This competency showcases students’ knowledge of and ability to critically apply Scholarship and Empirical Research Design methods.
Scholarship and Empirical Research
A Research Proposal:
"Media Literacy for Children Viewing Commercial Advertisements"
Overview: This proposal was written in fulfillment of requirements for Dr. Tharon Howard’s ENGL 850: Research Methods in Professional Communication. This course exposed seminar members to an overview of some of the major contemporary approaches to research in the Professional Communication field and promoted the relationship between theory and empirical research. The proposal assignment required students to design their own research study after developing strong research questions, preparing an extensive literature review, and describing the methods to be used in the study. The proposal recommended the need for a hypothetical research study; ENGL 850 seminar members did not actually conduct the study during the course. My proposal recommends a media literacy educational curriculum to be incorporated in a pre-existing children’s summer camp program.
Software Used: Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator
Semester Completed: Spring 2013
In addition to the Scholarship and Empirical Research Design competency, the following were gained:
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A thorough and productive knowledge of Professional Communication processes, procedures, and practices in both workplace and academic contexts
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Outstanding writing and editing skills
To view a discussion of the rhetorical situation and goals, the design and development process, and the critical reflection of this project, view the following pages:
Click the image to download a full copy of the final proposal.
ABSTRACT:
Children are becoming increasingly susceptible to advertisements and this is evident in their consumer behaviors. Previous research indicates that children are in need of a literacy component that educates them on an advertiser’s intent to sell a product. While current media literacy programs direct attention toward educating children in efforts to prevent negative behaviors in regard to violence, nutrition, and alcohol and cigarette use, some of these programs lack emphasis on children’s demonstrative retention of content after their experience in a prolonged program. This research study takes the form of a quasi-experiment and targets children aged 6-12. By incorporating a media literacy educational curriculum into a pre-existing summer camp program at a YMCA branch, this study aims to help young audiences develop critical thinking skills and strategies for viewing television advertisements. This study will result in the completion of a requirement for the Master of Arts in Professional Communication degree at Clemson University.