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USDA Instructional Risk Messages for High Pathogen Avian Influenza
Title
USDA Instructional Risk Messages for High Pathogen Avian Influenza.
Creator
Jones, Jenna, Sellnow, Timothy, Littlefield, Robert, Sellnow, Deanna, Parrish, Adam, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
High Pathogen Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a highly contagious disease threatening United States poultry farms. The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which current instructional risk communication by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) meets the expectations of existing literature, particularly the IDEA model. This study examined two documents produced by the USDA for the ongoing threat of HPAI, the Red Book and the Defend the Flock campaign. The aim of the documents...
Show moreHigh Pathogen Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a highly contagious disease threatening United States poultry farms. The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which current instructional risk communication by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) meets the expectations of existing literature, particularly the IDEA model. This study examined two documents produced by the USDA for the ongoing threat of HPAI, the Red Book and the Defend the Flock campaign. The aim of the documents is to provide U.S. poultry farmers and the publics with knowledge and information about prevention and response to HPAI. The IDEA model was applied to serve as a framework to analyze how much of each component was present in the messaging. Specifically, the internalization, explanation, and action components were applied to the USDA documents.The documents were coded by two researchers. The researchers, using a codebook, examined the documents and assessed each section (Red Book) or slogan (Defend the Flock) for the presence or absence of three components of the IDEA model: internalization, explanation, and action. When discrepancies arose between the coders, they were resolved through discussion. The results indicated the majority of the Red Book was dedicated to the explanation component of the IDEA model. Conversely, the majority of the Defend the Flock campaign was identified as either internalization or action.The findings in this study can serve as lessons learned to help to improve the effectiveness of instructional risk messaging in similar crises. Specifically, this study recommends that messages be adapted to the intended audience to help them recognize their personal risks, that explanatory messages be intertwined with recommended actions, and that organizations and agencies consider following the USDA's lead and provide complementary materials. For example, some materials may be highly detailed while an accompanying document could provide a simple, brief overview of the risk and recommended actions.
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Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFE0007023, ucf:52045
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007023
The Unacceptable Rise: An Investigation of School Shootings in the United States
Title
The Unacceptable Rise: An Investigation of School Shootings in the United States.
Creator
Gulliford, Tracy, Sellnow, Deanna, Sellnow, Timothy, Spence, Patric, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This research study examined teachers` understanding of risk factors and characteristics of potential perpetrators of school shootings, as well as the steps to take when they are identified in students. Participants completed a survey that contained Likert-type scale items regarding selfefficacy and open-ended questions regarding school violence experiences. A mixed methods analysis revealed three primary conclusions. First, teachers have high levels of self-efficacy regarding the importance...
Show moreThis research study examined teachers` understanding of risk factors and characteristics of potential perpetrators of school shootings, as well as the steps to take when they are identified in students. Participants completed a survey that contained Likert-type scale items regarding selfefficacy and open-ended questions regarding school violence experiences. A mixed methods analysis revealed three primary conclusions. First, teachers have high levels of self-efficacy regarding the importance of and ability to deal effectively with troubled students. This conclusion suggests that teachers do internalize the relevance of this issue to them. Second, this study revealed a gap in terms of the explanation and distribution component of the IDEA model. More specifically, teachers are under-informed about how to identify characteristics of potential perpetrators and what forces may influence them to engage in school violence. Third, this study revealed a need for additional modes through which training modules and sessions should be distributed to prepare teachers to dissuade violent acts from occurring in their classrooms and schools.
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Date Issued
2019
Identifier
CFE0007644, ucf:52486
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007644
The Evolution of Shared Responsibility and Instructional Risk Communication in Brazil's Campaign against the Zika Virus
Title
The Evolution of Shared Responsibility and Instructional Risk Communication in Brazil's Campaign against the Zika Virus.
Creator
Mauricio Soares, Rodrigo Augusto, Sellnow, Timothy, Sellnow, Deanna, Littlefield, Robert, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This study provides an evaluation of instructional risk communication practices in Brazil's response to the Zika virus during the 2016/2017 campaign. The communication was instructionally focused, explaining the way the disease is transmitted, what to do if the person is infected, and characteristics of the mosquito. The authorities also tried to convince the publics that, because the mosquito breeds in everyone's houses and apartments, everyone could be part of the solution. The social,...
Show moreThis study provides an evaluation of instructional risk communication practices in Brazil's response to the Zika virus during the 2016/2017 campaign. The communication was instructionally focused, explaining the way the disease is transmitted, what to do if the person is infected, and characteristics of the mosquito. The authorities also tried to convince the publics that, because the mosquito breeds in everyone's houses and apartments, everyone could be part of the solution. The social, economic and cultural characteristics of the country, the population's low levels of health literacy, and a long-lasting government credibility problem in the country make Brazil's fight against these types of diseases considerably difficult. The IDEA model (T. Sellnow (&) D. Sellnow, 2013) was used as the theoretical grounding for the analysis. This study presents the concepts of collective efficacy and shared responsibility and recommendations for risk and crisis communication practitioners as well as government agencies with regard to engaging the population in managing this type of disease outbreak. Knowledge about how to generate and share strategic communication of this nature is increasingly important as the spread of novel diseases is increasing in frequency and intensity (Kilpatrick (&) Randolph, 2012).
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Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFE0007050, ucf:51974
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007050
IMPLICATIONS OF TRUTHERS ON POST CRISIS COMMUNICATION AND RESOLUTION
Title
IMPLICATIONS OF TRUTHERS ON POST CRISIS COMMUNICATION AND RESOLUTION.
Creator
Semenas, Lauren, Sellnow, Timothy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The intent of this thesis is to better comprehend the strategies used in crisis denial videos from the perspective of kategoria. Benoit and Dorries taxonomy of kategoria was applied to crisis denial claims using the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting as a case study. The claims of prominent truther and YouTuber, Alex Jones, were coded and analyzed based on this taxonomy. The categories of the taxonomy include: accused committed the act before, accused planned the act, accused knew likely...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to better comprehend the strategies used in crisis denial videos from the perspective of kategoria. Benoit and Dorries taxonomy of kategoria was applied to crisis denial claims using the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting as a case study. The claims of prominent truther and YouTuber, Alex Jones, were coded and analyzed based on this taxonomy. The categories of the taxonomy include: accused committed the act before, accused planned the act, accused knew likely consequences of the act, accused benefitted from the act, and other. Two coders trained in identifying these criteria coded three transcribed YouTube videos focused on Sandy Hook with a combined total of over 1.5 million views. Accused planned the act and accused committed the act before were the most used taxonomy, with a 4 to 1 and 2 to 1 margin respectively, showing a consistent preference on how Jones likes to construct his claims. These tactics put the victims of Sandy Hook in an uncomfortable position because they are forced to deny the denial, a process that quickly becomes cyclical. The responses either transcend to an issue of free speech versus defamation or attack the accuser through litigation and public organizations dropping him. Claims that the accused has done it before denies closure to multiple crises while claims that it was planned seem endless and also contribute to denying closure. This denial puts victims in a chronic stage where they are forced to constantly and endlessly re-evaluate the crisis without resolution, disrupting current stage theory in crisis recovery. Truthers have changed how we define hoax. Previously, a hoax was the crisis, but now claims are made post-crisis depicting the crisis as hoax. Further research should focus on the formulation of a response to crisis denial that can break the cyclical pattern.
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Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFH2000440, ucf:45820
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000440
The Use of Crisis Communication Strategies to Build Community Resilience: Evidence from Emergency Managers
Title
The Use of Crisis Communication Strategies to Build Community Resilience: Evidence from Emergency Managers.
Creator
Haupt, Brittany, Kapucu, Naim, Knox, Claire, Emrich, Christopher, Sellnow, Timothy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
As public administration evolved to encompass a strong focus on supporting safe growth and development for communities, the role and responsibilities of government became increasingly complex with aspects of emergency management becoming quintessential. The ability to assess resilience plays a strong role in understanding the capability of a community to face a range of threats. Additionally, issues with communication uncovered the need to understand how administrators collect, disseminate,...
Show moreAs public administration evolved to encompass a strong focus on supporting safe growth and development for communities, the role and responsibilities of government became increasingly complex with aspects of emergency management becoming quintessential. The ability to assess resilience plays a strong role in understanding the capability of a community to face a range of threats. Additionally, issues with communication uncovered the need to understand how administrators collect, disseminate, and adapt critical information through understanding crisis type and local community needs. This dissertation discusses the connection between public administration and emergency management, the evolution of crisis communication and strategies, resilience and its measurement, along with Situational Crisis Communication Theory. This study conducted an online-survey of county, and county-equivalent, emergency managers across the United States. Results of Structural Equation Modeling included statistically significant relationships between Crisis Type and Local Community Needs on Crisis Communication Strategies as well as between strategies onto Community Resilience. Comparative analysis with the Baseline Resilience Indicators for Communities showed stark contrast in perceived resilience capacity. Follow-up, semi-structured interviews were conducted with voluntary respondents and analyzed via axial, deductive coding. Comparing quantitative and qualitative analysis highlighted the importance of county characteristics, critical relationships, overcoming obstacles, need for learning and adaptation, and importance of communication.
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Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFE0007013, ucf:52046
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007013
Organizational Legitimacy as Co-Created Value
Title
Organizational Legitimacy as Co-Created Value.
Creator
Olsen, Christina Maria, Dodd, Melissa, Sellnow, Timothy, Sandoval, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The purpose of this study is to explore how co-creational processes contribute to organizational legitimacy as a valuable outcome for organizations. 13 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with digital communication professionals from a variety of organizations in the United States to better understand the use of social media platforms and perceptions of value from engaging with stakeholders in co-creation. Results showed that organizations engaged in co-creation of brand...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to explore how co-creational processes contribute to organizational legitimacy as a valuable outcome for organizations. 13 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with digital communication professionals from a variety of organizations in the United States to better understand the use of social media platforms and perceptions of value from engaging with stakeholders in co-creation. Results showed that organizations engaged in co-creation of brand meaning via different methods such as referrals and feedback and that organizations reached different kinds of outcomes via these co-creational processes. These include being a resource for stakeholders, gaining brand advocates, reaching organizational goals, and being able to develop as an organization. In addition, results showed organizations that engaged in co-creation of brand meaning put an effort in measuring these processes qualitatively to continuously improve as an organization. Based on these results it was possible to illuminate the relationship that exists between legitimacy and co-creation of brand meaning. Thus, it was discussed organizational legitimacy appears to be an outcome of co-created brand meaning in the form of moral legitimacy and actional legitimacy.
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Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFE0007070, ucf:52021
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007070
Recruiting Followers for the Caliphate: A Narrative Analysis of Four Jihadist Magazines
Title
Recruiting Followers for the Caliphate: A Narrative Analysis of Four Jihadist Magazines.
Creator
Madrazo, Andrea, Matusitz, Jonathan, Malala, John, Sellnow, Timothy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This study identifies and compares the methods of recruitment used by three prime jihadist organizations through their online magazines. The successful recruitment efforts and growth as a threat by the Islamic State of Iraq and Sh?m (ISIS), Al-Qaeda, and Al-Shabaab are attributed, in part, to the widespread popularity and accessibility of Dabiq and Rumiyah (published by ISIS), Inspire (published by Al-Qaeda), and Gaidi Mtaani (published by Al-Shabaab). In order to best examine the techniques...
Show moreThis study identifies and compares the methods of recruitment used by three prime jihadist organizations through their online magazines. The successful recruitment efforts and growth as a threat by the Islamic State of Iraq and Sh?m (ISIS), Al-Qaeda, and Al-Shabaab are attributed, in part, to the widespread popularity and accessibility of Dabiq and Rumiyah (published by ISIS), Inspire (published by Al-Qaeda), and Gaidi Mtaani (published by Al-Shabaab). In order to best examine the techniques of persuasion and propaganda to recruit new followers, the theoretical approach of compliance-gaining theory and methodological approach of a narrative analysis are applied. The author analyzed a total of twelve magazine issues to compare how the four magazines use (1) imagery, (2) attrition, (3) intimidation, (4) propaganda, (5) spoiling, (6) outbidding, (7) incitement, and (8) recruitment. To validate each of these themes, the study applies an open-coding instrument to select each label based on specific dimensions. These findings reveal how the same purpose to achieve the Caliphate can be chosen on a similar path by these three different jihadist organizations. This path may take different turns at certain spots, but ultimately the road is based on the same historical context to justify the recruitment process. Overall, this study provides fresh descriptive insights on jihadist organizations' recruitment methods to gain new followers toward the achievement of the Caliphate (i.e., the global Islamic state). The sample reveals that the online jihadist magazines integrate all analyzed themes to portray their messages. The findings show certain issues implement specific themes more than others. Across the sample, the use of persuasion justified and encouraged violence. Persuasion is found in prideful examples of successful terrorist attacks and aftermath scenes of destruction. The distinct difference between the four online jihadist magazines is the persuasion of recruitment.
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Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFE0007048, ucf:51984
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007048
A Complex Calculus: How Message Format and Processing Route Coordinate to Influence HPV Vaccination Message Persuasiveness Among Young Adults
Title
A Complex Calculus: How Message Format and Processing Route Coordinate to Influence HPV Vaccination Message Persuasiveness Among Young Adults.
Creator
Boutemen, Laura, Neuberger, Lindsay, Sellnow, Timothy, Miller, Ann, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may lead to cancer and genital warts yet can be prevented by a safe and effective vaccine recommended for individuals up to 26 years old. HPV vaccination rates remain low among college aged adults that represent a catch-up population still eligible to receive the HPV vaccine. This present study is a theory-based investigation employing the Heuristic Systematic Model to explore the effect of message format and processing route on attitude and behavioral...
Show moreHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection may lead to cancer and genital warts yet can be prevented by a safe and effective vaccine recommended for individuals up to 26 years old. HPV vaccination rates remain low among college aged adults that represent a catch-up population still eligible to receive the HPV vaccine. This present study is a theory-based investigation employing the Heuristic Systematic Model to explore the effect of message format and processing route on attitude and behavioral intention in the context of HPV vaccination. Undergraduate students aged 17-26 years old (N = 261) from various majors (e.g., STEM, social sciences, humanities) participated in the study. An online message exposure experiment randomly assigned participants one of three messages in different message formats (i.e., accessible, scientific jargon, scientese) promoting HPV vaccination to examine the persuasive potential of clearly worded messages (i.e., accessible message), appropriately used scientific language (i.e., jargon message) and inappropriately used scientific terminology (i.e., scientese message) and the effect of processing route on attitude and behavioral intention pertaining to HPV vaccination. Additionally, the potential impact of scientific literacy was investigated. The three experimental conditions were compared to the control condition that corresponded to no message exposure. Quantitative data analyses revealed the scientese message was associated with higher intention to receive the HPV vaccine than the simply worded message among systematic processors only. Further, systematic processing was related to more favorable attitude toward the message and greater intention to obtain the vaccine. Findings of the current study can help inform future message development to design targeted persuasive messages aiming to encourage vaccination in an effort to augment HPV vaccination rates among the catch-up population.
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Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFE0006979, ucf:51658
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006979