitoring posts in an existing online community. Stewart Loane & D’Alessandro tested whether the online support groups would have the same health benefits for patients who are unable to communicate or ambulate, as compared to the benefits realized by traditional patients who were otherwise unlimited. They also tested whether disabled patients would receive the same level of social support from the online health community in the long-term. The researchers concluded that that online chat rooms provided disabled patients with the opportunity for social interaction, as well as the ability to receive emotional support and access to information that would have otherwise been inaccessible to them because of their disability. However, the researchers also concluded that the communities do not provide long-term support due to a lack of patient participation. This article is useful for anyone providing healthcare to disable patients, as well as anyone designing an online health community.

Weber, K., & Martin, M. M. (2012). Designing and Evaluating the Campus Organ Donor Project. Communication Quarterly, 60(4), 504-519.

Weber & Martin (2012) studied the effectiveness of an on-campus campaign to recruit organ donors by surveying a group of undergraduate college students. The researchers tested the existing body of knowledge that any such campaigns should contain specific information aimed at prospective donors. These campaigns should include information to dispel myths regarding the donation process, while also alleviating potential donor fears. Weber & Martin concluded that while this type of information is generally persuasive, there are other factors that influence potential donors’ participation in such a program, aside from the attitudes and knowledge that may be influenced by the content of any communication. This research would be valuable to anyone preparing any type of education program where the target audience may be apprehensive about engagement.