Theory Research

Blog #4

Elaboration Likelihood Model: Part 1

I have decided to write about to resources I found for the Elaboration likelihood model theory that I am implementing into my project. The first source explains that this theory based around persuasion. This is different from any other kind of persuasion because rather than targeting the cognitive thought process, it encourages people’s motivation and ability to engage in issue-relevant thinking. This form of persuasion doesn’t prey on the thought of people being universally mindless. It teases with the idea of multiple routes to persuasion "central" and "peripheral" with Elaboration Likelihood Model being of the central persuasion which displays a systematic view of persuasion. Peripheral route is the route that views persuasion as heuristic, or undiscoverable by the typical viewer. 

Elaboration Likelihood Model: Part 2

The second source that I found synthesizes components of the elaboration likelihood model with persuasion through narrative. As a dual-process persuasion it predicts that people think thoroughly about a persuasive message and the outcome of the persuasion. It also states that researches connect character identification with this specific process of persuasion. They explain character identification in terms of an experimental process, which ties directly with the elaboration likelihood model.   

Change of Plans/New Sources

Blog 3

I have completely wiped the slate clean with my Capstone at this point, I have brainstormed a few ideas some of which are simpler than others. My brainstorming has brought me to a topic that isn't so simple, but rather complex in it's' own way. I have decided to base my project around a Women's Center, which comes with sub-topics. The "Shenandoah  Women's Center" organization focus on hope and empowerment for women, men and children who have fell victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, LGBT, stalking, and human trafficking.

Sine I am doing a social media campaign for this organization, I will be able to include all of those factors. However, my research is going to based around domestic violence and sexual abuse since those statistics are much higher. Overall research is going to based around how to translate the information from the organization to audiences. At this point, I have researched some theories and general information about domestic abuse and sexual assault among women, men and children. I will add on to my research after I have interviewed with the organization.

Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault

The first source is focused on the health care system response to the exposure of domestic violence amongst the children. The source discuss the newly developed protocols. In comparison, health care professionals are more focused on the well-being of the individual rather than the child. Therefore, the suggestion is to get extended and integrated protocols that include the child's well-being also. Since my organization is a health care system, I figured this study would be relevant. 

Alienation and Domestic Abuse

The second source explores how women who have been domestically abused cope with loneliness. It is found in this research that women who are victims of domestic abuse cope with loneliness very differently than the general population. This was based on several aspects of a questionnaire distributed the study including; reflection and acceptance, self-development and understanding, social support network, distancing and denial, religion and faith, and increased activity. 

The DRAG Way

Intro to Capstone Topic.

Under the circumstances of not being sure what my capstone will be, I chose one of the most interesting options that I have thus far, Drag Show. Every year Shepherd University host a Drag Show, that I have not yet had the pleasure of attending, so when I was presented with an opportunity to get my hands in the Drag Show that is being hosted this year; I made sure to snag it. I have little knowledge of what a Drag Show is so; I decided to collect some resources on both the origins of which Drag Shows derived, and the contemporary aspect of what a Drag Queen/King performance what consist of.

Source One- The Great Drag Queen Hype

While reviewing my first source, I learned that Drag was a taboo thing back when it first became known in the 1960's. It comes as no surprise how unaccepting people were during this time, in fact, a well renowned Drag Queen that went by the name "Flawless Sabrina" was arrested three times on the account of dressing in Drag to promote her award winning film "The Queen." In following years, Drag has emerged into various subcultures and, while reading this article, I have learned that to understand the art of Drag means to understand the social construct of gender identity and the evolution to which it has become today. There are a range of identities discussed and you can make the conclusion that Drag is not, only, just for the contemporary aspect but is an essential factor in the globalisation of subcultures and deep expression of gender identity which isn't a new concept but a concept that is still in development. 

Staging the Image 

In this article, it lays out the contemporary performance of which the Drag Queen/King embodies. It tells me all about the imagery and the movements which are crucial to the drag performance, a Drag Show is meant to draw you into an exotic, ethereal, otherworldly space. Emphasis on movement is evident in this article, as it seems to be on of, if not the most, important aspect of the contemporary draw of a Drag performance. The example they use throughout this is the stage production of "Pent Up," they dissect the production to highlight the important characteristics of what a Drag Show look like, should feel like. 

Concluding

What I believe is most important in going through these sources is that I'm learning, way more in depth than anticipated, what being apart of Drag really means and how important it is for those with various gender identities. This helps with my capstone, because in helping with the Drag Show, I will be in charge of the strategic social media plan and it is helpful for me to have a deep understanding of Drag. Without that understanding, I wouldn't know where to start when it comes to the creative process and many other aspects that come with it. 

Comm Capstone = Unlimited Options

Capstone! Capstone! Capstone!

The options for my Communications' capstone are limitless, it was really tough to choose one specific project to focus on. Therefore, I didn't choose, at least not yet. I am taking on multiple projects that can be used for my capstone. Working with Program Board at Shepherd University has provided me with opportunities to dive into different aspects of the Comm field. 

That being said, I am stuck between an event management project, a promotions and advertising project, and a marketing project with a little social media facet thrown in. If I could find a way to incorporate all of these, that would be great. However, I am not sure that is the safest route. I am deciding to weigh out my options after receiving more detail about each event, then I will have an answer.

Now that I think about it, Social Media Marketing is sounding really great as I type this blog. 

Wright Brothers Successfully Launch the First Engine-Powered Flight

In Kitty Hawk, North Carolina the first ever engine-powered flight has been launched, Dec., 17, 1903. Orville and Wilbur Wright are the brothers behind the successful self-propelling flight that stayed aloft for a total of 12 seconds covering 120 feet.