Communication Yearbook 33

Description

The Communication Yearbook annuals publish diverse, state-of-the-discipline literature reviews across the field of communication. Sponsored by the International Communication Association, volumes offer insightful descriptions of research as well as reflections on the implications of those findings for other areas of the discipline. Editor Christina S. Beck presents a diverse, international selection of articles that highlight empirical and theoretical intersections in the communication discipline.

Contents

Editor’s Introduction -- Christina S. Beck, Ohio University

A Synthesis of Findings and Theoretical Explanations for the "Boomerang Effect" in Response to Strategic Messages -- Sahara Byrne, Cornell University, & Philip Sol Hart, Cornell University

A Meta-Analytic Review of the Effects of Adapting Consumer Advertising Appeals to Cultural Values -- Jos Hornikx, Radboud University Nijmegen, & Daniel J. O’Keefe, Northwestern University

The Role of Computer-Tailoring in the Development of Persuasive Health Communication Messages -- Seth M. Noar, University of Kentucky, Nancy Grant Harrington, University of Kentucky, & Rosalie Shemanski, University of Kentucky

An Integrative Model of Knowledge -- Ronald E. Rice, University of California, Santa Barbara, & Marni Heinz, Google

Communicating Statistical Risk Information -- Ulrich Hoffrage, University of Lausanne.

Christine Skubisz, University of Maryland, & Torsten Reimer, University of Maryland

Opening Up the Conversation on Genetics in Families: The Space for Communication Scholars -- Kathleen Galvin, Northwestern University, & Lauren H. Grill, Northwestern University

Re-Imagining Science, Technology, and Engineering: Communication Perspectives -- Patrice M. Buzzanell, Purdue University, Lorraine G. Kisselburgh, Purdue University, & Brenda L. Berkelaar, Purdue University

Organizational and Family Gender Role Reversal: A Cross-Contextual, Communication-Centered Review of the Literature -- Caryn E. Medved, Baruch College/CUNY

Discourses of Volunteerism -- Shiv Ganesh, University of Waikato, & Kirstie McAllum, University of Waikato

Public Interest Media Activism and Advocacy as a Social Movement: A Review of the Literature -- Philip Napoli, Fordham University

Image Restoration and Reconciliation: The Application, Limitations, and Future Directions of Apologia Studies -- Emil B. Towner, Texas Tech University

Author Bio

Christina Beck is professor of communication at Ohio University. She has been editing the Communication Yearbook series for 3 years. CY 33 will be her final volume.

Related Subjects

1. Media & Communications
2. Communication Studies

Abstracts

1. Chapter 1
   The Boomerang Effect: A Synthesis of Findings and a Preliminary Theoretical Framework
   Sahara Byrne, Ph.D., and Philip Solomon Hart, M.S., Cornell University

   Abstract
   Communicative messages are often constructed strategically. In many cases, the creators of such messages strive to curtail specific antisocial or unhealthy attitudes and behaviors held by the target audience. However, these messages are not always successful in achieving the intended effect. Messages with a specific intent can backfire and cause an increase in the unhealthy or antisocial attitude or behavior targeted for change. We present a review of findings that have resulted in boomerang effects, broadly defined. An analysis of theoretical mechanisms for the effect eventuates in the proposal of two distinct paths to the boomerang. One path predicts that message receivers will process harmful elements in a message at the expense of those that were intended. The other path predicts that receivers will process the message as intended, but then resist complying with it. Finally, we offer a preliminary theoretical framework of boomerang effects.

2. Chapter 2
   Adapting Consumer Advertising Appeals to Cultural Values: A Meta-Analytic Review of Effects on Persuasiveness and Ad Liking
   Jos Hornikx, Radboud University Nijmegen and Daniel J. O’Keefe, Northwestern University

   Abstract
   It is a truism that successful persuasive messages should be adapted to audience values. A substantial research literature-- not previously systematically reviewed-- has examined whether advertisements with appeals adapted to the audience’s important cultural values (e.g., individualism for North Americans) are more persuasive and better liked than appeals unadapted to such values. A meta-analytic review of that research finds that adapted ads are only slightly more persuasive (mean r = .073, 67 cases) and slightly better liked (mean r = .082, 66 cases) than unadapted ads. Moreover, these effects were mainly limited to North Americans and Asians and to values related to individualism-collectivism. In this chapter, we discuss explanations for these results and identify directions for future research.

3. Chapter 3
   The Role of Message Tailoring in the Development of Persuasive Health Communication Messages
   Seth M. Noar, Nancy Grant Harrington, and Rosalie Shemanski Aldrich, University of Kentucky

   Abstract
   This chapter provides an overview of the literature on tailored health communication messages, an innovative area of health communication research that has broad applicability to other areas of communication. Unlike traditional message targeting practices, which operate at the group level, tailored interventions involve the development of persuasive health communications designed for (and based upon an assessment of) the individual. We introduce tailoring and discuss the historical context of message tailoring research. We then provide a broad review of seminal and more recent message tailoring studies. Next, we discuss the mechanisms through which tailored messages may exert their effects, reviewing theoretical perspectives as well as empirical data. Finally, we consider future directions for research on tailored health communication.

4. Chapter 4
   KNOWLEDGE SHARING IN CONTEMPORARY COMMUNICATION ENVIRONMENTS
   Marni Heinz, Information Systems Project Manager, Google, and Ronald E. Rice, University of California, Santa Barbara

   Abstract
   Why do people share (or withhold) knowledge through online public knowledge management systems? What benefits and costs might they experience from doing so? How does one’s ability to cognitively integrate the knowledge shared through a KMS affect these costs and benefits? Sharing knowledge, both contributing and collecting, requires active communication and engagement with others; involves complex issues about knowledge, governance structures and public goods, and individual and collective costs and benefits, and is increasingly done through online public knowledge management systems. An interdisciplinary review of these issues leads to an integrated model of individual and collective influences on knowledge sharing behavior through, and use of, knowledge management systems. Primary contributions of the model include the role of cognitive integration in mediating between a knowledge management system’s use and resulting costs and benefits, and the notion that such costs and benefits can occur at both the individual and collective level.

5. Chapter 5
   Communicating Quantitative Risk Information
   Christine Skubisz and Torsten Reimer, University of Maryland, and Ulrich Hoffrage, University of Lausanne

   Abstract
   People often seek quantitative risk information, but, at the same time, many have problems understanding risk messages that contain statistics and numbers. Common hurdles with comprehending such messages can be related to the risk message itself, the message sender, and the message receiver. In this chapter, we review literature indicating that some representations and formats of quantitative risk information are easier to understand than others. These representations provide an important tool for risk communicators. Second, we detail the ways in which the message sender, a risk communicator, may hinder effective communication. Third, we discuss receiver characteristics, including literacy and numeracy skills, which can affect how the message is comprehended. For each of these three classes, we give practical recommendations that may help risk communicators to effectively communicate quantitative risk information. We conclude with a discussion of quantitative risk information in relation to risk perception and provide future research directions.

6. Chapter 6
   Opening Up the Conversation on Genetics and Genomics in Families: The Space for Communication Scholars
   Kathleen M. Galvin and Lauren H. Grill, Northwestern University

   Abstract
   Advances in genetics and genomics research allow increasing numbers of family members to learn of their susceptibilities for inheriting genetic diseases. A family member diagnosed with a genetic disease is expected to notify other family members who may be at risk; these individuals confront the ongoing dilemmas of how to discuss familial genetic health. The complexities of family communication dynamics surrounding genetic health-related issues raise key challenges for many family members. Although communication- related research literature exists in genetic counseling, communication studies, and other social sciences, little scholarship integrates these findings. This chapter provides an interdisciplinary review of the available literature pertaining to the ways family members disclose and discuss genetic test results among family members discuss implications of genetic knowledge within the family identifies areas of future related research. The authors call for increasing contributions from interpersonal, family and health communication scholars to address the needs of families managing genetic health issues.

7. Chapter 7
   Discourse, Gender, and the Meaning of Work: Rearticulating Science, Technology, and Engineering Careers Through Communicative Lenses
   Lorraine G. Kisselburgh, Brenda L. Berkelaar, and Patrice M. Buzzanell, Purdue University

   Abstract
   In this chapter, we offer communicative perspectives and challenges related to gender representation and the gendered organizing and career processes in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) areas. We focus on the meaning of work in STEM and how these meanings are (re)created and communicated through d/Discourses. Using a discursive approach, new perspectives on the issue of the underrepresentation of women in STEM careers derive from the constructed nature of STEM work itself and its meaningfulness to different groups, particularly women. Engagement in STEM careers also provides a context to evaluate and expand theory, research, and practice in communication. We use multi-disciplinary lenses to examine developmental, educational, media, technological, socio-cultural, and organizational perspectives on STEM work and careers. In summary, this chapter examines the discursive roots of contemporary constructions and images of STEM work, careers, education, and organizations, offering an opportunity to address a socially relevant issue and context for further examination and explication of communication research, theories, and practices across specialties.

8. Chapter 8
   Crossing and Transforming Occupational and Household Gendered Divisions of Labor: Reviewing Literatures and Deconstructing Divisions
   Caryn E. Medved, Baruch College – CUNY

   Abstract
   This review of literatures examines occupational gender crossing and sex segregation literatures and, when appropriate, includes parallel research on gender violations and/or sex segregation in the division of household labor and marital breadwinning -- sexuality, skill and competence, and inequality. Each section examines key findings. The final section of chapter then further explores the role of language and social interaction micro-practices in reproducing sex-segregation,, displaying the heteronormative and patriarchical bias embedded in these bodies of research as well as related lessons for social change. Finally, I advance an intra-disciplinary agenda for communication scholarship with respect to work, family, and difference.

9. Chapter 9
   Discourses of Volunteerism
   Shiv Ganesh and Kirstie McAllum, University of Waikato

   Abstract
   Public discourse often promotes volunteerism as a novel and empowering solution to social problems, and it is a significant international phenomenon. In this essay, we engage in an interdisciplinary review of literature of the topic. We begin by clarifying three key terms around which we organize our review: volunteer, volunteering, and volunteerism. We take an explicitly discursive approach in our review, treating academic research on volunteerism as instantiations of discourses of representation, understanding, suspicion and vulnerability (Mumby, 1997), and we use this framework to identify key areas of research and their possibilities and limitations. We conclude with some suggestions for future study.

10. Chapter 10
    Public Interest Media Advocacy and Activism as a Social Movement
    Philip M. Napoli, Fordham University

    Abstract
    This chapter reviews the literature on public interest media advocacy and activism. In so doing, this chapter organizes the literature according to the three primary theoretical perspectives on social movements – framing processes, political opportunities, and mobilizing structures, in reflection of the increased tendency in recent years for scholars to conceptualize public interest media advocacy and activism as a social movement. As this review indicates, public interest media advocacy and activism encompasses a movement that has employed a number of distinct, though overlapping, frames. It comprises a movement with political opportunities that are strongly tied to technological developments and to the conceptualization of policy problems within the policymaking sector. It constitutes a movement that, from a structural standpoint, has both emerged from – and can potentially serve the interests of – a wide range of other social movements, including civil rights and democratization movements, the consumer movement, and the anti-globalization movement. This review considers the implications of these and other characteristics of public interest media advocacy and activism as a social movement in an effort to develop strategic recommendations for the movement as well as recommendations for future research.

11. Chapter 11
    Apologia, Image Repair, and Reconciliation: The Application, Limitations, and Future Directions of Apologetic Rhetoric
    Emil B. Towner, Texas Tech University

    Abstract
    This chapter focuses on two pressing issues facing scholars of apologetic rhetoric -- what we talk about and what we do not talk about. I begin this chapter by providing an overview of apologetic rhetoric research, including two diverging approaches-- apologia theory as a means of image repair and apologies as part of reconciliation and healing. In the second part of this chapter, I explore what we do not talk about—that is, the gaps and limitations of our current understanding of apologetic rhetoric. In doing so, I argue that we lack research focused on female non-Western apologists, as well as delivery methods such as new media and business or technical documents. Finally, I offer suggestions for future studies of apologia, image repair strategies, and reconciliatory apologies.